Game Day Round 15 Footscray v Geelong Friday 7.50pm

[JohnZ]

Considering it is 2.30pm, and we haven't had a preview thread this week I thought I'd get the ball rolling 5 hours out from the game.

Changes from last weeks sides:

Geelong
In: Harry Taylor, Cam Guthrie, Quinton Narkle
Out: Lincoln McCarthy (Injured), Cory Gregson + Zach Guthrie (Omitted)
Debut: Quinton Narkle

Footscray
In: Matthew Suckling, Brad Lynch
Out: Caleb Daniel (Injured), Mitch Honeychurch (Ommitted)
Debut: Brad Lynch

Geelong have won the past 11 games against the Bulldogs. A win today would keep us in contention for a top 4 spot, a loss would put us behind the pack for a top 8 spot. Coming off the bye we've been patchy to say the least.

Cats by 24

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

We need a fast start and we need to show intent.

We're carrying a few again so let's hope our little holiday isn't still in the psyche like previous years and we're switched on from the start.

A big few weeks in the context of our season, starting now.

 

[fpm84]

Bulldogs have had leads of several goals against Melbourne, Collingwood and North Melbourne - all handy teams - in the past six weeks before capitulating in each game.

Given our notoriously slow starts off the bye, it is vital that we stay with them early. If we find ourselves 5+ goals down in the first or second quarter we will be in serious strife particularly given we have a couple of players back from long injury layoffs who may slow down in the second half.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

Bulldogs have had leads of several goals against Melbourne, Collingwood and North Melbourne - all handy teams - in the past six weeks before capitulating in each game.

Given our notoriously slow starts off the bye, it is vital that we stay with them early. If we find ourselves 5+ goals down in the first or second quarter we will be in serious strife particularly given we have a couple of players back from long injury layoffs who may slow down in the second half.

The Dogs capitulate in last halves so I'd still be confident even with a 5 goal deficit. For some reason we decide to move the ball a lot faster when we're behind, strangely.

 

[JohnZ]

I guess I should have added that the game is at Etihad/Marvel Stadium. Ant Man is playing from 6pm and pies are $3 from the food outlets, or $6 from the bars.

First Goal: Guthrie
Most Goals: Abblett
Most Possies: Duncan
Most Contested: Selwood
First Kick First Goal: Narkle

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

And we've finally been given 3 umpires where none appear corrupt. Although I'm not a huge fan of Donlan.

 

[CatTricks]

Kill them farken.

 

[STPer18]

Need to end these post-bye blues. Apparently our last win after a mid-season bye was all the way back in 2011. That's shocking, especially when you consider how much we've been winning in that period of time. Feel like we've been saying this the past handful of times, but surely they're going to be awake from the opening bounce this time, right?

 

[CatTricks]

Cats H2H
Cats 1-39
Dogs +33.5
Dahlhaus 20 or more disposals
Selwood 25 or more disposals
Ablett 30 or more disposals
Narkle anytime goal kicker

Please win.

 

[Partridge]

Cats H2H
Cats 1-39
Dogs +33.5
Dahlhaus 20 or more disposals
Selwood 25 or more disposals
Ablett 30 or more disposals
Narkle anytime goal kicker

Please win.

They will.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

We need to put them to the sword for %. Although they will be very stung after last weeks loss in the last 20 seconds.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

We need to put them to the sword for %. Although they will be very stung after last weeks loss in the last 20 seconds.

One would think Geelong would be stung after repeated finals failures too.

 

[candiehappy]

And we've finally been given 3 umpires where none appear corrupt.

 

[Live in hope]

Bulldogs have nothing to lose and we have the dreaded post-bye curse to deal with. Could be one of those (immensely frustrating) nights for Cat fans.


Having said that we should win if:

• We start well (was a real slog game for Bulldogs against North last week so they might tire in last qtr);
• Restrict the Bont (the Bulldogs’ talisman) and the in form Gowers
• Bring the defensive and tackle pressure and use the ball well.
• Good effort and Contributions from the bottom 6 players

Like to see:

• last two points above, particularly in forward line
• Stanley back up his last two games
• Hopefully Narkle can show something - at least pressure, threat and “presence”.
• Obvious but must be said -No injuries !

 

[Stig_90]

Our post bye rubbish we serve up every year needs to stop.

I'm not sure whether the Dogs result last week will work in our favour or not. You could say they gave their all last week and lost so they'll be deflated, but I could also see the narrow loss make them hungrier for a win.

 

[calder_daddy]

Pretty confident with this one.
Just went for a walk to the Dogs board. They’re already conceding defeat and now talking about what they’re having for dinner.

Geelong by 37

 

[ShaunWDT]

Danger to arrive tonight, loves Etihad and very good record on the Dogs.

 

[frggr]

Just get it done and get it done WELL tonight.

 

[SydneyMalakellis]

This is legitimately the type of game we usually lose.

 

[Footy Smarts]

If ever there's a game where we would love to win it early and put the cue in the rack this is it. 6 day break before a huge game coming up and plenty of underdone players. A really good side would put up a quality first half, blow the young dogs out of the water and then save energy. I fear they might make our night considerably more difficulty than that though.

 

[Matthew Jelley]

PLEASE come out hard and show how serious we are about being a great team this year, very excited to see Narkle in action and to see what our defence looks like with HT back in the line up. Would also be happy if HT played FF and nabbed a few with Tommy playing a big game at CHF

 

[Two Planks]

Parsons to cause 10 pages of melts after three half hearted one handed attempts at marking twenty metres from goal.

 

[frggr]

Parsons to cause 10 pages of melts after three half hearted one handed attempts at marking twenty metres from goal.

I don't think anyone would give you odds for that

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

One would think Geelong would be stung after repeated finals failures too.

Good point.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Danger to arrive tonight, loves Etihad and very good record on the Dogs.

Yeah I think he had 36 and kicked 4 last time. Let’s hope the week off freshened him and the rest of the team up!