Geelong stoush can turn season by Barry Hall
I'M SURE there are plenty of people who view the Swans as nothing more than a red-and-white speed hump on Geelong's road to winning back-to-back premiership titles. Obviously it is a view my teammates and I don't share going into tomorrow night's big match.
I am excited about this clash. There's a lot riding on it because depending on how the weekend's round pans out, defeat could see us fall from fourth to sixth position and we'd find ourselves in the unenviable position of fighting for top-eight survival.
And if we do as we expect - win - we'll maintain our place in the top four and apparently have to play the Cats in the opening week of the finals. So this clash is a preview of what we hope is ahead.
The Cats are the AFL's benchmark team. Week in, week out they pose their opponents a massive challenge. They play an exciting brand of football - they certainly know how to score goals: They've won eight of their past 10 games by 50 points or more - and adding to their status as the team to beat is the fact the Mark Thompson-coached side goes into this game against us having won 37 of their past 39 games.
Their 116-point demolition job of Melbourne last week also sent out an ominous warning that they are cranking up a gear in the run to the finals. However, while their form is formidable, I can promise you we aren't fazed by either it or their reputation. During the week we have reviewed our most recent games against them [including last season's], and while we didn't get the points, we did go toe-to-toe with them and give them a decent fight.
We go into this encounter with a good match plan. I could tell it to you, but then I'd have to shoot you …
However, I can say we all know our individual roles. I also believe Paul Roos isn't demanding anything that is beyond our capabilities. Suffice to say we have to go forward, we have to be accountable, we must make the most of our opportunities, and, most importantly, we must play without fear.
What is also required is that we click. We must replicate the synergy the Cats are playing with. Their teamwork isn't a fluke. It is the end result of six years of cohesion in their playing ranks. The players have come through together, they understand one another's games. Along with the experience they've gained over the years, Geelong have also developed a genuine confidence that provides them with an extra dimension on the field.
Things, however, are starting to click for the Swans. Our biggest problem for most of the season has been that we haven't been able to put it all together as a unit on the night.
That is something we have addressed. Each of us has asked some heavy questions of ourselves and there's been a gradual improvement in performances. In my own case I've found my fitness is starting to increase since my return to the game after a long lay-off and that is bringing on significant improvement in my game. The highlight out of our win over Fremantle last weekend was Adam Goodes's eight goals. It was a phenomenal effort and only further enhances his reputation as a quality player. We'll not only be looking for him to do that again this weekend, but we'll be looking to one another to back up.
Geelong might not be a speed hump, but they could well be our season's turning point.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/geelong-stoush-can-turn-season/2008/08/14/1218307123167.html
I'M SURE there are plenty of people who view the Swans as nothing more than a red-and-white speed hump on Geelong's road to winning back-to-back premiership titles. Obviously it is a view my teammates and I don't share going into tomorrow night's big match.
I am excited about this clash. There's a lot riding on it because depending on how the weekend's round pans out, defeat could see us fall from fourth to sixth position and we'd find ourselves in the unenviable position of fighting for top-eight survival.
And if we do as we expect - win - we'll maintain our place in the top four and apparently have to play the Cats in the opening week of the finals. So this clash is a preview of what we hope is ahead.
The Cats are the AFL's benchmark team. Week in, week out they pose their opponents a massive challenge. They play an exciting brand of football - they certainly know how to score goals: They've won eight of their past 10 games by 50 points or more - and adding to their status as the team to beat is the fact the Mark Thompson-coached side goes into this game against us having won 37 of their past 39 games.
Their 116-point demolition job of Melbourne last week also sent out an ominous warning that they are cranking up a gear in the run to the finals. However, while their form is formidable, I can promise you we aren't fazed by either it or their reputation. During the week we have reviewed our most recent games against them [including last season's], and while we didn't get the points, we did go toe-to-toe with them and give them a decent fight.
We go into this encounter with a good match plan. I could tell it to you, but then I'd have to shoot you …
However, I can say we all know our individual roles. I also believe Paul Roos isn't demanding anything that is beyond our capabilities. Suffice to say we have to go forward, we have to be accountable, we must make the most of our opportunities, and, most importantly, we must play without fear.
What is also required is that we click. We must replicate the synergy the Cats are playing with. Their teamwork isn't a fluke. It is the end result of six years of cohesion in their playing ranks. The players have come through together, they understand one another's games. Along with the experience they've gained over the years, Geelong have also developed a genuine confidence that provides them with an extra dimension on the field.
Things, however, are starting to click for the Swans. Our biggest problem for most of the season has been that we haven't been able to put it all together as a unit on the night.
That is something we have addressed. Each of us has asked some heavy questions of ourselves and there's been a gradual improvement in performances. In my own case I've found my fitness is starting to increase since my return to the game after a long lay-off and that is bringing on significant improvement in my game. The highlight out of our win over Fremantle last weekend was Adam Goodes's eight goals. It was a phenomenal effort and only further enhances his reputation as a quality player. We'll not only be looking for him to do that again this weekend, but we'll be looking to one another to back up.
Geelong might not be a speed hump, but they could well be our season's turning point.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/geelong-stoush-can-turn-season/2008/08/14/1218307123167.html
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