Three Guns Set To Fire

[carn_the_cattas]

From the Addy....

THREE tall burly forwards, shoulder to shoulder, fighting to get their hands on the footy.

It's a vision to savour.

Not since the mid-1990s has Geelong flaunted such promise in its forward line.

Back then it was the magical Gary Ablett, flanked by brilliant big men Billy Brownless and Barry Stoneham.

The Cats' forward stocks are now brimming again and it seems Kent Kingsley's days as the lone ranger are over.

While small forwards Steve Johnson, Paul Chapman and Gary Ablett are among the best in the business, it's no secret Kingsley has shouldered much of tall forward responsibility for the past three years.

For the most part he's delivered, having kicked more than 50 goals in a season on two occasions.

But for the first time in a long time, he now has plenty of support.

Big man Brad Ottens eased Kingsley's load before his season ended prematurely last year.

He managed to kick 23 goals despite missing nine games through injury.

This year he could prove to be the sparkler in the Cats' expanding crown of forward jewels.

At 198cm, Henry Playfair also confirmed his ability to hold down a key-position role up forward.

He was ranked sixth out of the Cats' goal kickers with 17 for the season and took 87 marks.

Nipping at his heels is rising star Nathan Ablett, who has given the club another option in front of goals.

He stepped up to the job with ease, booting four goals in just his second outing.

He took six marks in that same game.

Waiting patiently in the shadows is former Geelong Grammar boy Charlie Gardiner, who showed flair around the half-forward line, while imposing big men Matthew McCarthy and Tom Lonergan are ready and waiting for their big break.

 

[GeeCat]

Typical Addy piece giving us nothing we don't know, whilst at the same time providing an overdue puff-up article of the off-season.

 

[The Hulkster]

Typical Addy piece giving us nothing we don't know, whilst at the same time providing an overdue puff-up article of the off-season.

I agree but at least there was some footy in the paper.

 

[Turbocat]

Remember , never let it be said its beneth the Addy for stating the obvious if it gives them Blue and White hoops in the by-line.

Actually , I felt the other story was a little more interesting. Its sounds like Thompson is finally happy with the bodies at his command and is putting work into, what many on this board have commented on, the ability to maximize ball into the forwardline. Another aspect not directly commented on was clearances from neutral situations. We really lack in this area. As much as our on ballers are good crew , we still seem to be only avearge in this. Big improvements are there to be made in this area.


Cats' new lessons at summer school

Thursday, January 19
JAY CLARK

THERE has been a defining shift in football focus down at Skilled Stadium this pre-season.
To cater for a maturing playing list and a modified AFL rule book, coach Mark Thompson has customised this summer's training to suit.
Just a couple of months in and the emphasis is obvious.
Everything is smart and speed-specific.
It's all about making the right decision and moving the ball quickly.
To fully appreciate the pendulum swing, fans must remember that Geelong has invested its most recent summers bulking up.
This season will be Thompson's seventh in charge since he started from scratch way back in 2000.
Now, with one of the youngest playing groups carrying a few more years under their belts and even more kilos on their frames, it seems that Bomber has started to fine-tune.
``Thus this year's program will concentrate on decision-making and tactical needs in the skills area, whilst more of an individual needs approach will be taken in the physical area,'' said Geelong fitness guru Loris Bertolacci in the club's WAG magazine.
All of a sudden the white board has taken pride of place among the tape measures and weight scales in the bowels of Skilled Stadium.
And so, some of the most important chapters of this group's football education are being written on the track, under a hot January sun.
Time after time, Thompson has disorientated his players.
He crowds them with large numbers in small spaces.
But the objective remains the same.
Win the ball, release a teammate with quick hands, then kick long and quick to the right leading option up forward.
It has become a midfield pattern. While down back, they've done twists and turns and even tumble rolls.
Nearly dizzy and under the pump, the players kick instinctively up the field. Hit the right target or do it again.
And then again and again.
Up forward the Cats are scrounging goals. From ball-ups and throw-ins they just find a way to split the sticks. And if they have a set shot, they must kick the goal.
Thompson will make sure they are ready.

 

[WestCat]

Hope that article's true, there's no doubt the talent's there, just need to put it into practice.

I like the bit about must kicking set shots, hope it lasts into the season proper.