Preview 2017 2nd QF Geelong v Richmond @ Richmond's home ground, 7:50pm Friday

[Zouz Kitty]

S.Selwood, Menegola, Duncan and Guthrie have taken up the slack in his absence. There is no necessity for him to play unless absolutely 100% no risk fit. Would rather he come back for a prelim and be unleashed.

Abso*******lutely! Add Murda's improvement too. Also Scooter + Tuohy. Cats website is saying "Scott Backs Skipper to Play"

"Selwood said how he pulls up ahead of his next session on Monday would be crucial to his chances.

Geelong has its final main training session on Wednesday before the blockbuster match on Friday, which looms as a key session for the club's captain."
http://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/2017-09-02/skipper-shines-at-saturday-training

Joel is quoted as saying he's not missing Dangerfield's 200th game for anything.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Robinson finally gets it right... even a stopped watch is right twice a day...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...s/news-story/e5d21eb0a1db2653cce9471d53298fb6

Chris Scott is a premiership coach but pressure is building as finals losses mount, Mark Robinson writes

THE longer Chris Scott coaches more the pressure grows to win a premiership.

Since his first final series in 2011 when the Cats won three finals and the flag, Scott’s finals record stands at an unproductive two wins and six losses and one of those wins came when Hawthorn’s Isaac Smith missed a shot at goal after the siren.

He gets them there, no doubt, but the failures have mounted.

He would argue the past is irrelevant — and it is for the players as well — and, anyway, in almost every season he has coached the team has finished in a position to challenge.

That can’t be ignored. It’s a ruthless competition. Eighteen teams fight for eight spots. There’s the draft, the trading period, a compromised schedule, injuries, suspensions, form and interstate travel, so a finals berth is certainly well won.

Indeed, Scott has coached 164 games, for 117 wins, two draws and 45 losses. His winning percentage is 72 per cent, which is the best winning percentage in the history of the game for anyone who has coached 164 games or more.

Ticks everywhere.

Except in September.

Clearly, Scott is a good coach, probably a very good coach. But greatness comes to those who win premierships. He has one, in 2011, the season after Mark Thompson departed.

One argument says Scott took over a superstar team and a premiership was there for the taking. That’s unfair. In the final game of 2010, and Thompson’s final game, Geelong lost to Collingwood by 41 points in the preliminary final and days later the game’s best player packed his bags and relocated to the Gold Coast.

Scott gathered a team many believed had run its race and, 12 months later, beat Collingwood by 38 points in the Grand Final.

Sound thinking would say he had a terrific team, but Scott had to bring it all together.

It’s a long time ago, 2011.

Their most recent finals capitulation was in the first half of last year’s preliminary final against Sydney.

Again, Scott would say that is irrelevant for this group.

It’s not for Cats fans.

They are frustrated that home-and-away success does not translate to September success. So would the club. So would Scott.

A superlative home-and-away record earns Geelong respect, but in 20 years who will care if Geelong averaged 17 wins a season for six seasons way back when? It’s about premierships, and as every season comes and goes without one, the pressure mounts.

Scott is coaching the best of his career.

Last month he was voted by his peers, with Port Adelaide’s Ken Hinkley, as the hardest coach to coach against.

It was a wonderful acknowledgment, but again, how does it stack up if the 2017 campaign is a colossal failure.

He has been bold this year, willing to change game plans and change roles for his players.

Perhaps in response to the loss to Sydney last year, the Cats changed the way they moved the ball. It was free-flowing, a lot more transition footy, and at 5-0, the Cats were cocka-hoop. Then came three losses, to Collingwood, Gold Coast and Essendon, and Scott changed again.

So much so, from Rounds 9-23, the Cats became the best defensive team in the competition in terms of scores against.

He’s used Harry Taylor forward and back, he dispensed with Rhys Stanley, shown faith in Wylie Buzza, played Jake Kolodjashnij on a wing, stuck fat with Zac Smith, introduced Parsons and played Menegola more forward and there’s probably several more adjustments we don’t know of.

Perhaps most importantly, he plonked Scott Selwood in the middle and said get to work and Selwood hasn’t let him down in terms of supplying a contest and limiting the opposition’s best player.

In fact, Selwood on either Dustin Martin or Trent Cotchin on Friday night and the success there of could decide the contest.

The point is Scott has been aggressive as coach, with game plans and positional and personnel changes and it has given them yet another top-two finish and the double chance, which is the eighth time in the past 11 seasons the Cats have achieved such an outstanding home-and-away return.

Again, massive tick.

But if last year’s loss to Sydney is irrelevant, then so now is this year’s home-and-away season.

AFL great Leigh Matthews, who coached Scott, says there’s two parts to a football season. It’s about qualifying for finals, firstly, before a new a new-ball game begins.

The Cats have conquered one and need to conquer the second.

If they don’t, they’ll continue to be a good side but not a great one.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...s/news-story/e5d21eb0a1db2653cce9471d53298fb6

It's all very well talking about last year's loss to the Swans, what about this year's 46 point loss to the Swans at KP?

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Update from Cats' website - Cockatoo + Parsons

"Forward James Parsons did not train as he continues his rehab after sustaining a mid-foot sprain against Greater Western Sydney in round 23.

Parsons will aim to prove his fitness for the game against the Tigers on the track next week.

Nakia Cockatoo trained at a solid pace in rehab as he increases his training load in the coming weeks.

Cockatoo has not played since hurting his hamstring against Carlton in round 19, which follows two other occasions this year where he has strained his hamstring."
http://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/2017-09-02/skipper-shines-at-saturday-training

 

[StonedCat]

Indeed it is. Does he still rock the mo? Not sure Keith Greg had much time for him though...

One of the most pure things of beauty ever seen.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

MONDAY DIARY

- Not much has changed in terms of the media hype around Richmond

- All eyes on Selwood as he appears an almost certain starter

- Surely we'll start to hear more about Geelong 4 days out from the big game

- Richmond still unbackable favourites according to the ferals from Punt Road.

3 more notches until the confidence belt has been filled.

KB on SEN saying "Richmond are the best wet weather team in the comp and have the best wet weather player" after rain forecast for Friday. And that "all the jigsaw pieces are falling into place for the tigers". Also to go to some Richmond "pub after they win".

 

[fpm84]

KB on SEN saying "Richmond are the best wet weather team in the comp and have the best wet weather player" after rain forecast for Friday. And that "all the jigsaw pieces are falling into place for the tigers". Also to go to some Richmond "pub after they win".

Possible wet weather on Friday limits Richmond's one advantage over us, which is leg speed.

 

[Turbocat]

It's all very well talking about last year's loss to the Swans, what about this year's 46 point loss to the Swans at KP?

The Swans have our number or CScotts.. one could argue that that our recent results V the Swans have been quite definitive. Id say they would have a good record V us the last few years.

It makes the Rich game all the more important. Lose and we probably play the Swans in W2 of the finals.

 

[fpm84]

RE: the weather, can anyone recall how many games we've played in the wet this year?

I seem to recall the Fremantle game at Simonds was wet?

 

[romeohwho]

KB on SEN saying "Richmond are the best wet weather team in the comp and have the best wet weather player" after rain forecast for Friday. And that "all the jigsaw pieces are falling into place for the tigers". Also to go to some Richmond "pub after they win".

KB is living it up and trolling for all he is worth-it's funny but not to be taken seriously or offended by!

 

[Daveeee_12]

Possible wet weather on Friday limits Richmond's one advantage over us, which is leg speed.

Counter argument to that is it would nullify Geelongs aerial advantage, something you guys did well against us a few weeks ago.

I personally don't think it favors or hinders anyone too much, it'll just be about which midfield can win it and hack it forward.

 

[fpm84]

Counter argument to that is it would nullify Geelongs aerial advantage, something you guys did well against us a few weeks ago.

Potentially, but some of our big guys play extremely well at the top of the list, in particular Hawkins who has played some of his career-best games in the wet.

Agree with your second point that it will come down to the midfield.

 

[catempire]

I personally don't think it favors or hinders anyone too much, it'll just be about which midfield can win it and hack it forward.

This.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

The Swans have our number or CScotts.. one could argue that that our recent results V the Swans have been quite definitive. Id say they wold have a good record V the last few years.

It makes the Rich game all the more important. Lose and we probably play the Swans in W2 of the finals.

Oh I agree Turbocat, totally agree. Swans are our bogey team. I'll never ever forget that utterly humiliating flogging we were given at the SCG, just demoralising! What I wonder is why our strategy remains the same when playing them? Surely it's time to play them at their own game? Why isn't Geelong focusing on stopping their forward half pressure? Looking at their weaknesses + capitalising on them. A good example was the GWS -v- Swans game where the Giants smashed them at clearances (56-32), beat them in contested possession (160-154) and I50s (59-50). Still Swans beat them. Swans are brilliant a scoring from turnovers.

"Swans have outscored their opposition by 72 points in the opening 10 minutes of games this season, hitting the scoreboard hard early with 169 points for in the first 10 minutes of games, second only to the fast-starting Essendon.

Swans are the sixth-best scorers in 2017 while the Crows are in the top four for stopping scores against."

The last time we played, our game was so ugly! Turnovers, skill errors + dropped marks. Then Selwood's injury unsettled our players. We'd clawed back from 37 points down to within three goals, but after Joel went down the Swans were up by 29 at half-time. Swans kicked a seven goal opening quarter.

"The Swans' opening quarter score of 7.5 was the biggest first quarter by a Geelong opponent at Simonds Stadium since round nine, 1986 when Hawthorn kicked 8.0.

It also equalled the visitors' highest first-quarter score at the venue with the Swans kicking 7.5 way back in 1948.

The 46-point final margin was Geelong’s biggest loss at Simonds Stadium since a 52 point loss to Hawthorn in round three, 2006."








So people, how do we adjust our strategy to beat Sydney?

 

[4quarter_cat]

Any word on Parsons?

nobody nose

 

[CoachEmUpChucky]

Oh I agree Turbocat, totally agree. Swans are our bogey team.
So people, how do we adjust our strategy to beat Sydney?

Gotta worry about Richmond first.

 

[Goggin Our Best]

Richmond didn't lose all those finals after making top 4. Geelong has made top 4 time and time again only to fall flat on their face once finals begin. That's the difference. This is the first time Richmond have had a real shot. Geelong has had a multitude since 2011 and incessantly disappointed since.

I know you love relentlessly bagging the Cats - however your summations are too black and white - too cut and dry

Post 2013 ( thats the last time Geel had a team that was a bona fide Premiership winnining chance - and just missed out in the PF)

Since then Geel have had good ordinary teams at best - and you could argue that the Cats have done an outstanding job qualifying so high with the talent theve had . In one of those qualifying finals against Hawthorn - the scores were dead level at half time - and Geel had Josh Walker at CHF - and he has proved at Brisbane since he cant cut the mustard

It all comes down to what talent youve got - why did Hawthorn go from missing out to winning flags - because they recruited a champion full back in Lake - which plugged a massive hole - didnt then have Schoenmakers running around like a chook with its head cut off

One thing you want to remember mate - is that this year - the top 2 teams ( Ade Geel ) only won 15.5 games - last year the Eagles who finished 6th - won 16 games - that says that this year isnt a strong year - and thus Geel/Rich/ Ade - any of them could get thrown out in straight sets

When Geel did have top notch teams 2007-2011 they won flags mate - but since 2013 theve done a damm good job with the talent they had - other teams like Nth Melb Collingwood - theres a stack of them - could have won as many games but didnt .

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

He is right but neglects how good a job Scott and the club have done in turning over our list and keeping us in with a chance at premiership success, this should not be underestimated, massive

Agree , his record is fantastic albeit with a clear drop off come finals since 2011
However 2017 is massive - win all 3 and his Finals record becomes 8 wins , 6 loses and 2 Flags - catapults him right up there I'd venture

 

[Grimoz]

Oh I agree Turbocat, totally agree. Swans are our bogey team. I'll never ever forget that utterly humiliating flogging we were given at the SCG, just demoralising! What I wonder is why our strategy remains the same when playing them? Surely it's time to play them at their own game? Why isn't Geelong focusing on stopping their forward half pressure? Looking at their weaknesses + capitalising on them. A good example was the GWS -v- Swans game where the Giants smashed them at clearances (56-32), beat them in contested possession (160-154) and I50s (59-50). Still Swans beat them. Swans are brilliant a scoring from turnovers.

"Swans have outscored their opposition by 72 points in the opening 10 minutes of games this season, hitting the scoreboard hard early with 169 points for in the first 10 minutes of games, second only to the fast-starting Essendon.

Swans are the sixth-best scorers in 2017 while the Crows are in the top four for stopping scores against."

The last time we played, our game was so ugly! Turnovers, skill errors + dropped marks. Then Selwood's injury unsettled our players. We'd clawed back from 37 points down to within three goals, but after Joel went down the Swans were up by 29 at half-time. Swans kicked a seven goal opening quarter.

"The Swans' opening quarter score of 7.5 was the biggest first quarter by a Geelong opponent at Simonds Stadium since round nine, 1986 when Hawthorn kicked 8.0.

It also equalled the visitors' highest first-quarter score at the venue with the Swans kicking 7.5 way back in 1948.

The 46-point final margin was Geelong’s biggest loss at Simonds Stadium since a 52 point loss to Hawthorn in round three, 2006."

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So people, how do we adjust our strategy to beat Sydney?

Why are we already talking about the Swans FFS get a grip, we have a game against Richmond to play first that we really should win.

 

[iameviljez]

Joel is quoted as saying he's not missing Dangerfield's 200th game for anything.

If both Selwood and Dangerfield miss the QF vs Richmond, I'm holding that article directly responsible

 

[iameviljez]

Agree , his record is fantastic albeit with a clear drop off come finals since 2011
However 2017 is massive - win all 3 and his Finals record becomes 8 wins , 6 loses and 2 Flags - catapults him right up there I'd venture

With our finals record post-2011, I think that we tend to also underestimate the fact that - like in 89, 92, 94 and 95 - we weren't the best side in it in any of the years post-2011. Of course, that's easier to say in retrospect.

 

[Landgraft]

Counter argument to that is it would nullify Geelongs aerial advantage, something you guys did well against us a few weeks ago.

I know where you're going in terms of marking becomes an unreliable partner, but marks in wet weather games become even more important and you definitely need to be able to take them at least on occasion. So although less of a fundamental aspect of the game it does remain a vital clutch one.

The more interesting change for me will be the way you look to move it out of defence, after being really poor at times in the last game against us. Wet weather definitely won't help you there.

 

[4quarter_cat]

....

One thing you want to remember mate - is that this year - the top 2 teams ( Ade Geel ) only won 15.5 games - last year the Eagles who finished 6th - won 16 games - that says that this year isnt a strong year - and thus Geel/Rich/ Ade - any of them could get thrown out in straight sets

....

To highlight your point further Richmond managed to make the top four on the back of 15 wins from a very easy draw.

 

[Pavlovs Cat]

As an old school dude I still enjoy the footy newspaper but time has passed me by so they only make it monthly now. Who wants to read a monthly footy newspaper LOL. Anyhows, September is here so I thought I'd step back in time and scope out Inside Footy for the month...Black and Yellow with that ugly Mutt on the cover with the premiership trophy. FML. Let's flog these blokes!

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Oh I agree Turbocat, totally agree. Swans are our bogey team. I'll never ever forget that utterly humiliating flogging we were given at the SCG, just demoralising! What I wonder is why our strategy remains the same when playing them? Surely it's time to play them at their own game? Why isn't Geelong focusing on stopping their forward half pressure? Looking at their weaknesses + capitalising on them. A good example was the GWS -v- Swans game where the Giants smashed them at clearances (56-32), beat them in contested possession (160-154) and I50s (59-50). Still Swans beat them. Swans are brilliant a scoring from turnovers.

"Swans have outscored their opposition by 72 points in the opening 10 minutes of games this season, hitting the scoreboard hard early with 169 points for in the first 10 minutes of games, second only to the fast-starting Essendon.

Swans are the sixth-best scorers in 2017 while the Crows are in the top four for stopping scores against."

The last time we played, our game was so ugly! Turnovers, skill errors + dropped marks. Then Selwood's injury unsettled our players. We'd clawed back from 37 points down to within three goals, but after Joel went down the Swans were up by 29 at half-time. Swans kicked a seven goal opening quarter.

"The Swans' opening quarter score of 7.5 was the biggest first quarter by a Geelong opponent at Simonds Stadium since round nine, 1986 when Hawthorn kicked 8.0.

It also equalled the visitors' highest first-quarter score at the venue with the Swans kicking 7.5 way back in 1948.

The 46-point final margin was Geelong’s biggest loss at Simonds Stadium since a 52 point loss to Hawthorn in round three, 2006."

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So people, how do we adjust our strategy to beat Sydney?

Wtf is up with those stats? Are they based on this year? I thought our last quarters were one of the best not ranked 15th??

 

[Grimoz]

Bloody cheats

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-04/tigers-fined-for-breach-of-drug-testing-code