Training 2024 Pre-Season discussion

[numbwombat]

Holmes, Bowes, Bruhn and Clark are 4 who can take a new look midfield to an exciting place as we start getting retirements. In the meantime these are the ones to watch for big improvement.

I'm bullish on Clark long-term, but the retirements have already started and the 11 remaining 30+ players will mostly go over the next 2 years. Others (like Dempsey, Knevitt, Mannagh, maybe Mullin) are well ahead of Clark on output in every metric except "Was he a high draft pick", and they are likely IMO to have a bigger midfield impact in that timeframe.

 

[Turbocat]

Is that the second time you haven't recognized Mullin?

I'm getting the feeling you might not have great vision.

Yes , my vision is less than perfect...especially when assessing identities by footware

 

[D BRIDGE]

Yes , my vision is less than perfect...especially when assessing identities by footware

You can also see his face underneath a player's armpit and man-bun popping out above that + his leg/shoes yes.

 

[bombersboy]

I'm bullish on Clark long-term, but the retirements have already started and the 11 remaining 30+ players will mostly go over the next 2 years. Others (like Dempsey, Knevitt, Mannagh, maybe Mullin) are well ahead of Clark on output in every metric except "Was he a high draft pick", and they are likely IMO to have a bigger midfield impact in that timeframe.

Every so often we will draft one that just goes straight past those in front of them. With a clear run Clark could be one of them.

 

[Mr Meow]

I'm bullish on Clark long-term, but the retirements have already started and the 11 remaining 30+ players will mostly go over the next 2 years. Others (like Dempsey, Knevitt, Mannagh, maybe Mullin) are well ahead of Clark on output in every metric except "Was he a high draft pick", and they are likely IMO to have a bigger midfield impact in that timeframe.

We'll see. He was more in the "improvement" bracket rather than "starring", but it wouldn't surprise me if Clark hits Bruhn 2023 type impact during 2024/2025 as long as he gets decent game time. And hopefully Bruhn himself would've then stepped up a gear or two.

 

[BORIS332]

You can also see his face underneath a player's armpit and man-bun popping out above that + his leg/shoes yes.

That was the second photo. The photo Turbocat was referring to only had shoes.

 

[D BRIDGE]

That was the second photo. The photo @Turbocat was referring to only had shoes.

Fair enough... Although I still expect big Turbo to be fully all over the runners + footy boots every player on our list is rockin'.

Actually, maybe that's a bit unrealistic.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Fair enough... Although I still expect big Turbo to be fully all over the runners + footy boots every player on our list is rockin'.

Actually, maybe that's a bit unrealistic.

Let's start with the highest expectations and gradually move back from there.

 

[BORIS332]

Geelong Cats: Tom Atkins

30

Tom Atkins

Age

29

Ht

180cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.5

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.5

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

4.3

5star

MG

123.5

2star

D

6.5

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.5

2star

M

0.8

1star

T

1.5

2star

MG

100.0

2star

D

11.6

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.6

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

4.8

5star

MG

130.0

3star

praises Connor O’Sullivan, Oli Wiltshire in pre-season work​

Gun midfielder Tom Atkins

30

Tom Atkins

Age

29

Ht

180cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.5

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.5

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

4.3

5star

MG

123.5

2star

D

6.5

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.5

2star

M

0.8

1star

T

1.5

2star

MG

100.0

2star

D

11.6

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.6

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

4.8

5star

MG

130.0

3star

has heaped plenty of praise on the new wave of Cats, while also revealing his main focus for this pre-season.
Matthew Forest

2 min read
December 13, 2023 - 12:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.a.../8fc89478b3122b51b4e374ba287fba21#share-tools

Cats gun Tom Atkins

30

Tom Atkins

Age

29

Ht

180cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.5

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.5

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

4.3

5star

MG

123.5

2star

D

6.5

1star

K

3.0

1star

HB

3.5

2star

M

0.8

1star

T

1.5

2star

MG

100.0

2star

D

11.6

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

6.6

4star

M

2.0

3star

T

4.8

5star

MG

130.0

3star

says he is focused on becoming a more attacking midfield threat as the club ramps up its pre-season efforts.

The full contingent of Cats have been back on the training track the past two weeks, except for defender Jack Henry

38

Jack Henry

Age

26

Ht

192cm

Wt

96kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.3

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

2.9

3star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.2

4star

MG

142.6

2star

D

8.6

2star

K

6.7

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.1

3star

MG

142.6

3star

D

9.6

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

2.6

3star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.0

4star

and utility Phoenix Foster, who have been recovering for respective foot injuries.

Atkins was full of praise for the newest additions at the Cattery, including first-round recruit Connor O’Sullivan and new assistant
coach Steven King

Steven King

Age

46

Ht

201cm

Wt

104kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.8

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

4.9

4star

CL

1.3

3star

HO

16.8

5star

No current season stats available

D

11.8

3star

K

6.4

3star

HB

5.4

4star

HO

8.8

5star

.

“‘Sully’ is a pretty impressive athlete and has a real enthusiasm for the team side of things as well, he’s been awesome,” he said.

“Oli Wiltshire has got that X-Factor, he’s a good looking player, and Mitch (Edwards) is a big boy as well.

“They’ve been really impressive, they’re all living together down in Torquay so they’ve become really close, so we’re looking forward to seeing them in the match sim.

“(King) has been taking control of our contested side of things and the midfield stuff, he’s been awesome, he’s brought a fresh set of eyes and he’s really analysed how we went last year and looking to bring some new things into that midfield mix, so really excited to get to work with him.

“We got Cam Guthrie back … so it’ll be good the next couple of weeks before Christmas will be enjoyable.”

Geelong will face Essendon at GMHBA Stadium on Friday, March 1, at 5.10pm as a part of the official pre-season match round, but the club is yet to confirm whether it will play an additional match simulation against another club.

12 of the 18 teams have already locked in unofficial scratch matches the weekend prior to the official practice matches.

Atkins said his pre-season was focused on developing a more attacking style of midfield play, after progressing through Geelong’s ranks as a small defender and defensive midfielder.

“I’ve still got plenty of flaws in my game I’m trying to work on,” he said.

“Probably trying to become a bit more offensively minded, that’s been a downfall of mine throughout my whole career, so trying to work on that.

“Trying to get my running to go up a level as well.

“Having that extra time in the break really helps just to get refocused and really figure out a few things I can work on this off-season.”

 

[BORIS332]

Cats tall, top-10 pick to be let loose after frustrating 2023

After being hit by injury this year, Jack Henry and Jhye Clark are set to return to full training in January

www.afl.com.au

 

[goyoucatters]

Cats tall, top-10 pick to be let loose after frustrating 2023

After being hit by injury this year, Jack Henry and Jhye Clark are set to return to full training in January

www.afl.com.au

Plenty of promising news there. Hard to believe the article didn't close with a 'Tom Stewart is looking to resume training before Round 1, after a niggling foot injury flared up in recent days' zinger, just to keep it real.

Maybe we really are looking reasonably healthy as we break for Christmas. Would make a pleasant change, for sure.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Plenty of promising news there. Hard to believe the article didn't close with a 'Tom Stewart is looking to resume training before Round 1, after a niggling foot injury flared up in recent days' zinger, just to keep it real.

Maybe we really are looking reasonably healthy as we break for Christmas. Would make a pleasant change, for sure.

In a minor set back Patrick Dangerfield stubbed his toe and will miss 2024

 

[goyoucatters]

In a minor set back Patrick Dangerfield stubbed his toe and will miss 2024

Followed by this correction on the GFC website tomorrow...

Apologies to everyone for yesterday's erroneous injury report regarding Patrick Dangerfield. The update should have read as follows: 'In a minor setback for the captain, Patrick Dangerfield stubbed the pinky toe on his right foot during a routine training drill three weeks ago. We are pleased to report that he has already commenced his injury reconditioning program and it is hoped that he will resume activities with the main group following the mid-season bye in 2025.'

 

[Kobe Gryant]

In a minor set back Patrick Dangerfield stubbed his toe and will miss 2024

"In other news, Jeremy Cameron has come down with insomnia after an extreme Netflix marathon, while veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie is in a race against time for round 1, as he battles the effects of his new found passion of vaping.

The Cats are taking a cautious approach with their two stars, with the goal of reintegration into full training by June 2026".

 

[CatToTheFuture]

"In other news, Jeremy Cameron has come down with insomnia after an extreme Netflix marathon, while veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie is in a race against time for round 1, as he battles the effects of his new found passion of vaping.

The Cats are taking a cautious approach with their two stars, with the goal of reintegration into full training by June 2026".

If jez watched the "bad surgeon" one then he's got fair reason to lose sleep and avoid anything that could end in surgery

 

[CHAWKTS]

This seems like a bit of a useless set of stats maybe? Herald Sun did it for each team trying to draw a comparison as to who dropped off in the last 6 rounds of the season? Concludes that Geelong has issues in the forward line coming into 2024.

maybe there is something in it? Or maybe it is irrelevant as we start a new year after a full pre season?

 

[CatToTheFuture]

View attachment 1875165

This seems like a bit of a useless set of stats maybe? Herald Sun did it for each team trying to draw a comparison as to who dropped off in the last 6 rounds of the season? Concludes that Geelong has issues in the forward line coming into 2024.

maybe there is something in it? Or maybe it is irrelevant as we start a new year after a full pre season?

I would conclude the Herald Sun has issues coming up with statistically meaningful content

 

[Mr Meow]

I would conclude the Herald Sun has issues coming up with statistically meaningful content

Those look about right to me though.

Duncan, Atkins and De Koning (I'd add Zuthrie and Bruhn) did improve as the season went on.

Hawkins did drop off. 16 goals/assists from his last 7 games, most of which were in thrashings of NM and Essendon. He was ticking along at a much higher rate before.

Stengle, Rohan, Close and co. didn't offer much late. Cameron declined outside of that brilliant Collingwood game. Miers battled hard but his scoring metrics went down probably due to fatigue.

So it looks right to me. Injuries didn't help.

 

[CHAWKTS]

Those look about right to me though.

Duncan, Atkins and De Koning (I'd add Zuthrie and Bruhn) did improve as the season went on.

Hawkins did drop off. 16 goals/assists from his last 7 games, most of which were in thrashings of NM and Essendon. He was ticking along at a much higher rate before.

Stengle, Rohan, Close and co. didn't offer much late. Cameron declined outside of that brilliant Collingwood game. Miers battled hard but his scoring metrics went down probably due to fatigue.

So it looks right to me. Injuries didn't help.

I suppose I can’t argue with the facts in terms of what happened in last vs first 16. It was more whether it was a useful look through to 2024 which is what they were implying. Ie. Indication of who is “done”

maybe it is but in isolation it is a long bow I think

what it might indicate is that we need to actively manage Hawkins more to make sure he can play out a full year.
it might indicate that Rohan could fall of that cliff. Who knows. (I understand he has been battling in pre season)

close is intereating. If I remember correctly he had a very poor start to the season. But then went on a tear and was key in our mid season resurgence. But then (like all) dropped off. Maybe he is right for the picking from Dempsey of mannagh?

 

[Mr Meow]

I suppose I can’t argue with the facts in terms of what happened in last vs first 16. It was more whether it was a useful look through to 2024 which is what they were implying. Ie. Indication of who is “done”

maybe it is but in isolation it is a long bow I think

what it might indicate is that we need to actively manage Hawkins more to make sure he can play out a full year.
it might indicate that Rohan could fall of that cliff. Who knows. (I understand he has been battling in pre season)

close is intereating. If I remember correctly he had a very poor start to the season. But then went on a tear and was key in our mid season resurgence. But then (like all) dropped off. Maybe he is right for the picking from Dempsey of mannagh?

Yeah I don't agree that it could be used as a "cooked meter" or anything. Probably just an indication of blokes that had injury issues and a lack of continuity in training - either preseason or in season. Our forwards were holding the team up for a while and a few got burnt out or declined when team mates were in and out of that forward set up. That's the most straightforward read on what they looked at there. Early on I bet the same was true for the backline.

 

[Turbocat]

So Cadman of the Christmas list .... good on him if he is happy good luck to him.

Giants' prized no.1 pick going nowhere after signing early contract extension

Aaron Cadman won't be going anywhere after signing a new contract with Greater Western Sydney.

www.sen.com.au

For us I wonder if it means we look at adding more thru draft ...or looking at other more ready to play options. Marshall at PA for example is a FA but I cant see him being anything more than a number two type.

Id be happy enough to do what we have done this year at the end of 2024 ..add youth hard..and regenerate our young stock. Try to find a couple before again going hard at in system players.

 

[Turbocat]

Cats tall, top-10 pick to be let loose after frustrating 2023

After being hit by injury this year, Jack Henry and Jhye Clark are set to return to full training in January

www.afl.com.au

Sounds hopeful. A fit Clark should play a lot of afl level in 2024.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Those look about right to me though.

Duncan, Atkins and De Koning (I'd add Zuthrie and Bruhn) did improve as the season went on.

Hawkins did drop off. 16 goals/assists from his last 7 games, most of which were in thrashings of NM and Essendon. He was ticking along at a much higher rate before.

Stengle, Rohan, Close and co. didn't offer much late. Cameron declined outside of that brilliant Collingwood game. Miers battled hard but his scoring metrics went down probably due to fatigue.

So it looks right to me. Injuries didn't help.

The specific rise and fall of certain players, sure, the stats and the eye test probably back it up. But I'd say it misses the point in that the story of our season isn't the individual players performing or not performing at certain times of year, it's just the grouping of injuries in specific parts of the ground and a loss of cohesion that comes with that.

 

[Mr Meow]

The specific rise and fall of certain players, sure, the stats and the eye test probably back it up. But I'd say it misses the point in that the story of our season isn't the individual players performing or not performing at certain times of year, it's just the grouping of injuries in specific parts of the ground and a loss of cohesion that comes with that.

Yep that I agree with. More a tale of conditioning and injuries/ailments than a predictor for stock rising/falling for 2024.

 

[Hamingja]

View attachment 1875165

This seems like a bit of a useless set of stats maybe? Herald Sun did it for each team trying to draw a comparison as to who dropped off in the last 6 rounds of the season? Concludes that Geelong has issues in the forward line coming into 2024.

maybe there is something in it? Or maybe it is irrelevant as we start a new year after a full pre season?

Forwards are going to struggle when the team struggles but that aside they are pretty silly stats anyway. All 3 of those players went off injured in games and Hawkins and Rohan only played 3 in that period including the ones they went off injured in so tiny sample size.