Training 2024 Pre-Season discussion

[Johnny Cattery]

H

One of our biggest weaknesses is our lack of athleticism and power in the back half. So while I think we need Holmes in the midfield, I am at least pleased they appear to recognise this.

Bews in the possibles side, is also another good clue.

We just can’t carry that type of player in the backline in 2024.

Desperately need some pace and line breakers back there. Stewart is playing a lone hand on that front and I think it showed with his occasionally dodgy defensive displays.

Elusive halfback flankers with grit and elite distribution help to make champion teams. A great footy brain helps too.

As examples, Enright and Mackie got a lot of plaudits but I still feel both are under-estimated, especially Mackie.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Geelong addy

Geelong track watch: Tanner Bruhn lights up match simulation as Max Holmes trialled in new role
There were some best 22 hints as Geelong players locked horns in match simulation. And one of their youngsters turned heads with a stunning display. See all the intel.

There is plenty of buzz around Geelong’s group of youngsters and judging by Thursday’s match simulation, the Tanner Bruhn hype is justified.

The 21-year-old, who requested a trade back to his hometown of Geelong after two seasons at the Giants, showed glimpses last season with more midfield minutes and that time on-ball appears set to rise again in 2024.

Bruhn was the clear standout in the Cats’ four-quarter match practice, ducking and weaving through traffic to win centre clearances and hitting up targets inside 50 with precision in a full-time midfield role.

His second half in particular was dominant, putting the icing on the cake with a goal on the run from the 50m arc after winning the initial centre clearance.

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, who sat out the entire probables versus possibles hitout after completing a high intensity drill, told this publication this week that he has “high expectations of what I think Tanner’s career can be by the time he finishes.”

4 min read
February 8, 2024 - 2:52PM

Tanner Bruhn turned heads in Geelong’s match simulation. Picture: Geelong Cats
Entering his fourth season, the dynamic first round draftee looms as one of the big improvers that can ignite a midfield that struggled last season.

On the other side of the age spectrum, Tom Hawkins was best-on-ground in the opening half after bursting out of the blocks in the opening term.

The 35-year-old booted two goals, missed another and set up a goal with one of his trademark forward 50 hitout, finishing with three majors for the day.

He managed to kick 49 goals from 20 games without a pre-season in 2023 and it will be intriguing to see what a fully fit Hawkins can do this year.

His partner in crime Jeremy Cameron, who has his own injury issues last season, also looked in fine nick.

The spearhead produced the goal of the day, steamrolling through tacklers and snapping a goal on the run at full speed.

Small forward Tyson Stengle also looked dangerous throughout but was inaccurate in front of goal, finishing with 2.3.

POSITION SWITCH
Max Holmes the defender?

Holmes was used on a wing and through the midfield in 2023 but the 21-year-old spent the entire match simulation across halfback.

A number of sides have been looking to generate pace from their back-half this pre-season and Holmes has speed to burn – as the former hurdler showed by taking out the AFL Grand Final Sprint last year.

Holmes went on a few runs out of defence but was mown down by behemoth Toby Conway at one stage when he got a little too industrious.

But perhaps the most interesting switch was from Conway and Stanley, who swapped between the two teams each quarter.

It was interesting duel and 20-year-old Conway got the points with his follow-up work at ground level and protection of the drop zone at ruck contests, allowing him to grab it out of the ruck and find an option.

The pre-season matches will likely have a major say on who they choose but the gap appears to have closed between the two.

BEST 22 HINTS
One of the biggest surprises in the probables team was small forward Ollie Dempsey, who managed just five senior games last season.

The speedy forward impressed with his defensive pressure and workrate, regularly presenting an option up the ground and then darting back to goal.

Dempsey was among a host of players who switched between the probables and possibles sides – including fellow fringe Cats Shannon Neale, who impressed up forward, and Mitch Knevitt – but spent most of his day in the stronger line-up.

But with best-and-fairest runner up Tom Atkins playing the entirety in the seconds midfield, it wasn’t the sides weren’t a clear indication of who would line up in round one.

With Dangerfield sidelined, second-year midfielder Jhye Clark played a full game with the probables playing primarily on ball with stints on the wing.

A baulk to get away from a tackler and a laser-like hit to find Neale inside 50 were among the highlights from a promising showing.

Jack Bowes converted a nice set shot from a tight angle and played mostly through the midfield in the stronger blue side, while prized draftee Connor O’Sullivan put in an encouraging performance for the pink team.

O’Sullivan cut off attacking forays with a couple of key intercepts, provided run and carry from the back-half and showed his versatility by matching up on talls and smalls, including Tyson Stengle.

Dour defender Jed Bews, who played 15 senior games last year, was in the possibles side throughout.

WHO WASN’T OUT THERE
Dangerfield watched on from the sidelines, while Gary Rohan and Jake Kolodjashnij both didn’t take part in training.

Draftee Shaun Mannagh started in the probables but came off early to complete a running block, while fellow mature-ager Oli Wiltshire walked laps at the beginning of the session and sat on the sidelines for the duration of training.

Midfielder Brandan Parfitt and project ruckman Mitch Edwards were away from the main group with Parfitt completing some high speed running.

Geelong said all players were undertaking their own individual programs and management plans and there were no injury concerns from the group that sat out match simulation.

Utility Mark Blicavs played with a non-contact hat and had some eye-catching moments, with the 32-year-old getting the all-clear from coach Chris Scott watching on that he could compete in ruck contests.

Geelong’s mid-season pick-up from last year Mitch Hardie came off clutching his shoulder but returned to play out the match, while third-year midfielder James Willis copped a knock and came off.

He was then sighted walking along the boundary with his upper leg strapped.

HANDY HENRYS

Jack and Ollie Henry only played half a season together in their first year together after Ollie’s move from Collingwood, but the brothers are set to play a key role at either end.

The older Henry’s reading of the play caught the eye as he took four intercept marks in defence, with the 25-year-old seemingly over the Lisfranc ligament injury that ended his 2023 season.

Meanwhile, Ollie kicked two majors and was lively in the air and at ground level, clunking a couple of high-leaping marks.

Jack Henry fit. That is the best news in that article

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I hope Willis just had a corkie

Good to see the younger guys impressing.
We want everyone to earn their spot in 2024 so the form of the next generation will be very crucial.

A knock and upper leg strapped definitely says corkie I think

 

[FredLeDeux]

Jack Henry fit. That is the best news in that article

Yes, the return of a fit JHenry is nearly as important as a fit CGuthrie

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Love jhye Clark in the probables team. Exactly where he should be from round one.

 

[juzcat]

Nathans retirement hurt more than all the GF losses together for me I will go to my grave knowing I missed something special.

Heart breaking to see what was wasted Especially as he tried to make a comeback with GC. He quite possible could have been doing all this time and maybe retired a year after Gaz Jnr. Really winder if he is at peace or regrets

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

 

[goyoucatters]

Probably? Better mark, more explosive, better left sided, more intimidating,game changing, Love junior but it’s no real contest

In terms of the skills required to be an elite player, I can't think of a single area where Junior was demonstrably better than Gaz. That's no knock on the younger Ablett; it's simply a statement of fact around the supremacy of his father's overall ability to play the game.

 

[FredLeDeux]

In terms of the skills required to be an elite player, I can't think of a single area where Junior was demonstrably better than Gaz. That's no knock on the younger Ablett; it's simply a statement of fact around the supremacy of his father's overall ability to play the game.

The younger was definitely better at the give and go handpass

 

[goyoucatters]

The younger was definitely better at the give and go handpass

Given that nobody ever saw Senior attempt one, we'll surely never know.

 

[terry_bright]

In terms of the skills required to be an elite player, I can't think of a single area where Junior was demonstrably better than Gaz. That's no knock on the younger Ablett; it's simply a statement of fact around the supremacy of his father's overall ability to play the game.

Senior is the most complete footballer I’ve seen. Left foot, right foot, overhead, on the lead, 1v1, strength and speed. He could handball on both sides but rarely did. Why dish off when you could do it yourself.
Junior did what most footballers can do, just more consistently, more often and with better execution.
Senior did what most footballers dream of being able to do.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Senior is the most complete footballer I’ve seen. Left foot, right foot, overhead, on the lead, 1v1, strength and speed. He could handball on both sides but rarely did. Why dish off when you could do it yourself.
Junior did what most footballers can do, just more consistently, more often and with better execution.
Senior did what most footballers dream of being able to do.

Awesome work terry_bright
Also incredible to think he started as a winger / hff with incredible pace and finished as a power full forward probably 20kgs than when he started - and was a star in any role he played.
Statistically he has the best goal average per game of any non full forward and the best goal average as a full forward - mind blowing.
Also his ruthlessness set him apart , you would have hated to play on him

 

[Kobe Gryant]

Geelong addy

Geelong track watch: Tanner Bruhn lights up match simulation as Max Holmes trialled in new role
There were some best 22 hints as Geelong players locked horns in match simulation. And one of their youngsters turned heads with a stunning display. See all the intel.

There is plenty of buzz around Geelong’s group of youngsters and judging by Thursday’s match simulation, the Tanner Bruhn hype is justified.

The 21-year-old, who requested a trade back to his hometown of Geelong after two seasons at the Giants, showed glimpses last season with more midfield minutes and that time on-ball appears set to rise again in 2024.

Bruhn was the clear standout in the Cats’ four-quarter match practice, ducking and weaving through traffic to win centre clearances and hitting up targets inside 50 with precision in a full-time midfield role.

His second half in particular was dominant, putting the icing on the cake with a goal on the run from the 50m arc after winning the initial centre clearance.

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, who sat out the entire probables versus possibles hitout after completing a high intensity drill, told this publication this week that he has “high expectations of what I think Tanner’s career can be by the time he finishes.”

4 min read
February 8, 2024 - 2:52PM

Tanner Bruhn turned heads in Geelong’s match simulation. Picture: Geelong Cats
Entering his fourth season, the dynamic first round draftee looms as one of the big improvers that can ignite a midfield that struggled last season.

On the other side of the age spectrum, Tom Hawkins was best-on-ground in the opening half after bursting out of the blocks in the opening term.

The 35-year-old booted two goals, missed another and set up a goal with one of his trademark forward 50 hitout, finishing with three majors for the day.

He managed to kick 49 goals from 20 games without a pre-season in 2023 and it will be intriguing to see what a fully fit Hawkins can do this year.

His partner in crime Jeremy Cameron, who has his own injury issues last season, also looked in fine nick.

The spearhead produced the goal of the day, steamrolling through tacklers and snapping a goal on the run at full speed.

Small forward Tyson Stengle also looked dangerous throughout but was inaccurate in front of goal, finishing with 2.3.

POSITION SWITCH
Max Holmes the defender?

Holmes was used on a wing and through the midfield in 2023 but the 21-year-old spent the entire match simulation across halfback.

A number of sides have been looking to generate pace from their back-half this pre-season and Holmes has speed to burn – as the former hurdler showed by taking out the AFL Grand Final Sprint last year.

Holmes went on a few runs out of defence but was mown down by behemoth Toby Conway at one stage when he got a little too industrious.

But perhaps the most interesting switch was from Conway and Stanley, who swapped between the two teams each quarter.

It was interesting duel and 20-year-old Conway got the points with his follow-up work at ground level and protection of the drop zone at ruck contests, allowing him to grab it out of the ruck and find an option.

The pre-season matches will likely have a major say on who they choose but the gap appears to have closed between the two.

BEST 22 HINTS
One of the biggest surprises in the probables team was small forward Ollie Dempsey, who managed just five senior games last season.

The speedy forward impressed with his defensive pressure and workrate, regularly presenting an option up the ground and then darting back to goal.

Dempsey was among a host of players who switched between the probables and possibles sides – including fellow fringe Cats Shannon Neale, who impressed up forward, and Mitch Knevitt – but spent most of his day in the stronger line-up.

But with best-and-fairest runner up Tom Atkins playing the entirety in the seconds midfield, it wasn’t the sides weren’t a clear indication of who would line up in round one.

With Dangerfield sidelined, second-year midfielder Jhye Clark played a full game with the probables playing primarily on ball with stints on the wing.

A baulk to get away from a tackler and a laser-like hit to find Neale inside 50 were among the highlights from a promising showing.

Jack Bowes converted a nice set shot from a tight angle and played mostly through the midfield in the stronger blue side, while prized draftee Connor O’Sullivan put in an encouraging performance for the pink team.

O’Sullivan cut off attacking forays with a couple of key intercepts, provided run and carry from the back-half and showed his versatility by matching up on talls and smalls, including Tyson Stengle.

Dour defender Jed Bews, who played 15 senior games last year, was in the possibles side throughout.

WHO WASN’T OUT THERE
Dangerfield watched on from the sidelines, while Gary Rohan and Jake Kolodjashnij both didn’t take part in training.

Draftee Shaun Mannagh started in the probables but came off early to complete a running block, while fellow mature-ager Oli Wiltshire walked laps at the beginning of the session and sat on the sidelines for the duration of training.

Midfielder Brandan Parfitt and project ruckman Mitch Edwards were away from the main group with Parfitt completing some high speed running.

Geelong said all players were undertaking their own individual programs and management plans and there were no injury concerns from the group that sat out match simulation.

Utility Mark Blicavs played with a non-contact hat and had some eye-catching moments, with the 32-year-old getting the all-clear from coach Chris Scott watching on that he could compete in ruck contests.

Geelong’s mid-season pick-up from last year Mitch Hardie came off clutching his shoulder but returned to play out the match, while third-year midfielder James Willis copped a knock and came off.

He was then sighted walking along the boundary with his upper leg strapped.

HANDY HENRYS

Jack and Ollie Henry only played half a season together in their first year together after Ollie’s move from Collingwood, but the brothers are set to play a key role at either end.

The older Henry’s reading of the play caught the eye as he took four intercept marks in defence, with the 25-year-old seemingly over the Lisfranc ligament injury that ended his 2023 season.

Meanwhile, Ollie kicked two majors and was lively in the air and at ground level, clunking a couple of high-leaping marks.

A few thousand desks in the Geelong region have been raised simultaneously during the reading of this article.

 

[terry_bright]

Love jhye Clark in the probables team. Exactly where he should be from round one.

On exposed form, I agree but I’m not against him being given games early. He might be tearing it up in match sim and on the track but we’re not really privy to that.
He did start last year in the VFL and his first few games were pretty ordinary. It was a shame he got injured when he did, because he was just starting to discover what was required to be a player at the highest level.
The midfield remains the biggest question for me heading into 2024. Conway or Stanley? Will Knevitt turn out to be a tallish mid, a la J.Corey or will he be a Smedts? Can Mannagh step up to the level required and takeover from Smith? Will Holmes make it as a wingman, inside mid or even a rebounding defender? Danger, Guthrie, Atkins, and Bruhn are the only certainties for me. Who can step up to support them or even knock them off their perch?
Who knows. Bring on the preseason games and early rounds

 

[Frappe]

Given that nobody ever saw Senior attempt one, we'll surely never know.

1985 Round 1 vs Hawthorn

Ablett to Bews to Ablett almost qualifies.

 

[goyoucatters]

1985 Round 1 vs Hawthorn

Ablett to Bews to Ablett almost qualifies.

Footage, or it never happened...

 

[Frappe]

Footage, or it never happened...

I’m no good at sending links so you tube - keyword search is Ablett 1985.

Should be up near the start of most of his highlight package reels.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Confirmed on the catattack pod that the preseason scratch against Carlton is 8 quarters

Well get to see a bit of everyone I expect

 

[goyoucatters]

Confirmed on the catattack pod that the preseason scratch against Carlton is 8 quarters

Well get to see a bit of everyone I expect

Even Ernie Rasmussen?

#amancandream

 

[dazbroncos]

Confirmed on the catattack pod that the preseason scratch against Carlton is 8 quarters

Well get to see a bit of everyone I expect

Sadly K rock Football will only call the first 4 qtrs not complaining bc its way better than no coverage at all) but id luv to hear about the VFL guys getting game time too.

GO Catters

 

[Footy Smarts]

Confirmed on the catattack pod that the preseason scratch against Carlton is 8 quarters

Well get to see a bit of everyone I expect

8 quarters??? No wonder they're starting it so early. Need to get home by midnight.

 

[FredLeDeux]

8 quarters??? No wonder they're starting it so early. Need to get home by midnight.

Why, do you turn into a pumpkin?

 

[Footy Smarts]

Why, do you turn into a pumpkin?

Dunno but I've decided it's best not to risk it.

 

[goyoucatters]

I’m no good at sending links so you tube - keyword search is Ablett 1985.

Should be up near the start of most of his highlight package reels.

Check out the passage of play beginning at 45.50 on this YouTube clip.



#iveseenit
#stillcantbelieveit
#amomentintime
#historyinthemaking

 

[dazbroncos]

GAS 1-2 to Bews.

Take notes people. That is a unicorn from the best ever.

GO Catters

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Sadly K rock Football will only call the first 4 qtrs not complaining bc its way better than no coverage at all) but id luv to hear about the VFL guys getting game time too.

GO Catters

I think I read somewhere it was going to be on kayo though? Does that mean fox will be calling the game too?