Review Geelong defeats North by 20 points in a stinker

[ToreadorMarch]

On Zuthrie, don‘t think he’s in our top 22 right now and has shown deficiencies that he may not overcome but he returned to the team and showed improvement in many areas. That‘s pleasing and good for the team as a whole now and going forward. He certainly wasn‘t our best though, but got an opportunity with injuries/withdrawals and played well - a good sign that he can show improvement

 

[foxdog50]

Kreuger didn't do much, but what he did, he did well,... it was good he got AFL exposure and he didn't look out of place. l'd like to see him get more opportunities than just the cameo.

It's good he can play both forward and defence... I do think he can play forward better thou...

 

[Ratcat]

It's good he can play both forward and defence... I do think he can play forward better thou...

Don't have much info on him as a defender all l can tell is he can play there.
Has a great turn of pace as well which is special.

 

[foxdog50]

So if people here are saying Zuthrie is in our best 22.. are you saying he takes Atkins position?

Pros on both. Zuthrie best game against North is probably the best game in either of them this year.

Atkins does put his head over the ball and gets the hard ball...

As good as Zuthrie was on the weekend, and I will say he was awesome, if there was a final played next week I would still go Atkins

 

[FredLeDeux]

So if people here are saying Zuthrie is in our best 22.. are you saying he takes Atkins position?

Pros on both. Zuthrie best game against North is probably the best game in either of them this year.

Atkins does put his head over the ball and gets the hard ball...

As good as Zuthrie was on the weekend, and I will say he was awesome, if there was a final played next week I would still go Atkins

Hang on, who's said that?

 

[Turbocat]

So if people here are saying Zuthrie is in our best 22.. are you saying he takes Atkins position?

Pros on both. Zuthrie best game against North is probably the best game in either of them this year.

Atkins does put his head over the ball and gets the hard ball...

As good as Zuthrie was on the weekend, and I will say he was awesome, if there was a final played next week I would still go Atkins

In a way the game reminded me of Simpsons big game last year. Its probably secured his spot on the list .. but whether he is best22 or not probably depends on injuries and matchups. I think he has a bit to do before he is a best22 lock.

 

[Moggy]

I think one of our weaknesses is the ability to score from half-forward. Our game plan might not generally demand it, but it could cost is in a final if the big three are tied down.
None of Dahlhaus, Higgins, or Close is dangerous/confident around the goals, particularly with set-shots. Miers is better but obviously restricted to one side, which good defenders are all over.
Perhaps it is worth giving a player like Evans another go in the last few games (assuming he is somewhat fit)

 

[cats_09]

3. The Cats' 2020 Trade Period looks better by the week
Geelong's dealings in the last Trade and Free Agency Period were a slam dunk the moment they landed Jeremy Cameron

5

Jeremy Cameron

Age

31

Ht

196cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.5

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.6

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.0

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

G

2.0

5star

from GWS. However, the acquisitions of Isaac Smith

7

Isaac Smith

Age

36

Ht

188cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.3

5star

K

13.0

5star

HB

8.4

5star

M

5.5

5star

T

2.9

4star

CL

1.7

4star

D

19.4

4star

K

11.1

4star

HB

8.3

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.5

3star

CL

1.3

4star

D

19.2

5star

K

10.6

4star

HB

8.6

5star

M

7.6

5star

T

2.0

4star

CL

0.6

3star

(via free agency) and Shaun Higgins

4

Shaun Higgins

Age

36

Ht

184cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

20.4

5star

K

10.6

4star

HB

9.8

5star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.0

4star

D

21.8

5star

K

10.3

4star

HB

11.5

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.6

4star

G

0.1

3star

D

12.0

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

4.8

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

1.8

4star

G

0.6

3star

(trade) are proving every bit as astute. Despite two or three uncharacteristic errors by foot on Saturday, Smith was terrific against the Kangaroos with his team-high 718m gained from 26 disposals, while Higgins was a handful against his most recent club with 23 touches and a goal. Both fit and full of run, the pair loom as crucial in Geelong's run to September with their outside exploits complementing the hard-nosed midfield. - Michael Whiting

 

[Pollywaffle]

I think one of our weaknesses is the ability to score from half-forward. Our game plan might not generally demand it, but it could cost is in a final if the big three are tied down.
None of Dahlhaus, Higgins, or Close is dangerous/confident around the goals, particularly with set-shots. Miers is better but obviously restricted to one side, which good defenders are all over.
Perhaps it is worth giving a player like Evans another go in the last few games (assuming he is somewhat fit)

Yep. I'd like to see the MC give Close license to be a bit more selfish around goals to see whether he can convert a bit more.
Higgins and Dahlmouse don't hit scoreboard enough.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

The team is locked in now, there is no time for Kruger, Zuthrie, Evans or anybody else to cement themselves this year. Really, the only position up for grabs is the ruck one.

It will be:
KPD: Henderson, Kolo, Henry and Blicavs (2nd ruck/KPD)
Def: Bews, Stewart, and Atkins
Mid: Guthrie, Selwood, Parfitt, O'Connor and Danger.
Wings: Menegola, Smith and Touhy
KPF: Hawkins and Cameron
Medium Fwd: Rohan and Danger (Part time)
Small Fwd: Dalhaus & Close

I'm not sure who out of Stanley or Ratugolea takes ruck and I think Duncan takes over from Higgins when he gets healthy. I think given Duncan's knee will likely still be a bit vulnerable, the old Ablett jnr role (which Higgins is butchering) is perfect.

disagree strongly on this. The best sides have a best 26 or so, not a best 22. You need quality depth who can come in and play a role in your team. Injuries are very likely to occur at any point, which means you can’t rely solely on your best 22, you need to develop a best 26 who can come in at any point and perform to a standard.

giving games to these players is integral as well to that balance and injury insurance

 

[MacStradbroke]

3. The Cats' 2020 Trade Period looks better by the week
Geelong's dealings in the last Trade and Free Agency Period were a slam dunk the moment they landed Jeremy Cameron from GWS. However, the acquisitions of Isaac Smith (via free agency) and Shaun Higgins (trade) are proving every bit as astute. Despite two or three uncharacteristic errors by foot on Saturday, Smith was terrific against the Kangaroos with his team-high 718m gained from 26 disposals, while Higgins was a handful against his most recent club with 23 touches and a goal. Both fit and full of run, the pair loom as crucial in Geelong's run to September with their outside exploits complementing the hard-nosed midfield. - Michael Whiting

The Higgins recruitment looking real important if Miers is out long term.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

I haven't been impressed by Higgins much. But Dahlhaus has done a lot of unsung work over the year and I think his hardness in the contest will be needed in finals. Maybe someone like Evans could do his job if needed, but it's a bit unproven. I agree with whoever (edit: Fred II?) pointed out that Miers is a huge loss as Close seems to be running a bit low on steam.

I didn’t realize how slow dahlaus is until the other week seeing Daniel rioli absolutely blitz him for pace like watching an 18 year old sprint against an elderly man.

it is a credit to him, that such a short player with little leg speed and a small non penetrating kick could carve out such a long career.

 

[Kobe Gryant]

I didn’t realize how slow dahlaus is until the other week seeing Daniel rioli absolutely blitz him for pace like watching an 18 year old sprint against an elderly man.

it is a credit to him, that such a short player with little leg speed and a small non penetrating kick could carve out such a long career.

Bit of tough judgement there. Most players in the AFL are going to look pretty slow against Daniel Rioli.

That being said, Dal does look like he's running in quicksand sometimes.

 

[Pollywaffle]

I didn’t realize how slow dahlaus is until the other week seeing Daniel rioli absolutely blitz him for pace like watching an 18 year old sprint against an elderly man.
it is a credit to him, that such a short player with little leg speed and a small non penetrating kick could carve out such a long career.

That career was carved out as an in and under mid. A position that he could no longer hold down at the dogs for several seasons.
That’s why it was (and is) surprising that we got him in as a ’pressure forward’. A role that he had never played, and is clearly s#*thouse at.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

Bit of tough judgement there. Most players in the AFL are going to look pretty slow against Daniel Rioli.

That being said, Dal does look like he's running in quicksand sometimes.

mid highlighted the fact he isn’t quick. For a small player to be slowish to average pace who isn’t blessed with great skills, it made me wonder how he has carved out such a career.

 

[Kobe Gryant]

mid highlighted the fact he isn’t quick. For a small player to be slowish to average pace who isn’t blessed with great skills, it made me wonder how he has carved out such a career.

Thats true

Harps back to Bob Murphy's theory doesn't it. That he got to where he is (Or in this case, was) through hard work and determination, and as soon as that dissipates he's just an average player at best.

 

[catstragic]

Btw, its awesome

It is a concern. He’s useless in front of goal, and we have more than a few who can join him ie danger, stanley, higgins, sav. Potential to kick ourselves out of finals games, just like vs port last year.

That gets balanced out by Rohan and Hawk being very accurate. Yes, every forward should be a dead eye but TBH every team has 2-3 forward line players who are just as likely to spray it as kick the goal. They get games because other facets of their game make up for it. Dahl lives and dies on his tackling pressure.

 

[standupand]

That career was carved out as an in and under mid. A position that he could no longer hold down at the dogs for several seasons.
That’s why it was (and is) surprising that we got him in as a ’pressure forward’. A role that he had never played, and is clearly s#*thouse at.

Didn't he start out as a small forward at the dogs? He was quite a dangerous player there iirc - always a good tackler, hard at it, and could kick goals. No longer much of a goalkicker now and he's lost some leg speed, but he still plays with the same determination and hardness as he has always had. If this is to be his last year, I'm backing him in to influence quite a few crucial contests when it matters most.

 

[Kobe Gryant]

Didn't he start out as a small forward at the dogs? He was quite a dangerous player there iirc - always a good tackler, hard at it, and could kick goals. No longer much of a goalkicker now and he's lost some leg speed, but he still plays with the same determination and hardness as he has always had. If this is to be his last year, I'm backing him in to influence quite a few crucial contests when it matters most.

He did. Bit of a showman early days in the forward pocket. Went through the midfield more in the Beveridge era iirc.

 

[ShaunWDT]

That career was carved out as an in and under mid. A position that he could no longer hold down at the dogs for several seasons.
That’s why it was (and is) surprising that we got him in as a ’pressure forward’. A role that he had never played, and is clearly s#*thouse at.

Why weve never seemed to actually play him in his best position has always baffled me a bit, he was a more than serviceable mid at the Dogs, just look at his 2016 Finals Series, was huge for them and backed it up in 2017 averaging 25 a game, no reason a bloke that was only in his mid twenties needed to be moved out of that role for mine and he's looked lost ever since.

 

[Pollywaffle]

That career was carved out as an in and under mid. A position that he could no longer hold down at the dogs for several seasons.
That’s why it was (and is) surprising that we got him in as a ’pressure forward’. A role that he had never played, and is clearly s#*thouse at.

Correction: yes he did start as a forward ( many do ) but I stick with my final assessment of his capabilities there ..

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Yep. I'd like to see the MC give Close license to be a bit more selfish around goals to see whether he can convert a bit more.
Higgins and Dahlmouse don't hit scoreboard enough.

IIRC he had an opportunity for a snap from about 20m out but instead handballed to a player on the boundary on a far worse angle - probably the most ordinary option I've seen him take.
I actually think he needs a rest in order to be fresh for finals.

 

[BORIS332]

Some things are born ugly.

This was one of them.

Not worth any less than previous or future weeks - but just totally ugly.

Shout out to Freddy in game 1. Showed the flashes you want to see. Some good spoils, defensive efforts and follow up work.

Zuthrie BOG with 29 touches I think it was.

And no disrespect to Zuthrie - but anytime he's BOG - its probably an indication of the qulaity of the game.

Higgins congrats on 250 - not sure you'll get too many more. You are struggling more than not but still - need more.

Narkle had a chance to shine and did ok - but showed his flaws and weaknesses too often for mine.

Seems like no real injuries to note either.

We need to get Close a rest - he was due 2 weeks ago.

But still... got the 4 points and move on to 3 home games now.

Go Catters

This is a pretty good summary of the echo chamber on this board. There's not many (any?) high half forwards in the AFL putting up the numbers Higgins has over his past four games. Averaging 22 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal assist, 3.5 inside 50s - those are elite for his role.

Across the season champion data has rated him above average or elite in 25 categories! AFL fantasy points, disposals, kicks, handballs, disposal efficiency, inside 50s, rebound 50s, effective kicks, kick efficiency, effective disposals, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, intercept possessions, ground ball gets, clearances, centre clearances, stoppage clearances, goal assists, score involvements, score launches, tackles, 1-on-1s, marks, metres gained, and bounces.

Honestly, this board baffles me sometimes.

 

[#6 Thorp #7 Selwood LOL]

This is a pretty good summary of the echo chamber on this board. There's not many (any?) high half forwards in the AFL putting up the numbers Higgins has over his past four games. Averaging 22 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal assist, 3.5 inside 50s - those are elite for his role.

Across the season champion data has rated him above average or elite in 25 categories! AFL fantasy points, disposals, kicks, handballs, disposal efficiency, inside 50s, rebound 50s, effective kicks, kick efficiency, effective disposals, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, intercept possessions, ground ball gets, clearances, centre clearances, stoppage clearances, goal assists, score involvements, score launches, tackles, 1-on-1s, marks, metres gained, and bounces.

Honestly, this board baffles me sometimes.

Watch a replay. He was awful.

 

[FredLeDeux]

Watch a replay.

Good advice, you ought to take it, but next time, just for a change, do it before you pass judgement.