Last Year
In 2008 Geelong completed the season on top of the ladder with only one loss to Collingwood. The loss against Collingwood was just what the Cats needed to kick start the year. Geelong played in its second Grand Final in as many years but were defeated by Hawthorn in one of the biggest boil overs in AFL history.
The Cats in 2009 will be looking to write the wrongs of a season that promised so much but failed to deliver the ultimate prize.
Backline
Geelong’s backline has been the backbone to its success in the past years and will continue to be in 2009. Led by All Australian Matthew Scarlett the Cats have the perfect mix of youth and experience. With Geelong’s Captain Harley (expected to return in Round 6), Milburn and Scarlett the experience will again be a huge advantage for the Cats. Andrew Mackie and Harry Taylor impressed last season and will be looking to improve further and push for a leadership role within the Backline. The only issue will be the loss of Josh Hunt, but this can be covered by David Johnson or even David Wojcinski who will be looking to rediscover a permanent role in the Cats best 22. Look for Jeremy Laidler to debut mid season and Corey Enright to float down back during the year.
Midfield
Geelong’s Midfield is obviously one of the strongest in the league with the likes of Ablett, Bartel, Corey and Ling. With Joel Selwood maturing as a player signs are good for another strong year through the middle. Look again for Chapman to be rotated through the centre along with Steve Johnson and Max Rooke. From the pre season it looks as though Travis Varcoe will also get more of a run through the centre. Simon Hogan will finally debut for the Cats after a frustrating year; he was named as emergency consistently for the second half of 2008. Injuries will help Hogan push for a permanent run in the seniors.
Forwards
The forward line for Geelong will again be an issue in 2009. The Grand Final exposed the fragility of its forwards and Geelong’s ever growing reliance on smaller forwards in the absence of a true power forward. Cameron Mooney will look to bounce back from a Grand Final he will want to forget. Steve Johnson will again play a huge part in the success or failure of season 2008.
With Stokes, Johnson, Chapman and Mooney the only real certainties the remaining spots will be rotated throughout the season. Lonergan and Hawkins will fight for the other tall forward position. Mark Thompson has indicated his structural plans of resting midfielders forward, eg Ablett in the NAB cup. Ryan Gamble will be hoping for a more regular role this season. Max Rooke will spend most of the year forward from what has been seen in the NAB cup but will more than likely be rotated around the ground.
Rucks
Geelong’s ruck stocks have progressed well over the last few seasons. Ottens has returned to form, which will make all Richmond supporters happy. Ottens will play most of his time in the ruck rotating with Blake but will also spend time forward providing the extra tall Geelong desperately need. If injuries are an issue Geelong have both Trent West and Shane Mumford to fill the spots as required.
Summary/Expected Finish
Geelong will be aiming for nothing short of a premiership, with good reason. The backline and midfield remain basically unchanged and provide the Cats with a solid base for another shot at the Flag. My only concern is the forward line structure, which is why I believe Bomber Thompson has hinted at Ablett playing a larger portion of his game time up forward, largely in place of his time on the bench but potentially taking away from his midfield time as players like Selwood take their game to another level.
End of year Position:
1st-2nd
Best 22
FB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn
HB: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
C: Joel Corey, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
FF: Ryan Gamble, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Fol: Brad Ottens, Gary Ablett, Cameron Ling
Int: Mark Blake, David Wojcinski, James Kelly, Max Rooke
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Tags: 2009 Previews
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