Fremantle vs. Geelong – Round 12 Recap | AFL Blog

Fremantle vs. Geelong – Round 12 Recap

Fremantle 11.9.(75)
Geelong 13.16.(94)

Geelong has continued its winning streak in season 2009 defeating a valiant Fremantle outfit. Fremantle were able to push an at times sluggish Geelong team but just could not come away with the points, eventually being defeated by 19 points. It looked as though the Cats may have gone into the round 14 clash with St Kilda with one defeat but the lesser likes of Byrnes and Varcoe helped to get the Cats over the line.

Big Moment

This was one game where the umpires had a massive influence at crucial times for both teams. During the last term Fremantle were on the attack after Geelong got the Jump early in the last. They moved the ball along the wing but James Kelly intercepted the pass on Fremantle’s half forward flank. Kelly played on and was tackled from behind and disposed of the ball incorrectly but no free was paid. Geelong was able to take the ball and the result was a goal to the Cats.

Key Players for Fremantle

Matthew Pavlich – Absolutely amazing for the Dockers having 31 disposals. 7 clearances for the Pav and 9 contested possessions and kicked 2 goals for the Dockers.

Aaron Sandilands – Killed the Cats in the ruck contest today well mainly Mark Blake. Had 37 hit outs and 5 clearances. The thing I really enjoyed about his game was the 12 contested possessions from a big man.

Greg Broughton – Loved his game today out of defence. 7 rebounds from 50 in his 29 disposals and 5 tackles. Really looked dangerous coming out of defence for the Dockers.

Key Players for Geelong

Shannon Byrnes – Best game in Geelong colours by far. In an inaccurate day for the Cats Byrnes kicked 5 goals 1 behind. 26 possessions with 5 inside 50s set up the win for the Cats with his running and now good skills.

Travis Varcoe – Only had 20 possessions but showed his class in the third and fourth quarters. Set up at least two goals one that he started at half back and laid a Sheppard in the goal square. 10 contested possessions and 4 inside 50s. Really helped Geelong get over the line.

Joel Corey – 30 touches in a very good return for Corey. Well rounded performance helping out both forward and back. 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s and 2 rebounds from 50. The impressive thing was his 8 tackles tried hard all day.

Musings from the Match

* Mitch Morton is starting some form of goal kicking revolution for better or worse. Tom Hawkins used the technique and succeeded but young Gary Ablett from only 20 metres out tried and failed. As a Cat fan not impressed as Ablett is such a good set shot.
* With the imminent return of Brad Ottens tough decisions need to be made on who is the 2nd ruckmen. Mark Blake is on shaky ground, doesn’t do enough around the ground.
* Fremantle’s early inaccuracy may have cost them a big lead at quarter time.
* Geelong’s later inaccuracy also may have cost them a big lead at three quarter time.
* So many mistakes from umpires. Examples to follow.
* Didn’t realise ruckmen can take the ball out of the ruck, get tackled and not get pinged for holding the ball.
* Holding the ball apparently didn’t exist for this game.
* Umpires have to not get sucked in by players in a contest and give away subsequent soft free kicks.
* Geelong now holds the record for interstate wins on the trot.
* Round 14 is still on.
* Perth teams are enjoying playing Geelong this year.

SuperCoach

Please don’t cry but Gary Ablett scored less than one hundred points, well down on his season average. He did have 29 possessions but a lot of handballs. Shannon Byrnes had a massive total of 145 well up on his average of 98. Joel Selwood was also well down on his season average. Sandilands as expected dominated the ruck and scored 140 points well up on his average for the season. Broughton also had a very good game with 119 points.

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