ContestedFooty’s start of the year preview
1st to 2nd. Despite the result of last year’s Grand Final we couldn’t go past the Cats as our premiership favorites this year. The thought of Ablett moving forward for larger portions of games excited us as the Cats forward line was our only concern, beyond that we expected it to be business as usual in defense and the midfield. See the full preview here.
Current Situation
Geelong in 2009 remains undefeated which will come as no surprise to many within the Football community. Geelong has at times looked a team that is just doing what it needs to do to win. This differs to the attitudes of 2007 and 2008 where Geelong really looked to dominate teams.
Backline
Geelong’s backline has been its most unsettled in recent years. The loss of Josh Hunt has been a problem for the Cats but the move of James Kelly into the backline has helped to ease this issue. Harry Taylor continues to improve while Matthew Scarlett looks as solid as ever at full back. Injuries have not helped in 2009 with Captain Tom Harley not being able to string games together. Geelong’s backline still is one of the most impressive backlines in the AFL but has room to improve in 2009.
Midfield
Geelong arguably has the best midfield in the competition, with the likes of Ablett, Bartel, Corey and Selwood having great years in 2009. Geelong is able to cover most injuries to midfield with the depth acquired over the past season proving valuable so far this year.
The only issue with the Cats midfield is the tagging of the opposition. Cameron Ling is a great tagger, don’t get me wrong, but when he is now faced with a quicker opponent he is beginning to struggle. Against a quality midfield Geelong’s lack of leg speed could also become an issue.
Geelong’s ruck division is another issue. Mark Blake is becoming a bigger worry every week that Brad Ottens is on the sidelines. Blake’s lack of presence in a contest and around the ground is an increasing concern. Shane Mumford is showing promise and when Ottens returns I would not be surprised if Mumford holds his spot and Blake is dropped to the reserves.
Forwards
The lack of a dominant forward for Geelong has been an issue and continues to be an issue in 2009. Cameron Mooney’s season has been indifferent (with question marks) while Tom Hawkins is still a work in progress. Steven Johnson is in career best form and leads Geelong’s goal kicking. The vast improvement of Travis Varcoe and Shannon Bynres is helping the forward line but the dearth of a good key forward is obvious.
Geelong is generally able to kick enough goals through the midfield to negate the lack of a true key forward. Chapman is integral to the success of Geelong and also its forward line. If Mooney is able to regain his form and Hawkins can establish himself as an AFL player the forward line will continue to work in 2009.
Coach
Mark Thompson since the end of 2007 has become one of the most relaxed coaches in the AFL. It is hard to establish when Thompson is severely under pressure as he believes in his players and their ability to come through with the points. I am waiting to see what Thompson will have planned for the round 14 clash with St Kilda.
Best Performed Player
Gary Ablett is hard to go past as Geelong’s best player in 2009. Many people thought Ablett may not get better than he was in 2008. To prove them wrong Ablett has shown an ability to find the ball and continue to improve in 2009. I am concerned by his handball rate, but we can’t be sure of the reason.
Looking Forward
Like St Kilda we’ll know more about what is going to happen in 2009 after they have played each other in round 14, what is clear however is Geelong haven’t fallen back to the pack. Top 2 finish for mine.
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