Cats becoming more consistent, says Menegola

HE will not mention the “P” word, but rising midfield star Sam Menegola is confident Geelong has what it takes to contend as it prepares for Saturday’s clash against Hawthorn.

Menegola, who like the Cats is building a solid block of form, believes his side is hitting its straps following the demolition of Brisbane.

“I think we’re always get- ting closer,” Menegola told the Advertiser.

“We’re not perfect, clearly, but I think we’re starting to understand what our best footy is and produce it more consistently.

“That’s why it’s pleasing to back it up after last week.

“As players, as coaches (and) as a team we’re starting to understand how we get our best footy out every week.”

Asked if he felt Geelong’s best was good enough to challenge for a premiership, Mene- gola replied: “I guess there’s only one way to find out.

“We’d like to think so. We thought we played really well against GWS last week. We consider GWS to be as good a team as anyone in the comp, so that gave us a lot of confidence in what we can produce.

“But to be honest, I haven’t really thought about it (winning a premiership).

“AFL is just that demanding. Last week we played GWS, who were the top of the table, and we felt like we had to play really well to beat them and this week we played Brisbane, and while the ladder suggests it’s an easier game, we felt like we had to play really well to beat them. That week-to-week grind keeps you focused on what you have to do to play your best footy.”

Geelong justified its decision to head north for a week on the Gold Coast by belting the Lions by 85 points at the Gabba.

But Menegola said the focus was purely finding consistency in effort. “It’s more about getting it right every week,” he said.

“We’re on record on what we think we need to work on and one of the things is consistency and getting it right week after week after week.

“We had that patch earlier in the year where we didn’t quiet get it right and then the West Coast game, so we’ve had bits and pieces where we haven’t got it right. That was the focus, so to get it right was pleasing.”

Menegola had 22 disposals against Brisbane, following his 33-touch performance against the Giants.

“I thought I was OK. I’m coming into some pretty good form,” Menegola said after the win over the Lions.

“I’ve had a pretty good block and I feel really similar to the team.

“I’ve had blocks where I wasn’t that great, for example the West Coast game, but up until then I’d had a good block.”