Cats’ ball use must improve
GEELONG midfielder Scott Selwood says his side will need to improve the way it uses the ball after last night’s disappointing 46point loss to Sydney.
The Cats were jumped by the Swans in the first quarter but were wasteful on occasions themselves as they struggled to penetrate the visitors’ defence.
Selwood said that despite the similarities on the scoreboard, the match felt much different to last year’s preliminary final loss to the Swans.
“I think we played differently, we played a lot stronger and were in the contests and it actually felt like the game was closer this time,” Selwood said.
“We could have used the ball better going forward and it felt like we had the attack on the ball defensively and were trying to do the right things.
“When we had the momentum we just weren’t scoring, so just going inside-50 and things like that.
“We weren’t quite hitting the targets as well as we did last week so we’ll look at that and see how we can improve.”
The Cats were without 2016 Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, and skipper Joel Selwood was playing hurt in the second half after injuring his ankle in the second quarter.
But the former West Coast vice-captain said that was no excuse for the result.
“I thought we did quite OK and I felt like at times we had the ball in our court and challenged them really well, and when they got away with it felt like they got some really good entries and some really clear entries,” Selwood said.
“I hate putting it down to a lack of personnel because I think we’ve got a group of boys that are willing to play the structures and system no matter who we play or put in, so I can’t make that as an excuse.”
Selwood said it was too early to say whether he would tag hot Brownlow favourite Dustin Martin when the Cats take on Richmond next Saturday.