SNOOZE ‘N LOSE
Skipper warns Cats must make fast start at MCG
GEELONG skipper Joel Selwood says his team must be switched on from the outset of Sunday’s blockbuster MCG clash with Melbourne if it is to avoid an early season loss.
The Cats were undefeated in 2017 when ahead at quarter-time but lost six of the 11 games in which they were behind.
Simon Goodwin’s men have been tipped to be one of the league’s big improvers this season, with their game style and form throughout the JLT Series leaving an impression on commentators and opposition coaches.
Selwood, who plays game number 250 on Sunday, said it was interesting to compare his AFL journey, which includes 26 finals, to that of Melbourne captain Nathan Jones — who has played two — but added the Demons were fast creeping up on the rest of the competition.
“We play Nathan Jones this week and the two stories are completely different in many ways, but right now he can really see a light with his side that they are competitive and people are really talking about (Melbourne being) top eight this year,” Selwood said.
“They’re good around the ball and we’ve seen that throughout JLT the way that they’ve been able to move forward.”
“Jesse Hogan forward of the ball is always dangerous, we’ve got to make sure we shut him down, but they’re a side that has a hell of a lot of talent and look like they’re going to put the game forward now.
“We’ve just got to be on early to make sure we stop that.”
Geelong is yet to make a call on Patrick Dangerfield’s availability but boom recruit Gary Ablett is set to line up for his first game with the Cats since 2010. Selwood said he expected Ablett to cop a tag. But he added that given he had dealt with close attention for most of his career, he did not think it would a problem for him.
“You want to protect guys like him but he’s a big boy too,” he said.
“He has been doing it for 302 games now so he just looks forward to playing footy.
“It makes me smile to think that we’re going to run out together again this weekend. He’s been on his own little journey and I’m excited to have him back.
“I’ve seen what he has given the boys over the pre-season so if Gaz wasn’t even to play a game that would nearly be enough, coming back and putting his stamp on this group the way that he has.
“But he’s going to go out and compete so hard on the weekend and the weekend after, and I look forward to having a teammate like that again.”