CRACKER JACK
Cats youngster stays focused ahead of AFL debut in blockbuster clash against the Hawks
GEELONG GEEL youngster Jack Henry says he plans to keep things simple as he s slips into the Cats’ defence for his AF AFL debut against Hawthorn in today’s Easter Monday blockbuster at the M MCG.
The athletic rookie was a sur- prise selection when Geelong finalised its team on Saturday, with the Cats looking for defensive options in the absence of star Harry Taylor (foot).
Patrick Dangerfield is back for his first game of 2018, while ruckman Rhys Stanley has been recalled after being left out of Geelong’s Round 1 side.
Jordan Murdoch and Zac Smith were axed. There remains a chance of a late change for Geelong with emergencies Nakia Cockatoo, Mark O’Connor and Murdoch all missing from yesterday’s VFL win over Werribee.
Henry — who has also spent time in attack and in midfield — will be tasked with containing one of Hawthorn’s slippery small forwards.
“I’m trying not to overthink it. I’m just thinking of some little things to play my role. I want to get the first contest out of the way, let the nerves settle and feel comfortable out there,” Henry said.
“There’s no specific role for me, it’s team defence so I will play on anyone (tall or small).
“I just want to play my role. Scarlo has been talking through some of the set ups, I need to make sure I get in a position to win or at least halve the contest as well as support my team mates in the air and on the ground.”
Coach Chris Scott said he had faith that the 19-year-old could do a job against Hawthorn’s “formidable” forwards.
“You go through the names and compare it to Hawthorn at their best, which was formidable — Puopolo, Rioli, Gunston, Roughhead, Breust, that’s a pretty good forward half,” Scott said.
“Some would argue it’s up with the best forward halves we’ve seen and they seem to be going well.”
Henry, a former Geelong Falcon and life-ling Cats fan, will become the club’s fourth debutant for 2018.
Scott was a shock visitor to Henry’s house on Thursday night, delivering the news at his front doorstep. “I got a message saying Simon Lloyd was coming over. I was at a mate’s place, so I went home ... and then I got a knock on the door, went to answer it and Scotty was standing out front,” Henry said.
“I had a fair idea once I saw him. Then he asked me if I was ready to go on Monday.”
Henry, a St Mary’s junior, said playing on Easter Monday against Hawthorn was something he’d dreamt about.
“I’ve gone to watch the last six or seven Easter Monday clashes and being able to play in one is a dream come true,” he said. “All Geelong-Hawthorn games are a good clash. I’m expecting it to be intense and I’m sure it’s going to be loud and exciting.”