Improved talls prove handy in attack

GEELONG VFL coach Shane O’Bree has praised ruckmen Ryan Abbott and Zac Smith for their persistence after strong performances against the Northern Blues.

Abbott and Smith split their time between the ruck and attack on Saturday, helping the Cats get on top with their ability to get their hands on the footy in the air and set-up play around the ground.

But the improvement the duo has shown inside 50 is what has been most pleasing for O’Bree, who said both Abbott and Smith knew a call-up to the AFL team would only happen if they could show they were not one-trick ponies.

“I think they’re working pretty well together, working in tandem, and they’re playing forward a lot as well,” O’Bree said.

“But it’s very hard and it’s a new part of the game they’re learning, so for Zac and Ryan to have more of an impact around the ground (it is hard) because they’re working on that part of their game.

“At AFL level we want them to be able to do that, not just purely be a ruckman, so they’ve both been pretty consistent and are building in that area.”

Abbott finished the match with 30 hitouts, 13 disposals and three clearances and was strong in the air, grabbing four marks and kicking two goals.

Smith spent more time forward and had 17 disposals and 17 hitouts, and rounded his day off with a goal.

Both will come under consideration for this Saturday’s clash against North Melbourne, with O’Bree saying Abbott and Smith had been accepting of the challenge that came with having two players vying for one spot.

“Their ruck craft was pretty good, we probably didn’t take advantage of the guys winning the hitouts, but I thought up forward they had a presence in the air and their follow up work was pretty good,” he said.

“I suppose it is what it is at VFL level, having two ruckmen that are fighting for the one position, we have got to be able to upskill them in other areas, which they’re doing pretty well at the moment.”