Demons clash is ‘season defining’
GEELONG VFL coach Shane O’Bree says the blockbuster stage of an AFL curtain-raiser will add extra weight to today’s bumper clash with Casey.
The Demons sit second and the Cats third on the VFL ladder, a stark turnaround from when the two sides met at Casey Fields in Round 4.
The Cats walked away with a comfortable 22-point win and looked a class above, having led by 40 points at threequarter time.
But the Demons have gone 9-0 since that defeat and shape as a different opponent at GMHBA Stadium today.
“I suppose last time we played them, that was the best game we’ve played this year,” O’Bree said.
“We just clicked and all our systems worked and all our focus areas for the game, the boys just nailed them.
“Hopefully we can go in with the same mindset and game style to last time.
“Definitely the personnel for both teams (has changed). I just had a look at our team and their team from last time we played them and there are a fair few different players playing.
“I don’t think the game style will be much different, it’s just personnel, a lot of changes to both teams.”
The Cats exposed the Demons in the air and on the ground last time, with Wylie Buzza, Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott proving too dangerous.
Geelong will take the same three-pronged attack into today’s meeting, with Ryan Gardner also to line up as a tall forward.
O’Bree said the result would be season defining, just as it will be in the seniors at night.
“It’s massive for the club, both VFL and AFL,” he said.
“Probably because it’s a curtain-raiser, it adds a little bit to it. You always want to impress in a curtain-raiser leading into an AFL game and because it’s a big day for the club, you want to get the ball rolling and get off to a win.”
Stewart Crameri pulled up sore and will be rested this weekend, however St Mary’s goalkicker and Tasmanian product Aiden Grace will make his VFL debut for the Cats.