LIONS ON FAMILIAR GROUND
GEELONG is considered one of the most hostile away venues in footy, but for a handful of Lions it’s just a trip home.
Brisbane could have up to seven natives of the region or former Geelong players in their side for Saturday’s clash with the Cats at GMHBA Stadium if veteran Luke Hodge passes a fitness test on his injured calf.
Hodge, Darcy Gardiner, Lewis Taylor, Rhys Mathieson and Alex Witherden all played for the Geelong Falcons as juniors while Allen Christensen and Josh Walker began their AFL at the Cats.
Witherden has seen the venue rocking plenty of times before and knows what to expect but rather than hold any nerves about playing there, he says it is just a nice opportunity to perform at home in front of his family and friends.
“For me I feel extremely comfortable playing at that ground,’’ he said.
“I played nine or so games there as a junior and went and watched the Cats play there a lot so I have no fears going to that ground and neither do a lot of the boys. Going home this weekend it will be nice to play in front of family and friends.’’
Christensen, who was a 2011 premiership player with the Cats, says the seven Lions with local knowledge could play a key role helping their teammates overcome the unusual shape of the venue and the tactical problems it poses as well as prepare them for what can be a boisterous crowd.
“The more you familiarise yourself with a ground, the better off you’ll be when you get there,” he said.
“That ground is very long and really skinny, 114m wide or something, they defend it really well, they tailor their defence to it.
“If we can try and pick that apart and hopefully there’s a bit of knowledge there with our ball movement that can help.
“Hopefully we can go down there and give them a fright. The way we’re playing we’re pretty confident playing any team.”