Charlie’s push for AFL recall

GEELONG coach Shane O’Bree says his team’s form heading into VFL finals will be vital to the senior side’s chances of September success.

The Cats booked their place in the finals with a resounding 101-point drubbing of North Melbourne on Saturday, with Charlie Constable gathering 41 disposals, seven inside-50s and 14 clearances in a best-onground performance.

It was a dominant display from Constable, who will be one of several players on the AFL fringe looking to push their case for a spot in the side come September.

O’Bree said ensuring the VFL team remained at its best in the coming weeks was crucial.

“It is part of the program and we have got to have players keep playing,” O’Bree said.

“Hopefully the AFL team goes deep into finals, so we have to have our team keep playing so it helps them with selection, match fitness and all that side of things.

“So hopefully we keep going the way that we are, make finals and can play some good finals games as well.”

Geelong was forced to play with a tall forward set-up again and it worked a treat as Wylie Buzza, Darcy Fort, Ryan Abbott, Nathan Kreuger and Rhys Stanley all got on the scoresheet.

Stanley was the leading ruckman on the ground, finishing with 29 hit-outs, four marks, two goals and eight clearances.

O’Bree said he could not fault the 28-year-old during his past two weeks in the VFL.

“His attitude, I can’t fault it,” he said. “He is playing to his strengths and some of the hitouts to advantage to our VFL midfielders was a real highlight. When he understands what his real strength is in the ruck contests and around the contest, he is very dynamic.

“I thought he played like that today and last week as well.”

Geelong takes on top-four teams Williamstown and Essendon before the finals.