Sacrifice behind success
CONTINUITY and sacrifice has allowed the Geelong coaching group to stay together and, like the players, coach Chris Scott says the men off the field are improving in form as the season progresses.
The Cats managed to retain all of their full-time coaches this season despite the squeeze on finances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
As a five-match winning streak has seen Geelong close in on another top-four finish, the coaching group has impressed with its adaptability.
“The team is in pretty good shape,” Scott told Nine.
ESSENDON will take a cautious approach with Joe Daniher despite his starring role for the Bombers in his long-awaited return to footy.
Coach John Worsfold said captain Dyson Heppell was also in the mix for his first game since Round 2, with the Bombers to play West Coast on Tuesday night before meeting Geelong at the Gabba on Sunday.
Daniher kicked 3.3 from 14 disposals and 10 marks against Hawthorn on Thursday in his first game since Round 9 last year.
It will be just a five-day break for Daniher ahead of the Tuesday night’s match against the Eagles and Worsfold said if playing him would negatively impact his long-term footy then they would be cautious.
“He has pulled up really well, which was obviously great for Joe,” he said.
“Coming off short breaks we need to assess how they have pulled up.
“(We are) looking at every player but Joe in particular and Cale Hooker, playing their first games off extended breaks, we will really have to assess how they have pulled up and make a call. If he fits into the criteria of being available then he will play.
“But if there is any concerns about him backing up off five days, and it is going to have any impact on his long term footy then we won’t play him.”
Michael Hurley will train while young ruckman Sam Draper is available for selection after being managed.
And they could be joined by the Bombers skipper, who is getting close to returning after fracturing an ankle in June.
Worsfold said while Heppell might be keen to return quickly, the club’s medical and fitness staff would also have a big say.
“He’s got some good volume in, (Sunday) is going to be the next step in getting through this session in saying he feels comfortable to play a game of footy,” he said.
“He has to tick off all the boxes, the medical staff have to clear him and say ‘we think he is ready to play’, the conditioning staff have their say and need to tick him off to say he has done the work and is not at high risk of getting soft tissue injuries because he hasn’t done a high amount of high volume work. And then Hepp has to feel like he is ready to go and contribute.”