Forward thrust could help Cockatoo back into AFL
A MOVE forward in Saturday’s scratch match may help Nakia Cockatoo press his claim to return to Geelong’s AFL side with just three matches to come before finals.
The enigmatic Cat had been playing through the midfield in the practice matches this year but was pushed forward against the Bulldogs to good effect.
Cockatoo is aiming to play his first game at the top level since Round 3, 2018 on Sunday against Essendon.
Head coach Chris Scott hinted that the Dogs game could be the last chance for the 23-year-old to make his case for inclusion before finals, given his lack of recent experience in the AFL.
Geelong VFL coach Shane O’Bree said Cockatoo did himself no harm in a new role.
“He’s been building up, probably the last three games (Cockatoo) has played with no restrictions and has been playing great footy,” O’Bree told K rock.
“He has just been playing as a midfielder and (on Saturday) probably played more forward than midfield. We are just trying him in different positions to get him in super form so he can perform at AFL level.
“He didn’t play a lot of footy for a long time and his body feels good now.”
Lachie Fogarty was another Cat who pressed his case in the scratch match, booting two goals, while Esava Ratugolea also had a good outing.
“Lachie Fogarty was really good (on Saturday) and he had plenty of the ball, he played midfield and forward,” O’Bree said. “Zach Guthrie down back, he’s been super reliable. He is probably our oldest player not playing (AFL) at the moment and his leadership has been good.
“Esava came back and played his first VFL game for a long while and it was good for him to just have a run around and take a few marks and play in the ruck and just get some confidence back.”
Geelong has plans for a scratch match next weekend and O’Bree said he hoped the games would continue as long as the Cats played in the AFL.