Cats still cruising despite first loss
Geelong suffered its first loss of the season, but there is still plenty to smile about for the Cats ahead of a blockbuster clash with Port Adelaide.
History will be made on Friday night when Tom Hawkins draws level with Joel Selwood as Geelong’s games-record holder.
That won’t be the only reason why he will be under the microscope after failing to kick a goal in his last four games – a first in his lofty career.
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The out-of-form Hawkins said on Tuesday that he wants to have more influence on games, and he has the perfect opportunity to do so in his club record-equalling 355th match. The champion forward comes up against a favourable side and an opponent he took to the cleaners last year: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.
The former Bomber spent 182 minutes as a direct matchup on Hawkins in Essendon’s two losses to Geelong.
In that time the Cats spearhead kicked 11 goals – that’s a goal every 16 minutes – and took 17 marks.
Hawkins has also booted 13 goals in his last five matches against the Power, including two majors on Aliir Aliir in round 13 last year.
Aliir is set to return from a concussion next week and might be the better choice given Zerk-Thatcher’s history on him.
He starred across the preeason, and Saturday night was the best in-season game Clark has produced.
With Patrick Dangerfield sidelined and Mark O’Connor and Brandan Parfitt both managed, the second-year Cat took his opportunity with both hands, recording his best return for contested possessions (10, second most for Geelong vs. Melbourne) and clearances (4).
The first goal of his career that bounced through from outside the arc was somewhat fortunate, but he deserves some luck after his injuryriddled first year at the Cats.
Geelong isn’t just flying in the AFL. The Cats are sitting third on the ladder in the VFL with a number of fringe Cats putting pressure on the seniors.
After playing the first two games of the year, mature-age pick-up Shaun Mannagh has averaged 17 disposals, 2.3 goals and 104 SuperCoach points in four VFL matches, including four goals over the weekend. Shannon Neale, who was named as an emergency last week, has kicked five goals and taken six contested marks since coming out of the side. Mitch Knevitt has had some big games as an inside midfielder, Oisin Mullin is averaging 20 disposals, seven intercepts and seven marks, and Connor O’Sullivan’s balluse and intercepting has stood out.
Even Ted Clohesy, who debuted as the substitute in the final round last year, appears to have lifted his game, averaging 26 disposals, five clearances and seven tackles in the last three weeks, while the uncapped Mitch Hardie is winning a truckload of the ball himself.
They are well stocked if injuries come in the winter months.
The Cats have strangled sides this season, and Melbourne beat Geelong at its own game.
The Demons restricted Geelong to nine goals and part of that was down to the difficulty of their opportunities.
Geelong’s expected shot at goal accuracy was 41 per cent on the weekend – a season-low – and their actual accuracy was 38 per cent.
That was their second worst for the season behind their season-opener against St Kilda. Port Adelaide conceded an alarming 39 points from their defensive half in their Showdown shocker, so the Cats should some easier looks this week.
O’Connor and Parfitt were managed last week.
O’Connor is a mainstay who has the tools to play a run-with role on Zak Butters, and Parfitt is in strong form.
But who makes way for their clash with Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium?
Don’t be surprised to see Tanner Bruhn managed – or any player for that matter – after he was subbed out as a precaution with a shoulder knock.
It would be harsh to drop Clark after his best game to date, but there aren’t many obvious candidates to come out.
As for in the ruck, Toby Conway was managed in the VFL last week.
The Cats have rested Rhys Stanley every third game this year and if that trend continues, Conway would come in to face Jordan Sweet. A taller and less mobile ruckman, Sweet shapes as a suitable match-up for the 206cm Conway.