Gaz primed for MCG challenge
GEELONG star Gary Ablett is relishing the opportunity to return to the big stage when the Cats face AFL ladder-leaders Richmond at the MCG next week.
The Cats’ push for an AFL finals berth is firmly on track after they claimed their third win from four games with a 42point victory over Brisbane on Saturday.
The 18.12 (120) to 11.12 (78) victory at GHMBA Stadium ensures the Cats will finish the round within the top eight regardless of other results.
Geelong’s next challenge is a huge Friday-night test at the MCG against Richmond, who have won a record 18 straight games at the home of football.
Ablett believes the Cats are peaking at the right time and can’t wait to play his first Friday-night game at the MCG since returning to Geelong.
“That’s why you play footy ... to play in front of those big crowds against the best teams,” the dual Brownlow Medallist said.
“They’re obviously in fantastic form ... they just keep winning and they keep getting it done.
“They are the best team in the competition at the moment – they’ve proved that – so we’ll really see where we’re at.”
Ablett praised Tom Hawkins, who has snared consecutive seven-goal hauls, and ruckman Rhys Stanley, whose renewed confidence has been obvious in recent weeks.
Ablett has himself been in scintillating form over the past fortnight, starring late during the Cats’ after-the-siren win over Melbourne and gathering a game-high 38 disposals and eight clearances against Brisbane.
“Obviously I got plenty of the ball today, which is always great,” the 34-year-old said after the game.
“I’ve been working on my contested work and really getting back to taking the game on.
“That’s when I’m at my best, when I break out the front and break the lines.
“I’ve still got a lot that I want to work on and a lot that I want to improve but I feel like I’m playing some good footy at the moment.”
Meanwhile, injured defender Harry Taylor admits “it just wouldn’t be right” to call a premature end to his career this year while he battles an ongoing foot injury.
Taylor has played only five matches this season and remains sidelined indefinitely after a fresh setback in the Round 16 win over Sydney.
The 32-year-old is contracted for next season after signing a one-year extension over the preseason and believes he still has something to give at the top level.
“I do want to fulfil that contract. I’m someone who is extremely loyal and I feel like the club has given me a lot in terms of my life – off and on the field,” Taylor said on radio.