Buzza is the Cats’ pyjamas
SIX-GAME forward Wylie Buzza shapes as an X-factor for Geelong on Friday night in their door-die semi-final against a rampaging Sydney.
Queensland-born Buzza, who was raised on rugby league before switching to Australian Football at age 15, has only played in one losing game since making his debut in Round 15 – against the Swans in Round 20.
He last played in Geelong’s Round 23 demolition of GWS but was dropped alongside Dan Menzel for last Friday’s final against Richmond.
Cameron Ling, who captained the Cats’ last premiership side in 2011, is an unabashed fan of Gatton-raised Buzza and wants to see him playing deep on Friday.
“I like him, very much so, and I think he’s important for them. He’s done enough this year to come back in for Friday night,” Ling said.
“He’s smart enough and good enough to take some grabs but the biggest thing he does is provide a brilliant contest up there and creates things for others. They feed off him.
“He’s mobile and ends up in the right spots. Plus he gets his hands on the footy. It’s not like he’s jumping blindly into packs and crashing them.”
Buzza’s presence allows Tom Hawkins to play up the ground, plus he can also spend time in the ruck given he is 198cm. Ling also wants to see Menzel. “Dan Menzel missing against Richmond wasn’t why Geelong lost but he also provides an Xfactor in the forward line that can be important in finals,” Ling said.
Sydney’s Sam Naismith, much like fellow ruckmen Brad Ottens and Clark Keating, has overcome injury and timed his run to AFL finals perfectly.
Ottens featured in only six games during 2009 but played a pivotal role in Geelong’s flag success, returning in the final round of the regular season and never looking back.
Brisbane’s Keating is a noted big-match performer.
Prior to his recall in week one of the finals, injured-plagued Naismith hadn’t played at the highest level since July 28.
Coach John Longmire backed him to deliver ahead of Kurt Tippett against Essendon, knowing Naismith’s tap work would be crucial as Sydney attempt to create history after a woeful 0-6 start to the season.
The 25-year-old proved his fitness and form in the Swans’ dominant elimination-final win.
Naismith, who had 33 hit-outs and five tackles in the Swans’ 65point win at the SCG, was happy to shake off the rust ahead of Friday night’s semi-final at the MCG against Geelong.
“It’s really set me up for what will hopefully be a long finals campaign,” he said.