Clear as mud in top fight
Bewildering season
TOMORROW night should tell us plenty about Geelong’s premiership chances — a blockbuster against the tabletopping GWS Giants.
It’s a first versus third clash with 14 rounds now in the bank.
But in a predictably unpredictable season, it already feels like regardless of the result we will be left with more questions than answers.
Geelong’s best is good enough to beat the Giants, there is no doubt about that. It’s worst could see it walk off with a heavy defeat.
That’s how big the gap is between its best and its worst.
The Giants have suffered that type of inconsistency too.
So if Geelong wins do you look at it as a premiershipcontending performance?
Or did GWS just have one of those flat days?
If the Cats suffer a heavy defeat do you mark it down as them not just turning up?
Or is that an accurate reflection of where Geelong is in the race for the flag?
That’s season 2017 for you. And it’s even got Cats coach Chris Scott slightly puzzled.
“Unfortunately I am expecting to play the best team in the comp, that’s sitting on top of the ladder,” Scott said.
“You can sit back and hope they are not going to play that way, but I think that would be a mistake.
“They’re obviously rich with talent and they are playing (well) together as well. They don’t have too many weaknesses.
“But, having said that, they’re probably similar to the other teams up towards the top of the ladder. I don’t think anyone is watching them thinking they are unbeatable.
“We’re clearly in that category, Adelaide are probably a little bit the same. Richmond, Port (Adelaide) up towards the top of the ladder.”
A win would move the Cats up to equal top of the ladder heading into the business end of the season, while a loss would shuffle them back into a massive pack chasing a topfour berth.
Just eight points splits the top four and 12th-placed Essendon, which is staggering considering there is just nine games remaining.
“We are coming to the stage of the season where traditionally the competition is starting to get worked out and you have a clearer understanding of who sits where. This year I don’t think we are at that point,” Scott said.
“When one plays three you would think it would give you a clearer picture.
“(But) we are searching to play our best footy week after week. This is a real opportunity to test ourselves. I think we would accept that if we don’t play close to our best then we won’t win the game.
“That probably summarises the substantial challenges in front of us.” EMG: