CATS RISE TO CHALLENGE
Doesn’t fit into our mission, says Cook
GEELONG remains a graveyard for Adelaide, with the Cats steadying after a scratchy start to win by 27 points despite an injury to Patrick Dangerfield.
After the Crows challenged early, the ladder-leader flexed its considerable muscle and broke clear for a 14.12 (96) to 10.9 (69) win last night at GMHBA Stadium.
The Crows have lost their past 11 games at the venue, last winning in Geelong in 2003.
Dangerfield was handicapped with a sore hip after he was crunched late in the second term.
Adelaide captain Taylor Walker made a strong start, but also hurt his elbow in the second term and that dented his impact.
The Cats moved Mark Blicavs into the ruck after quarter-time and that was critical.
With Blicavs taking control of the ruck duels and midfielder Tim Kelly outstanding, the Cats kicked seven goals to three after halftime.
It was a quick rebound for Geelong, having lost after the bye again last weekend, with Port Adelaide dominating.
Adelaide made the early running, as it threatened to take control of the clearances.
The Crows extended a ninepoint lead at the first break to 20 in the second term.
But Walker had to leave the field with his injury and that appeared to hamper him for the rest of the game.
Once Blicavs went into the ruck, Geelong had the clearances more on its terms. The Cats steadied, kicking the last three goals of the half to lead by a point at the main break.
The one big negative in the second term for the home side was Dangerfield, who was crunched by Daniel Talia in a marking contest.
He returned to the field early in the third term and had minimal impact.
The Crows were on the back foot for much of the third term, but great support from Walker helped to set up defender Brodie Smith for an outstanding goal.
The third term belonged to Cats small forward Gryan Miers, who kicked two goals — the second when he won a 50-50 ball superbly.
Fellow newcomer Jordan Clark and veterans Joel Selwood and Harry Taylor also impressed, while Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane were best for the Crows. Recalled Adelaide star Bryce Gibbs had little impact and star forward Eddie Betts was also quiet.
GEELONG has joined the growing chorus of voices to call on the AFL to examine its relationship with gambling.
The Cats have been hailed for their progressive stance against betting revenue, having eliminated gambling advertising at GMHBA Stadium.
Chief executive Brian Cook said yesterday Geelong was in the process of selling off its last poker machine venue, having replaced $3.5 million of gambling-related revenue.
AFL Victoria’s Love The Game, Not the Odds round is this weekend.
Cook said Geelong was determined not to lecture other clubs but hoped to send a message about its priorities.
“We have a strong community program and a big picture point of view,” he said.
“It’s a philosophical stance we take and also a commercial one to engage with more people. We have taken our stance about gambling advertising because it doesn’t fit into our mission about why we exist.
“We didn’t like the idea of kids betting on games or seeing so much advertising.
“I won’t make comment about what other clubs are doing but I think as an industry we really need to be mindful of the effects of the amount of gambling advertising throughout all channels and areas where our children can see it.”
It follows Western Bulldogs skipper Easton Wood taking a public stand this week against gambling revenue in the AFL.
Wood said he was prepared to take a pay cut if the league banned betting ads.
League chief executive Gillon McLachlan defended the AFL’s relationship with gambling companies yesterday, but said Wood’s stance showed leadership.
McLachlan told 3AW yesterday the league would listen to its players over antigambling stances.
“I think it’s a commendable position. People are aware the BetEasy contract is up. He is showing leadership about what he thinks and what his view is. He is having a view about where he stands,” he told 3AW.
“I think as we look forward, the players’ voice is an important one. “Our position has been clear. We have an agreement with wagering companies because it’s a legal area that would go on without us.
“You wouldn’t notice much difference if we had a partnership or not.”