ZACH BACKS CATS’ BELIEF TO DO IT
GEELONG defender Zach Tuohy says there is “no fear” in the Cats playing group as they prepare for Friday’s preliminary final blockbuster against Richmond.
The Cats surged within a win of making a Grand Final after toppling West Coast by 20 points at the MCG last Friday night.
Tuohy, who played one of his best matches of the season, was confident his side could ride a wave of momentum into the clash against the Tigers.
Richmond is the in-form team of the competition, earning the week off after pounding Brisbane Lions by 47 points in the qualifying final.
Tuohy said Friday night’s win over the reigning premier would not give the Cats any added confidence — because Geelong already knew it was capable of defeating any team.
“There’s no fear in this group,” he said.
“We went well against Collingwood earlier in the year, well against West Coast, went well against Richmond.
“Now it’s finals, it’s knockout, anything can happen. But, to be honest, I’m not sure I am a whole lot more confident than I was last week, even after the game. I just believe we can do it.”
Geelong entered last Friday’s match with a clear issue in first quarters in finals over recent years.
The Cats made a fast start one of their primary focuses, with Tom Hawkins saying his side wanted to “throw the first punch”.
Hawkins’s comments were the theme of many Cats players interviewed across the weekend about the emphasis placed on a strong start.
Coach Chris Scott was also particularly animated on the ground as he spoke to the team before the first bounce.
Geelong was able to flip its first-quarter woes on its head in last Friday’s win, kicking 5.2 to 1.1 to stun the Eagles early.
Tuohy said it was crucial the Cats made a similar start against the Tigers, but also backed his teammates to work their way into the contest if Richmond had the upper hand early.
“When is that not the case? When do you not want to come out red hot?” he said.
“Richmond are a seriously energetic team. They surge the ball a lot and do the rugby run, almost, where they have waves of people running.
“So, clearly, if you give them a lead it’s going to be hard to reel them in.
“But I look back on the game we played this year — they dominated the first quarter, from memory.
“I don’t think the scoreline was out of whack. So we know they can do that and we know we can respond.
“If we don’t start quite as well next week, we won’t be beaten until the very end of the game.”
Friday’s win was the perfect response by the Cats, who had been put under the microscope following their qualifying final loss to Collingwood.
“We (dropped) off in some key areas last week (against Collingwood). But against a side that could go all the way we lost by 10 points, so it was hardly panic stations,” Tuohy said. “We looked at some vision, addressed the issues and probably for three quarters we were just outstanding today (against West Coast). I’m really proud.”