THE WHO’S WHO OF NEW HOOPS CREW
Geelong’s flag hopes get Cornes’ tick of approval
GEELONG has the list to challenge for a flag next year despite losing one of its best midfielders to a premiership rival, Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes believes.
Tim Kelly had his wish granted during the trade period, moving to West Coast in a mega deal after two brilliant seasons at GMHBA Stadium.
But despite losing a player who finished runner-up in their past two best-andfairest counts, the Cats secured four-time Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven from St Kilda and power forward Josh Jenkins from Adelaide in deals that cost little and could reap big rewards.
Geelong finished on top of the ladder last season but lost the qualifying final to Collingwood, before falling to
Richmond in a preliminary final. The Cats have now lost 11 of their past 15 finals.
“I know their finals record is poor but I still think they can win the flag,” Cornes said on SEN.
“Even though they lost Tim Kelly — one of the best midfielders in the competition — they get Jack Steven. He’s got rid of that pot belly, he looks fit.
GEELONG’S latest crop of draftees tried on their new jumpers for the first time yesterday, all daring to dream of making an impact in their first season at the Cats.
But perhaps the man with the biggest point to prove is forward Cam Taheny, who slipped to pick 50 after previously being touted as a potential first-round pick.
Taheny yesterday said he was hellbent on repaying Geelong’s faith, after the Cats traded with Essendon to ensure they got their man.
“(Josh) Jenkins will be handy. (Patrick) Dangerfield, (Joel) Selwood and (Tom) Hawkins still with some good footy left.”
Cornes believes Richmond is as well placed as any team in recent memory to win consecutive premierships, but expects Greater Western Sydney to be a much more difficult proposition in 2020.