Dockers done, now for ‘scary’ Eagles
GEELONG midfielder Mitch Duncan says the Cats will need to continue to “adapt to change” during the uncertain AFL season as they prepare to meet a “scary” West Coast on Saturday night.
It will be the first time the Cats have met Tim Kelly’s Eagles since last year’s trade when the All-Australian midfielder returned home to Western Australia.
Geelong maintained its position in the top four last night by recording a 32-point win over Fremantle in trying conditions at Optus Stadium, sitting third on the ladder.
The Cats also came through unscathed in a bonus following a recent spate of injuries to first-choice players.
“You’ve just got to adapt to change at the minute,” Duncan said.
“It’s all over the shop. Some days you can’t even get training venues. It’s one of those thing you’ve got to keep adapting to.”
Duncan returned from a hamstring injury and went on to collect 26 disposals, seven tackles and 354m gained in difficult conditions.
Duncan said he would not need a rest in the coming fixture cram, which includes four games in 14 days.
“I’ve just had 18 days off pretty much coming back from the ’string,” he told Fox Footy.
“We’ve had a good break, got a good little strength hit in as well. Should be ready to go for all games barring injury.”
Duncan said the 6.12 (48) to 2.4 (16) result was particularly important given the short turnarounds.
West Coast is the form team of the competition, coming off a 66-point demolition of Collingwood.
“They’ve got stars on every line, they were really efficient going forward,” Duncan said. “They looked scary.”
Coach Chris Scott said the club would spend little time reviewing the contest given the greasy conditions.
“Sometimes you need a bit of luck and I think we had a bit of luck tonight as well,” Scott said. “A few things went against Freo. We’ve had recent experience with losing important players early in the game and it can really snowball and have an impact.
“It was hard for them but I just thought our guys were solid.
“I don’t think it’s one we’ll reflect on for too long because in five days we’re back to play a team that’s pretty hot.”