Quick confident Geelong can win flag despite Vines loss
RISING Geelong star Brody Couch believes the Cats “have what it takes” to bring home their maiden First XI premiership, even without champion batsman Eamonn Vines.
Couch conceded Vines, who has moved to Tasmania looking for first-class opportunities, was a “huge loss” but that Geelong could collectively fill his place.
Geelong was knocked out in the penultimate game of last season in a dramatic final against Dandenong and Couch said the Cats had “unfinished business” as he also strives to make his first-class debut for Victoria.
“I just want to continue to play consistent cricket with Geelong and probably look to take another step having unfinished business from last season where we couldn’t quite get to the grand final,” the fast bowler said.
“We have a core group of players who are all driven and motivated, even more so now than ever from last year. We have what it takes to bring home the flag in the First XI.”
Couch said experienced trio Josh McDonald, Hayden Butterworth and Dom McGlinchey would be able to lead, adding Vines’ move would allow for the next wave of talent to emerge.
“Tom O’Connell, Tommy (Jackson) and myself, we’ve been playing Premier Cricket for a few years now,” he said. “It’s time for us to go and lead a little bit more from the front now.
“We’ve also got some younger players coming through, the likes of ‘Blacky’ (Liam Blackford), Callum Stow and a couple of other boys that are probably nearly knocking on the door.”
Couch said the club would have to “take that extra five and 10 per cent step up” to fill Vines’ output. “I think we have the talent and we’re ready to do it,” he said. “I reckon we’re able to give it a good shake.”
Jackson said this season would be a chance for the club’s younger players to assume more responsibility. “The guys like ‘Couchy’, Tommy O’Connell, Gus Boyd – us younger guys – can probably start a new generation,” Jackson said. “It’s exciting for us young boys. We can start leading the pack a bit and take a bit more responsibility.”