Geelong forward leading the way

GEELONG coach Chris Scott isn’t ready to give Luke Dahlhaus the tag of the Cats’ “forward line pressure general” just yet.

But numbers show the new Cat has led the way in Geelong’s new-found pressure in attack.

Dahlhaus is the No.1 tackler in the competition, laying 17 tackles in his first two games – 11 of them against Melbourne in last Saturday night’s thumping win at GMHBA Stadium.

That has helped the Cats become arguably the best pressure forward line in the competition, ranking comfortably towards the top in a number of key indicators.

Having struggled in this area last year, it appears the Cats have found the remedy in one savvy summer of recruiting, training and modification.

Geelong is ranked second in the competition for forwardhalf pressure and fourth for forward-half turnovers.

The Cats are also the AFL leader in making the most of the opposition’s defensive mistakes, averaging 42.5 points per game from forward-half turnovers.

But as coach Chris Scott points out, there are plenty of other forwards playing their part to lock the footy in.

Mature-age rookie and tackling beast Tom Atkins is ranked as above average for forward-half pressure.

Recruit Gary Rohan is ranked as elite for contested marks, while Gryan Miers is rated as above average for disposals and ground-ball gets inside-50 in the opening two games.

Asked if Dahlhaus was the one setting the tone for Geelong’s forward-50 pressure, Scott said: “There’s a bit of competition for that title if it should go to any one player”.

“Luke has had a big influence, there is no question about that, but to give him the title is a bit premature at the moment,” Scott said.