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The year ahead: Cats & Dees |
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by Sean Lector and Thomas Grant | behindthegame.com.au
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BehindTheGame looks at the coming season of premiers Geelong, and disappointing Melbourne - whose year was raveled by injury to key personnel.
Note: For season previews of all other clubs, please see 'Columnists'.
GEELONG
Last Year
The Geelong Football Club finally did what it could not for 44 years after five attempts, win a premiership. After raising the bar considerably in 2007 with the minor premiership, 9 All-Australian players, the Brownlow Medal and the Rising Star award to add along with the illustrious premiership cup, the burning question on the lips of supporters and non-supporters alike is; can the cats go back-to-back in 08?
Strengths
- Dominance
The Cats are known for their strength all over the park hence their dominance of last season. A watertight backline, star studded midfield along with some brilliant forward line players make Geelong the best side in the competition.
- Depth
Geelong’s VFL side trounced Coburg in last year’s VFL grand final, exemplifying the depth at the club, and ensures they have the players to back up if injuries take place to their senior side throughout the season.
Weaknesses
- Key targets
The peculiar retirement of Nathan Ablett will be a telling blow on the forward line, putting much pressure on youngsters such as Tom Hawkins and Tom Lonergan, who will have to shoulder the load in 08.
- Egan injury
The loss of Egan for half of the season leaves a gaping hole in the backline; the All-Australian centre-half back of 07 will be sorely missed in a backline that was rarely beaten last year.
- Hangover
You also can’t ignore the premiership hangover. Many a side has come back the next season after the ultimate glory and not been able to back up. And after raising the bar considerably last year, every club in the competition will be bringing their ‘A-game’ to the Cattery.
Rookie to watch
- Tom Hawkins
A much publicised father/son pick, the young boy from NSW has to step up into the limelight with the absence of Nathan Ablett. Pressure also rises on highly regarded fairy-tale story Tom Lonergan, who has an eye on a regular seniors berth and can play either end.
- Keep an eye on
Harry Taylor, the mature age pick in last year’s draft, has impressed much in the pre-season playing on powerhouse forwards such as Jonathan Brown and Matthew Richardson and not being embarrassed. Ryan Gamble, after 9 goals in the pre-season, has also impressed, while Jason Davenport is also raising eyebrows with his run and carry at pure pace.
Verdict
The Cats lifted the bar considerably in 07 and whilst the remaining teams in the competition must reach this bar, the onus is on the Cats to improve also in 08 if there is to be a hope of adding another trophy by the end of the season.
After some glittering form in the pre-season, trouncing Melbourne then bowing out to eventual cup winners St Kilda and thrashing Brisbane and Richmond in practise games, Geelong have shown they are ready and raring to roll in 2008.
MELBOURNE
Last year
Melbourne failed to register a victory in season 2007 until round 10, when they finally got a close to full side together and ousted Adelaide at the MCG. They would go on to win only a mere 5 matches for the entirety of 2007.
In most top eight predictions, the Demons were expected to be right in the hunt come September. But their year was marred with frustrating injuries and inconsistent performances as they surprisingly finished inside the bottom four.
Hard-nut midfielder Nathan Jones was undoubtedly the club's best and largest positive to take out of the season. The youngster led the way all year with his competitive spirit.
Always underrated on-baller James McDonald had another great year for the club, completing back-to-back Truscott medals.
Strength
- On-ballers
With up and coming stars such as Brent Maloney, Brock McLean and Nathan Jones hard in the clinches and experienced players such as Cameron Bruce and James McDonald leading the way, Melbourne’s midfield is their greatest asset.
Weakness
- Key defenders
Defending will be a major worry for Melbourne in 2008, with Nathan Carroll the only sound key position backman. Brad Miller, who has virtually been tried everywhere with little success, will be used down back at various times while also playing a swingman role. It will be an undermanned and inexperienced backline and could cost the Demons dearly.
Key Players
- David Neitz
As always, the inspirational captain will have a pivotal role to play. Veteran Neitz struggled with injury last season, but when fit is still very valuable deep inside forward 50.
- Cameron Bruce & Brad Green
Teammates such as Bruce and Green must take the next step and lead by example for the younger Dees. While Bruce has threatened to emerge a superstar of the competition over the past few seasons, Green is coming off an awful season and must turn it around in 2008.
Rookie to watch
Indigenous forward pocket Isaac Weetra will be one to watch. The flashy and exciting forward has already impressed in pre-season games.
Fellow indigenous youngster Simon Buckley will also be one to keep an eye on. Buckley is a player with dashing pace and ability to kick goals from outside 50.
Verdict
Last year's finals chances may have suffered greatly due to injury set backs, but season 2008 could be potentially further disappointing for the Demons. New coach Dean Bailey will certainly be looking to blood more youngsters into the Melbourne side in what looks to be a rebuilding year for the club. |
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