In the next few weeks until the start of the 2009 season on 26th March 2009, we will preview how each club will go in season 2009.
Gary Ablett would be disappointed how his team fell away during the finals last year and would personally in for a big injury free year
Other clubs already reviewed are: Western Bulldogs, Richmond Tigers.
After Kick2Kick reviews each club, the writers will give their full season 2009 predictions. If you would like to review a team, please contact us.
What Happened Last Year
The Season went great as they again only lost a few games but the Grand Final itself was a flop which meaning Geelong under achieved as a team. A lot of people say they Lost the Grand Final instead of Hawthorn winning the Grand Final.
Injuries only played a minor part with Ottens, Hawkins, Ablett, Ling & Chapman all having a few games off but arrogance and them playing with their prey (like what Cats do) would be what Coach Thompson is be worried about.
His forward line of Lonergan, Mooney, Hawkins etc all failed at times to fully establish themselves and some questions were asked.
The New Season
The new season brings hope, apart from Egan (who probably wont play again), N Ablett and Primsell the club is still strong and not missing any major players and has enough young guns and established best 23-25th best wanting to get a game.
Unless something drastic happens Geelong will again be the bench mark team to chase and maybe them loosing in dramatic fashion in last year Grand Final could reignite their hunger.
Likely Finish: Top 2
Players to Watch
Harry Taylor - Mature age pick last year and did not disappoint even with questions over his man on man ability. Can find the ball and will be a 10 year player at CHB.
Travis Varcoe - Was on the fringes of the team last year and had a very bad Grand Final. Has ability to burn and 2009 should be a season to watch.
Tom Hawkins was tipped to be a big goal kicker but has not showed that form yet for Geelong. Could 2009 be the year?
Garry Ablett jnr - A very proud man and not winning the Brownlow for the second successive year, injuries and loosing the Grand Final last year will drive Ablett to a great year.
Need to Improve
Tom Hawkins – This kid almost more attention on him than Nathan Ablett with his size and goal kicking promise. However has not deleievered yet, still young but spots in the team are hard to come by.
Mark Blake - While a popular player down at the Cattery, he has simply not done enough with his opportunities. Remember Geelong gave up ex-captain King to keep Blake happy.
Cameron Mooney - Had a Barry Hall of a Grand Final with missing easy shots and being totally disillusioned. The “big hairy cat” needs to make up for his second bad Grand Final.
List Cloggers
Mathew Egan – While he was an All Australian CHB, he has not played for 18 months and besides a James Hird miracle, he wont again.
James Kelly – Has plenty of ability but with such an excellent midfield, Kelly is the one who misses out and if does not find a regular spot this season, may be used to lighten the salary cap belt.
Your Views
What do you think of the Cats in season 2009? Will they again be a force and can they make up for last years bad showing in the Grand Final?
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March 10th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I still believe they’re the best team in the competition despite losing the Grand Final.
Need to Improve
The entire forwardline
Still really lack a key forward they can rely on. One area that Hawthorn completely dominate them in.
Pickless last blog post..Player vs Player Tipping Competition: Open!
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March 10th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Have to agree with Pickles that Geelong is still the best team in the competition. Think Hawks are a lot closer than start of last year but injuries (as we talk about in their preview) could mean that Geelong again will be the stand out team.
Their forward line has a few questions on it is a bit of an under statement. Steve Johnson, Varcoe, Gamble, Mooney etc all have the x-factor and can star at any given time but they do not every week. They need a forward who will be consistent and kick a few goals every game. imo Lonergan and or Hawkins is this forward and one of them needs to lift this year.
Thanks for your comments Pickles..
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March 11th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Think you are a bit harsh on Kelly mate, he averaged 20 possessions plus per game last season in a cracking midfield and was their third highest tackler with over 100 tackles. i think he plays his role well.
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March 12th, 2009 at 9:15 am
No doubting his talent but the fact is that Geelong has a few midfielders and I doubt they all can fit in the same squad. Kelly could easily fit in 13 or 14 other sides…
Last year he was left out of the side several times and had to play in different non-midfield positions. When the salary cap squeeze happens, he imo will be one they look to discard. That is why I have him on the “List Clogger”, tough I know but thats AFL….
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March 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Ablett didnt look too well at the GF last year. He was pasty looking and wasnt playing his all time best. I think they choked big time when it came to 2008 GF. But I do believe that they still have the potential to be GF contenders. They have a great team and they know their strengths – but I think that with that, there comes their weaknesses.
Princess of the Catss last blog post..The Climb – Miley Cyrus
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March 14th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Kelly a list clogger? You are dreamin’, Jermayn. If he’s good enough to be in 13 or 14 midfields, he’s hardly clogging up the Cats’ list. Trade bait due to salary cap? Sure, but not a list clogger.
aussierulesblogs last blog post..What is it with mouthguards and kicking for goal?
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March 15th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Hence why I name him as a list clogger… I fail how he can fit into the best 22 as Geelong already has a solid midfield and he is too old to be sitting in the VFL waiting for a chance so with salary cup issues, he may have to go.
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