In the next few weeks until the start of the 2010 season on 25th March 2010 we will review in depth every 16 clubs. We started off with Fremantle, then the Bulldogs, the Kangaroos and Collingwood. Last week we have looked at Richmond, Sydney, the West Coast Eagles, the Essendon and Melbourne. This week we start off with Geelong and look at whether they can still be a force in 2010.
After Kick2Kick reviews each club, we will give their full season 2010 predictions like we did last year. If you would like to review a team or something else, please contact us.
Mark Blake has seen off Steven King & Shane Mumford, so isnt it time he repayed the faith that Geelong have put in him?
What Happened Last Year
Last year they managed the season to perfection. They rested players throughout the season and while some thought they where struggling it now shows that the Geelong management managed it perfectly. It also gave certain future players like Simon Hogan (9 games), Nathan Djerrkura (3) and Tom Gillies (6) a look into the senior spot. Others players like Harry Taylor, Shannon Byrnes, Travis Varcoe and Tom Hawkins have cemented their spot in the best 22, all that equals that even when their “premiership window” closes, they could still have a strong side.
All that aside, the team went from a good team into a great team with two premierships from three grand finals in a space of three years.
The New Season
Now the test is, can they become a team to be remembered for years to come and win a third premiership in four years? Brisbane did it last decade and 50 years before Melbourne did it, so its not something that happens often but can they do it with a slow start to the pre season like they have?
Another question is, who will take Tom Harley‘s position? Will it be Marcus Drum like Harley a reject from another club or one of the young kittens like Tom Gillies, Mitch Brown, Ben Johnson or will Tom Lonergan rescue his career for the second time?
Apart from watching to see if the hungry, desire and ability is still there, the question will remain on every Cats lips is what will Gary Ablett jnr do? Will he go to the Gold Coast or will he remain loyal?
Likely Finish: Top three
Players to Watch
James Podsaidly – Given another chance after being on Collingwoods and Essendon rookie list back in the early 2000′s. Now with more clubs looking at mature age rookies after Fremantle’s Broughton success last year, Pods may be given that chance to shine, if he can provide the target, that will allow Mooney or Hawkins the luxury of playing ruck.
Tom Hawkins - Every year he is one of the players to watch as we wait for him to stop teasing us, however each year he has improved and last year, coach Thompson played him in spurts in the ruck which had an impact. Could we see him and Ottens ruck which will force Blake out?
Bench Warmers
Mathew Stokes - He has the unsung hero last year at the Grand Final celebrations who unselfishly gave up his spot in the Preliminary due to a slight injury worry. 6 months later, he is on the outer having to work for money and Shannon Byrnes taking his spot as the small forward who plays up the ground. Will need to shine in the VFL to get another chance in the senior team.
Ryan Gamble – Another small/ medium forward who is trying to get a look in. Plays brilliantly one week and then disappears the week after and when you have 4-5 similar players fighting for 2-3 spots, you simply cannot be guaranteed a spot after a quite week.
Possible Gold Coast bait.
Need to Improve
Mark Blake – Two ruckmen have been shipped off to keep Blake happy (King & Mumford) so I think its time Blake lives up to what ever Geelong see in him and he plays to that potential.
Cameron Mooney – No doubting the big hairy cats impact at Geelong since 2007 but 2008 they lost the Grand Final on the back of his goal kicking and it had not gotten any better in 2009. He is fast running out of time and while he has three premierships under his name, will we only remember him for his goal kicking?
Your Thoughts
Is Geelongs window still open? Will Gary Ablett jnr stay? How will Cameron Ling go as captain? Can the kids stand up and play in the holes that may show as the stars get that one year older? Lots of questions and I think the answer(s) will only be answered towards the end of the year. What do you think?
Loading ...
March 15th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I am not entirely sure that they can win another premiership this year…they still have arguably one of the best teams but i think with the Bulldogs acquiring Hall, and St Kilda seeing revenge I’m not sure they will be as dominant come September. Also another concern I have is with Adelaide, Brisbane, Collingwood and Hawthorn looking to be threats this year, and West Coast, Essendon, Sydney and Carlton emerging I think Geelong will have an even harder time than years past knocking off the bottom part of the 8.
So in saying that, while a premiership is still possible, I think the Window is only slightly ajar this year.
Would not be surprised if Gary Ablett Jnr does go to the Gold Coast to play alongside his brother.
March 15th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Good point Mike, they definitely will have a hard time to win their third, but thats good as premierships should be hard to win and the AFL competition is even. I think Hawthorn will only finish around 5th – 9th with injuries again getting the better of them and you could almost throw Adelaide in the same basket.
I think St Kilda wont win as many games this year as teams will have worked out how to play them better. I rate Geelong a 50/ 50 chance to play in a grand final this year.