Round 19: Time Enough

There was interesting article in The Age a couple of weeks ago about Geelong (when I say ‘interesting article’, I actually mean it raised one interesting point, but anyway) and how they are handling their preparations for finals this year. There was a quote from Ken Hinkley that went something like; “We had the best season (in 2008) but Hawthorn had the best September.” As well as providing the perfect summary of what happened last season, Hinkley went on to say that this year they’re preparing a little differently, viewing the finals as a separate season and hoping to hit their peak come September, and this little insight gives me confidence that the Cats know what they’re doing.

Even with the saturated AFL media coverage we experience thee days, two of the main factors that influence on-field performance is something that we still don’t know much about; one, the physical condition of the players, and two, the coaches instructions.

Over the past month we’ve seen players rested, players with minor niggles given extra time to recuperate, a number of second tier players trialled (hello Kane Tenace) as well an usual amount of player positional experimentation. The big question is; is it working? Is Geelong better placed this year than last on the run into September?

Since that can not be answered comprehensively until the premiership has been decided, let’s look at a few of things we do know. Firstly, the Cats record is 16-2, and they’re set for a top 2 finish which is as well placed as possible for a Grand Final birth.

Secondly, there has been progress made in player development; Joel Corey, Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly have spent a lot of time at half-back, Tom Hawkins is finding some confidence in the ruck, the Blake/Mumford question has been (definitively) answered, the defence is getting big-game experience and responsibility without some of it’s leaders and 3 rookies have been tried out.

And thirdly, (thirdly doesn’t sound right, does it?) the player management model of ‘no-risks, save them for September’ is in full-effect. Yes, we seem to have a long injury list at the moment but on closer inspection they are all 1-2 week type of deals. This tells me that a lot of these players are being handled extremely cautiously.

Chapman, Scarlett, Taylor, Kelly et all are getting vital rest and rehab as September approaches. Already we have seen Ablett, Steve Johnson and Tom Harley given breaks during the year, and Brad Ottens is getting ready to pull his best Clark Keating impression. Plus, it has been reported (albeit quietly) that Geelong has just come off an extremely heavy training load period, which may explain some of the low level soft tissue complaints and the lack lustre periods during games. It also means that September should see them in peak physical condition.

All very well, you say, but isn’t it flirting with form? We can’t just throw the players together and expect immediate success can we? Well, yes we can. Continuity is important in team play, yes, but it is established over 4-5 years, not 4-5 weeks. Plus, we may have already seen Geelong prove this during the fourth quarters of the past two weeks.

Against Hawthorn and Adelaide, when the game has been up for grabs, Lips has gone back to his tried and true line-up. Joel Corey, who has filled in at half-back most the year, went back to the middle. Ablett, who had been playing as a forward, was back in the middle. Jimmy Bartel, being played a kick behind the ball, was allowed to push forward. And Joel Selwod was, well, Joel Selwood.

The end of the season is rapidly approaching. The Cats have 2-3 weeks to get their shit (and their best 22) together. Plenty of time.


Captain: Gee, WB, StK, Bris, Adel, NM, Syd, PA.
Season Tally: 106-38

Mrs Watson: Gee, WB, Haw, Bris, Coll, Mel, Rich, PA.
Season Tally: 98-46 (approx. There’s that mystery week missing)