What we learnt from Geelong’s final pre-season hitout against Brisbane

A forgettable result but there was plenty still to take from Geelong’s belting at the hands of Brisbane, with some old and new faces impressing.

Sam Simpson returned for Geelong against Brisbane. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It was a pretty forgettable night on Thursday as the Cats were easily accounted for by the Lions in Queensland.

The 46-point loss won’t mean much come round 1 but we picked up some titbits about how Geelong will prepare to face Collingwood on March 17.

Forward focus

Among the questions about how Geelong will line up forward of the ball come round 1 will be who takes ruck contests.

With Tom Hawkins likely sidelined, the Cats will be without the game’s best forward-ruck and were bereft of answers against the Lions when sporting a small forward line.

Gary Rohan was left to ruck in parts. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Rohan took some boundary throw in contests and had little effectiveness.

Jeremy Cameron will play against the Magpies but he is no ruckman.

The Cats also lacked a forward target, particularly early, when they consistently pumped the ball inside-50 but didn’t look particularly dangerous.

Ollie Henry should play come round 1 but he has shown in both pre-season matches that he needs to shore up his hands after dropping several simple marks inside-50.

Remember me?

While last week’s match simulation was all about the new faces, it was some old faces who stepped up against Brisbane.

Keep an eye on Cooper Whyte. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The Cats have had big wraps on Grovedale youngster Cooper Whyte and it was easy to see why, with the second-year player dashing off half-back and delivering nicely with his sharp left foot.

Having seen his career stall after playing in the 2020 grand final, Sam Simpson looked back to his usual self playing across the half-forward line.

And another second-year Cats, Ollie Dempsey again found himself in good spots at the right time to impact the game.

Bruhn brilliance

A talented ball-winner throughout his junior days, Tanner Bruhn has thrived on the inside in Geelong’s two pre-season hit-outs.

Tanner Bruhn has looked good. Picture: Michael Klein

The former Giant hoovered up seven disposals and two clearances in the first term and remained busy gathering 19 touches and seven tackles on the night.

Geelong’s midfield mix will be in flux throughout the season but there is no reason why Bruhn won’t play plenty of minutes.

Solid Sav

Anyone watching Thursday night’s game who didn’t know Esava Ratugolea’s history would have assumed he had always been a defender.

The big man’s switch has been solidified as he again looked at ease defensively playing predominantly on Daniher.

Esava Ratugolea continues to impress. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Ratugolea’s keenness to bomb the ball long to contests instead of opting for short passes may need cleaning up as he goes along, but so far, so good in the back half.

Ruck conundrum

The Cats will have to make a call in the ruck before facing Collingwood, with both Rhys Stanley and Jonathon Ceglar fit and ready to go.

Jonathon Ceglar competes. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The talls split the ruckwork in the absence of Mark Blicavs, with Stanley spending some time up forward to give the Cats a target.

Stanley should get first dibs but with the new sub rule, Geelong could be tempted to play both rucks.

Originally published as What we learnt from Geelong’s final pre-season hitout against Brisbane