Dawn to Dark: All the likes and dislikes from the Cattery after round five
One area has seen Geelong improve dramatically compared to 2023. Plus, some tough calls are coming. See all the likes and dislikes from the Cattery.
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Geelong is one of two teams who remain undefeated in 2024 — and things are likely to get better before they get worse.
Captain Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins are set to return for their important clash with Brisbane, which will be a sterner test than their round five opponents North Melbourne.
We look at the likes and dislikes from round five.
LIKES
BIG IMPROVEMENTS
Geelong is firing in attack and defence, just not at the contest, which Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie will be hoping to set right in the coming weeks.
The Cats currently rank in the bottom five for points from stoppages, conceding 35.4 per game, and also 15th for contested possessions and 17th for clearances according to Champion Data.
But on the flip side, Geelong is fifth in the competition for points from stoppages.
Their midfield weakness has been offset by their improved defensive work, ranking first in the competition for points off turnover — compared to 10th last year — and second for opposition score per inside 50 (16th last season).
While clubs struggle to score against them, the Cats are punishing teams the other way, ranking second for points from turnovers and fourth for points from defensive 50.
WELL MANAGED
It wasn’t a nightmare draw by any means but the Cats find themselves in second on the ladder at 5-0 – and they’ve done it while managing their players effectively all season long.
Last round alone, captain Patrick Dangerfield was given a third week on the sidelines to nurse his hamstring, Jake Kolodjashnij was managed with a quad tweak, and Tom Hawkins was another classic Cats late withdrawal.
Utility Mark Blicavs was also handed the red vest in the third term.
The strategy is a win-win, allowing hardened players to get a well-earned rest while giving youngsters extra exposure – like key forward Shannon Neale and debutant Connor O’Sullivan.
Tom Atkins was pulled out in round two and then subbed out in round three, ruckman Rhys Stanley and veteran Zach Tuohy were managed against the Hawks, while Stanley’s replacement Toby Conway was rested in round four.
Mark O’Connor also started as the sub in round four.
Coach Chris Scott said Cam Guthrie is looking good ahead of a possible round 6 but, again, the Cats are likely to be cautious.
Will another be managed for the trip to Brisbane? Scott has said they are not afraid to rest players against better opposition.
CAMERON’S TOP-FIVE SHOWING
Jeremy Cameron put on a show against North Melbourne.
He had threatened to have a monster haul like this with returns of 2.3 and 21 disposals in Geelong’s round win over St Kilda and 2.4 and 27 touches against the Bulldogs, but this week everything came together.
Champion Data rates it as one of the best of his lofty career, with his 28 AFL Player Ratings points ranking fourth across his 235 games.
It is also the 10th time he has kicked six goals or more in a game.
The 31-year-old may not be kicking bags of goals every week, but he is having a significant impact around the ground, running rings around the opposition.
He rates elite for disposals, uncontested possessions, goals and score involvements for all key forwards.
The Cats will need him at his best again with Brisbane coming up this weekend.
STANLEY RESURGENCE
After competing well against reigning All-Australian ruckman Tim English, Stanley wound back the clock in his 200th game – and gave selectors more food for thought.
Tristan Xerri has had a promising start to the season and Stanley got the points over the Roos big man, with nine of his 21 hit-outs going to advantage to go with 12 disposals and four clearances.
Stanley finished as the third ranked Cat on the ground for the second straight week after a couple of modest performances to begin the season.
Over the last fortnight he has shown why he still has the No. 1 ruck mantle in his grasp.
NEALE DEAL?
Shannon Neale was whisked into the side at the last minute and while he might not hold his spot in the short-term, he showed some very encouraging signs for the future.
While Cameron kicked six, the 21-year-old was the No. 1 target inside 50 for the Cats on the weekend as he put through three majors himself.
But what would have also impressed the Cats was his work around the ground, laying an equal team-high six tackles and clunking a towering contested mark deep in his defensive 50.
There is enormous scope for growth for the 203cm with his exceptional athleticism and you can sense Scott’s intent to give him opportunities wherever he can.
While Tom Hawkins will leave a hole once he does decide to call time, Neale will be waiting in the wings.
DISLIKES
SELECTION HEADACHES
Some tough selection calls are coming for the Cats in the next fortnight.
Hawkins, Dangerfield and Kolodjashnij should be back to face the Lions, while Guthrie could return ahead of their clash with Carlton the following week.
Forward Gary Rohan also returned in the VFL this week but managed the five touches. Geelong’s forward line is so stacked that he may need some more games in the reserves.
Second-year midfielder Jhye Clark appears the most likely candidate to come out of the side after starting as the sub against the Roos, while O’Sullivan might also find it tough to hold his spot.
Brandan Parfitt and Jack Bowes have relished in midfield roles since coming into the side – the two were Geelong’s leading clearance winners on Sunday – and both would be stiff to make way in the next fortnight.
What about Neale, who kicked three goals as Hawkins’ replacement?
MANNAGH ON THE OUTER
Shaun Mannagh is evidence of Geelong’s selection squeeze.
The VFL gem would be playing at most other clubs in the league but he has managed just one game against Adelaide and a quarter in round one as the sub.
Mannagh’s exciting first quarter in their win over the Crows showed the kind of buzz he can bring.
He showed once again he is well above VFL level on the weekend with 15 disposals, 10 contested possessions, two contested marks and 3.2 against the Northern Bullants.
But there’s not exactly spots up for grabs at the Cats.
Mannagh was named as an emergency against the Roos but he might need luck to go his way to get consistent opportunities in the seniors.
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