Dawn to Dark: All the likes and dislikes from the Cattery after Round 17

If you needed any more proof that Chris Scott is a fantastic coach, look no further than the last fortnight. Plus, the numbers behind Geelong’s huge win and all the likes and dislikes.

Geelong has turned its form around another challenge awaits in reigning premiers Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

But they are getting the Pies at the best possible time given they have lost their last two matches.

Coach Chris Scott’s Magnet moves have helped struggling stars return to form and Geelong’s forward line is firing, but there remains an injury question mark over two key players.

See all the likes and dislikes from Round 17 in Dawn to Dark.

LIKES

1. MAGNET MOVES

If you needed any more proof that Chris Scott is a fantastic coach, his masterstroke magnet moves with Tom Stewart, Sam De Koning and Mark Blicavs are as innovative as they come. Stewart has snapped a form slump as a midfielder who sweeps back into defence, averaging 24.5 disposals, 9.0 contested possessions, 8.0 score involvements, 6.5 intercepts and 3.5 intercept marks. Geelong’s ruck line was a growing problem a few weeks ago, but Sam De Koning has racked up more than 20 disposals in his three games in the role which has given the Cats a unique look while boosting his waning confidence. Mark Blicavs had also been struggling for form, failing to score more than 90 ranking points in 11 straight games. After being pushed forward in the past fortnight he has eclipsed the 90-point mark and had a much improved impact, averaging 15.5 disposals and a goal. Hats off, Scotty. Interestingly, since Scott was inducted into the Geelong Football Hall of Fame on June 22, the Cats have flipped the script by going 2-0.

Tom Stewart has turned his form around. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

2. MANNA FROM HEAVEN

Shaun Mannagh was stuck on the outer since round two and after getting his chance following a monumental VFL performance, he wasn’t letting it – his spot and the opposition – go. Mannagh laid a whopping 14 tackles – more than double any other player on the ground – from 17 tackle attempts. That’s the sixth best tackle efficiency of any player to have 15 or more tackle attempts this season. The 26-year-old also had 20 disposals, eight score involvements and a goal assist. He deserves to be given a run in the side. Like Dempsey, Mannagh presents as a wildcard who can spice up Geelong’s forward half mix while also providing manic pressure.

Shaun Mannagh lays one of his 14 tackles. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

3. FORWARD POTENCY

Geelong’s forward half fired on all cylinders against Hawthorn and it was in part due to the Cats’ cohesion. The Cats had season highs for inside 50 differential, forward half intercepts and forward 50 marks in their 51-point win, and it could have been much more had they kicked straighter than 16.14. It bodes well for a clash against Collingwood, who have conceded the fifth most points and are the fifth easiest side to convert a rebound 50 into an inside 50 since round 12. Gary Rohan has been an underrated part of Geelong’s resurgence in the past fortnight, kicking two goals against Essendon and Hawthorn. At the other end, the Cats’ defensive profile has improved dramatically. In the last six weeks they are the second for three key indicators: chain to score against percentage, defensive 50 to inside 50s conceded and midfield intercepts. In other words they are restricting opposition ball movement and winning the ball back off the opposition, just as they were in the first seven rounds.

DISLIKES

1. VFL HEARTSTOPPERS

Geelong’s VFL side is still sitting inside the top four but the Cats have lost two nailbiters in the last three weeks. After their two point loss to Port Melbourne a fortnight ago, the Cats suffered more heartbreak on Sunday when Hawk Finn Maginness stole the lead in the dying minutes. Mitch Hardie continued his stellar VFL season with 38 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances, two goals and 139 SuperCoach points, while Ted Clohesy had 25 disposals, kicked a goal and laid 11 tackles, including a desperate tackle late in the last quarter.

Toby Conway celebrates after Geelong’s win over Richmond. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

2. INJURY UNCERTAINTY

Toby Conway (foot) and Cam Guthrie (achilles) were listed as ‘TBC’ on the injury list and there has been no update as yet on both. Guthrie told this publication ahead of round 16 that his return date was unclear and the Cats will likely be as cautious as possible with him, especially after two wins on the trot. hey have been hypervigilant of Conway even when he was fit earlier this year. Hopefully we will find out more in Tuesday afternoon’s injury update.

Originally published as Dawn to Dark: All the likes and dislikes from the Cattery after Round 17