Dangerfield says Geelong’s big three can overpower Richmond
Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield is confident the Cats have the firepower to unsettle Richmond in Saturday’s grand final.
Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield is confident the presence of fellow champions Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood will help the Cats reverse a recent loss to Richmond in Saturday’s grand final at The Gabba.
The two Geelong veterans were among the stars missing when the Cats were restricted to just 31 points, their lowest score of 2020, by the reigning premiers at Metricon Stadium in September.
The Tigers were able to stifle the impact of spearhead Tom Hawkins in a defensive masterclass on the Gold Coast when holding the Cats to just one goal to three-quarter time.
But Dangerfield has no doubt Geelong, which has been dominant in five matches at the Gabba this season, has the forward options to stretch the Tigers’ defence.
The Brownlow Medallist is likely to again start forward, while Gary Rohan and Rhys Stanley roam as taller options.
Ablett, as he demonstrated when he kicked two goals against Brisbane in Saturday’s preliminary final, will take a mile if granted an inch by opposition defenders.
Luke Dahlhaus and Gryan Miers have also bounced back well after being held goalless in the qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide at the start of October.
“Clearly (stretching Richmond’s defence) is an important part of the game,” Dangerfield said.
“But we’re certainly a different side to the one that played that night. Selwood and Ablett are pretty handy inclusions, I’d think.”
Geelong will host their main training session for grand final week at Southport on Wednesday night and all eyes will be on Hawkins.
The Coleman Medallist withdrew from a media commitment on Monday, with the Cats citing a family commitment. He then missed training on Tuesday with a sore throat.
Dangerfield is confident the 32-year-old, who has been isolated from his teammates as a precautionary measure, will recover in time to train on Wednesday night.
“I am not too concerned. I think it might have been a bit overblown,” he said.
“We all train in separate groups (on Tuesday) and our main session is tomorrow night and I am sure he will be out there.”
The presence of Hawkins is clearly vital to Geelong’s premiership hopes. He has kicked 48 goals from 20 games this season, but his worth is far greater than simply his own scoreboard contribution.
The three-time All Australian is ranked No 1 in the competition for goal assists this year, has taken the most marks inside the attacking arc and spent more time than any other player on the field in 2020.
Both sides will have a significant point of difference from the Round 17 clash on the Gold Coast.
Richmond’s premiership best and fairest Dion Prestia, Shane Edwards and star defender David Astbury and Nathan Broad were absent in Round 17.
Aside from Selwood and Ablett, the Cats were also without Stanley, Rohan and Sam Simpson, who has performed well throughout October.
Dangerfield’s emergence as a double-threat with the capability of swinging matches through the midfield or in attack has been crucial for the Cats.
Geelong coach Chris Scott conceded on AFL 360 on Monday night he had concerns about how the Cats would cope when Tim Kelly returned to Perth at the end of last year.
The solution was to spread the load across a number of players.
The consistency of midfielders Cam Guthrie, Sam Menegola, Brandan Parfitt and Simpson has kept the Cats in contention, while Mitch Duncan continues to excel.
As a result of the quintet flourishing, Dangerfield has been able to play forward and Selwood marshall the wing when needed after years where they were relied on to drive traffic.
“Our guys have played really well through there and I’m really confident they’ll get the ball down there enough and our job as forwards is to execute when we get the opportunities,” he said.
A modern-day champion, Dangerfield would cap an already outstanding resume should the Cats win the premiership on Saturday.
“It is one thing to get there but obviously the challenge is to get there and win it, so while it is enjoyable to be a part of it all, the challenge is still very much ahead of us,” he said.
“It is great, absolutely, but it is not much without winning it. I have some great mates who have played in grannies and haven’t been part of a successful side and it is a really tough day to deal with and one they still often think about.
“It is great recognition of the entire group and our club that we have got this far, but we are not done yet. The job is still ahead.”
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