AFL 2024: Geelong win against the odds proves Cats are a flag threat as Tom Stewart goes down

Geelong made a statement by knocking off Brisbane, but an injury to Tom Stewart soured the win. However, there are reinforcements in the wings. See who could replace him.

Brandan Parfitt celebrates a goal. Picture: Getty Images

They were conditions that should have played right into Brisbane’s hands.

Up at the Lions’ fortress, where they won 14 consecutive games last season, heavy rain throughout the night turned the match into a wet weather slog.

The pelting rain spelt disaster for Geelong’s midfield group up against Brisbane’s hardened and experienced contested ball-winners in the Cats’ biggest test of the season to date.

Despite their 5-0 record to that point, Geelong was ranked 17th for clearances, 14th for points from stoppages and 14th for contested possession differential across the first five rounds – a profile which matched their underwhelming numbers in 2023.

Geelong then lost its defensive linchpin Tom Stewart on the stroke of halftime to concussion as the Cats took in a two-point lead into the main break.

Tom Stewart was subbed out with concussion. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The fact the Cats managed to restrict Brisbane to just 1.5 in the second half while piling on 5.5 to win against the odds by 26-points not only showed their grit, it proved they are every bit a top-four contender.

The Cats were able to mitigate their weakness in the coalface by equalling the Lions in clearances, with an injury to Oscar McInerney helping their cause.

When Brisbane did have the ball the Cats tackled like their lives depended on it, laying 85 for the match, and completely dry up their scoring and ball movement.

While the Lions wasted opportunities with inaccurate shots on goal, they managed just four goals from 51 entries – a credit to Geelong’s team defence, which has been one of the big reasons behind their improved fortunes this year.

In attack the Cats played the conditions far better as they prioritised taking territory in whatever way they could.

A 50m soccer off the ground from Brandan Parfitt found Brad Close whose right foot checkside around the corner ended up in a goal for Oliver Henry.

It was anything but pretty but it was the perfect play for the conditions.

Same goes for Tom Hawkins’ barrel to Tyson Stengle deep inside 50 in the final quarter, with that goal just about sealing the deal for the Cats.

The challenges don’t stop there for Geelong with Carlton, Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast in their next four matches.

But as the only undefeated side in the competition, no one can question whether they are a premiership threat now.

Jack Bowes and Ollie Henry celebrate a goal. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

WHO REPLACES STEWART?

It is the player the Cats can least afford to lose ahead of a blockbuster against a dangerous Carlton forward line next week.

Carlton talls Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Tom De Koning kicked nine of the Blues' 17 goals in their statement win over Greater Western Sydney which is a looming problem for the Cats.

“There’s no one that we can replace that will be at Tom Stewart’s level,” coach Chris Scott said post-match.

“But we’ve been really clear for the long time that the best teams will need to use a big squad, depth is really important and this tests us a little bit.

“Clearly Carlton’s forward line forces you to think a little bit about how you set up anyway.”

Can Sam De Koning, Jack Henry and Jake Kolodjashnij, who have impressed as a defensive combination this year, contend with that extra height without Stewart patrolling the defensive 50 picking off attacking forays?

Sam De Koning and Jack Henry will have their hands full this week. Picture: Getty Images

Round five debutant Connor O’Sullivan responded to his axing with 24 disposals and 11 intercepts in Geelong’s VFL win over Brisbane. The 198cm youngster was named as emergency and could help quell the Blues’ three big men.

Rookie draft pick-up Emerson Jeka is a more ready-made option. The former Hawk has averaged 23 disposals, 7.5 intercepts and 114 SuperCoach points in his last VFL two games as a key defender.

If they decide to look for a smaller option, they could keep Bowes in defence as they did in the second half on Saturday night and play substitute Jhye Clark in the midfield — or Guthrie if he returns.

Alternatively, Zach Tuohy was managed and could slot in down back, while out-of-favour defender Jed Bews is yet to feature at senior level this year and is coming off 20 touches in the reserves.

FRINGE PLAYERS NO MORE?

When Parfitt and Jack Bowes entered the side as injury replacements, their stints looked short-lived given who was coming back.

But the pair have gone from fringe players to critical contributors as their standings grow by the week.

Bowes, who came in as the sub in round three, kicked an opportunistic goal in the first quarter and had 11 disposals and five tackles in the first half. He was then switched into defence to fill the void of Stewart and performed strongly down back.

Parfitt has laid six or more tackles in all five of his game this year and added another six against the Lions, including a desperate rundown that led to a Lions turnover.

He put the icing on the cake with a classy final-term goal which sealed the win, also tallying 17 disposals and seven clearances.

Brandan Parfitt has stepped up this season. Picture: Getty Images

Even with Cam Guthrie’s return looming it is difficult to see either of these players making way as they continue to perform their roles with aplomb.

And coach Chris Scott said as much post-game on Parfitt.

“Parfitt has taken his opportunity when it just looked like it was going to be difficult to get him in, and it’s going to be difficult to get him out now,” Scott said.

TEAM EFFORT

Well-rounded contributions have characterised Geelong’s start to the season, making it tough for the umpires and those doing the votes for the Carji Greeves Medal.

Brisbane had six players eclipse 25 disposals on Saturday night, while Geelong had none.

Up forward, Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins were both kept goalless for the first time in their 62 games together.

But the Cats had 12 players who finished with between 15 and 25 disposals, with the Lions having four in this bracket.

Disposals aren’t everything, but it highlights the even spread within Geelong’s side and the fact they don’t need one or two stars to lead them to victory.

Max Holmes line-breaking speed makes his 24-disposal game seem much more valuable; eight of Zach Guthrie’s 21 possessions were won off the opposition; Tyson Stengle was lively and clean with two goals; while Tanner Bruhn (21 disposals and nine tackles) and Gryan Miers (20 disposals, five tackles) were also critical.

And a few others would be considered stiff to miss being mentioned alongside these five.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Geelong win against the odds proves Cats are a flag threat as Tom Stewart goes down