Dawn to Dark: The likes and dislikes from Geelong after round seven

Geelong is flying, but one of its big names is struggling. But another of its ageing stars sent an emphatic message. Plus, the key stats behind a Cat on the rise in our likes and dislikes.

See the likes and dislikes from round seven. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong is 7-0 after a stirring win over Carlton but a tough fortnight awaits.

Melbourne and Port Adelaide will put the Cats’ premiership credentials to the test after important wins over Brisbane and Carlton in the last two weeks.

And they may have to do it without captain Patrick Dangerfield.

See all the likes and dislikes from the Cattery.

LIKES

1. ZACH ATTACK

Zach Tuohy sent an emphatic message that he is still worthy of a spot in Geelong’s best side. Managed for the second time this season against Brisbane, the 34-year-old was recalled for the clash with his former side. And he delivered in spades on the big stage. Playing the entire game on a wing, Tuohy produced his highest rated performance since round nine 2022 according to Champion Data, kicking a career-high three goals and generating 415 metres gained from his 17 disposals. It came at the perfect time given his form had been middling to start the year, albeit he is in an unrewarded role on a wing. The Irishman might be overtaken by others later in the season, but the spot is his for now.

Zach Tuohy showed he still belongs in Geelong’s best side. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

2. BEST IN THE GAME?

Jeremy Cameron was in the conversation as the No. 1 player in the game last season before his untimely concussion and shoulder injury in round 15. In 2024, he is threatening to produce that kind of form across an entire season at the age of 31. Cameron’s five goal, best-on-ground performance took him to 19 goals for the season, kicking multiple goals in all but one match – the waterlogged clash at the Gabba in round six. And his impact around the ground has gone up a notch – because he is all over the ground. He rates elite among key forwards for disposals, uncontested possessions and goals, and above average for score involvements this season. Cameron has Steven May and Jake Lever to contend with on Saturday night and Port Adelaide’s improved defence the following week, but do those sides have the personnel to cover him when he roams up the ground?

3. GUTHRIES UNITE

Geelong fans would have been relieved to see Cam Guthrie just get through a full game after his horror injury run. Guthrie started his first senior game since round six last season with a miraculous one-handed mark – not something we usually associate with the two-time Carji Greeves medallist. He looked a little rusty at times with ball in hand but finished with a team-high 27 disposals, spending time in the midfield and in defence, where his younger brother stood up in the absence of Tom Stewart. He took four intercept marks against the Blues, three of those inside 50, with this area of his game improving – averaging 6.9 intercepts in 2024 compared to 5.2 last season.

Cam Guthrie gets UP on his return 🤩#AFLCatsBluespic.twitter.com/FNxpjqfYc5

— AFL (@AFL) April 27, 2024

4. MIERS ALL-AUS

Gryan Miers was mooted as a possible All-Australian after a breakout season last year where he equalled the home-and-away goal assist record. But when the squad of 40 came out his name was nowhere to be seen. We are only seven rounds in, but Miers has put himself squarely in the frame for an All-Australian jacket after going to another level again in his seventh season. Miers is averaging more disposals, uncontested possessions and metres gained but perhaps the biggest increase is his scoreboard impact. The 25-year-old has already equalled his seven goals from last year and is still fifth in the competition for total goal assists. He was crucial again in their win with 22 disposals, six tackles and two goals to finish as the second-ranked Cat behind Jeremy Cameron.

Gryan Miers’ form has lifted again. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

5. TURNOVER KINGS

Carlton had 21 more inside 50s and were +6 in clearances, but it was Geelong’s turnover game that ultimately decided the contest. The Cats’ defensive fort held up without Tom Stewart, conceding just 36 points from turnover – Carlton’s fewest in a match this year. Meanwhile, Geelong was able to hurt the Blues going back the other way, scoring 59 points from turnover – their highest return this season. Geelong ranks first in the competition for points conceded from turnover with 32.3, which is currently a record low ahead of, you guessed it, the Cats in 2022 and 2019. After ranking 10th in the competition in this area last year, the club’s rock-solid transition defence is well and truly back.

DISLIKES

1. HAWKINS SLUMP

Tom Hawkins hasn’t kicked an AFL goal since his 350th game on Easter Monday. The Cats champion was imposing against the Hawks that day, backing up his four-goal haul in the win over Adelaide with another four majors. Since then the goals have dried up, with Hawkins managing just two behinds and averaging three kicks in his last three matches. The last time he was held goalless in a three-game stretch was in 2019, when he was restricted between round 22 and the qualifying final. Shannon Neale, who impressed with three goals after being called in for the managed Hawkins a fortnight ago against North Melbourne, slotted another three majors in the VFL on Saturday. The 203cm big man clunked 10 marks – four of those contested – in that display against Carlton. Will the strength of Hawkins expose Melbourne more than the athleticism of Neale? Hawkins has enjoyed playing Melbourne across his career, kicking 60 goals against them Melbourne – his second highest return against any opposition. But he has been well held in their last three contests, managing one goal in each of them.

Tom Hawkins has struggled to hit the scoreboard in recent weeks. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

2. DANGER HAMMY

Geelong has gotten used to playing without Cam Guthrie and Patrick Dangerfield over the past 12 months. And as soon as they got one back, the other is set for a stint on the sidelines with another hamstring injury. The rise of Brandan Parfitt and Jack Bowes means they at least have options to replace their skipper. Tom Atkins is the logical replacement after starting last game as the substitute and has been moved to halfback in recent weeks despite thriving last season as an inside midfielder. Omitted youngster Jhye Clark responded well with 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five tackles and 118 SuperCoach points in the VFL, while Mitch Knevitt has been moved into the engine room in the past fortnight at VFL level with promising results, including 24 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances and a goal on the weekend. Uncapped 26-year-old Mitch Hardie (29 disposals, 10 marks, five clearances) presents as a left-field option after dominating in recent weeks, but it would be a surprise to see him come in — especially with Stewart set to return from concussion.

Patrick Dangerfield has gone down again. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

3. CONWAY CALL

Rhys Stanley had been in encouraging form, but all it takes is one good game for Toby Conway and a less impressive display from Stanley for the veteran to be under selection pressure. As Stanley was well beaten by Marc Pittonet, Conway was immense in Geelong’s thumping VFL win with 20 disposals, 28 hit-outs (11 to advantage), six clearances and three goals – two of those majors coming from open play. However, that was up against 19-year-old Blues rookie Hudson O’Keeffe. The most in-form ruckman in the competition awaits Geelong on Saturday night. Would playing Conway against Max Gawn be throwing him to the wolves, or is he ready for the challenge? Should the Cats trial playing Conway and Stanley together for the first time to contain Gawn? Conway’s three goals at the weekend gives them some food for thought that he can impact forward, but Richmond dual ruck set-up didn’t work out against Gawn last week.

Originally published as Dawn to Dark: The likes and dislikes from Geelong after round seven