Geelong’s season never got off the ground after a poor start and a run of injury, Cameron Mooney writes

It was perhaps the season Geelong had to have – with a poor start and a run of injury – but it unearthed plenty of positives, Cam Mooney writes.

It was perhaps the loss Geelong had to have.

Since the club’s nadir of 2006, the Cats have enjoyed a marvellous journey, winning four flags and missing the finals just twice.

It’s the greatest run in AFL history.

And it’s why I have zero problem with Geelong spending a rare year out of the finals race.

It allows for a bit more time to reset and recharge for another assault, following a season which never really got off the ground.

It was just one of those years for the Cats.

For starters, dropping their first three matches set the tone for the season and they were playing catch up footy from then on.

Geelong players leave the field after a round 24 loss to the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.

However, with the beauty of hindsight, it begs the question: was their pre-season a good one overall?

That’s something they’ve got to ask themselves and something only they would know.

The Cats appeared to be overrun late in games early on in the season, especially against Collingwood and the Gold Coast Suns.

I also wonder whether some of the older players took their foot off the pedal, ever so slightly.

When you’re a veteran and you’ve been chasing a flag for more than 10 years, you could see why some might take their foot off the gas a touch.

I know some of the older players enjoyed having a bit more freedom when it came to training, so I’m not sure if that’s something that should be reassessed.

However, was Geelong’s shocking run with injury due to players being asked to train a bit harder after a poor start, or were their bodies simply underdone after a premiership year?

Those injuries to key personnel obviously didn’t help, with Cam Guthrie missing most of the season and Jeremy Cameron struggling to find his best after a head knock in round 15.

Geelong star Tom Atkins had a super season in 2023. Picture: Michael Klein.

Cameron’s physical issues were perhaps reflective of a season where the Cats battled to get their best on the park for long enough.

Geelong also lost three matches at home – for the first time since 2015 when they last missed the finals – and had only one player in the initial All Australian squad in Tom Stewart.

We were one of five clubs to only have a single inclusion.

Big wins against premiership contenders were also thin on the ground, with a 15-point victory over Melbourne the only one really standing out.

However, I expected Geelong to finish top four this season and that’s why I’ve given them a C for the season.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said it had been one of his most challenging seasons at Kardinia Park. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

And I’m OK with that, as previously mentioned.

They are the reigning premiers and were still seen as “the danger”, internally at least, leading into the final rounds, so they have to be marked harshly.

It might have simply been Geelong’s turn, and we’ve managed to avoid our turn for a long, long time, considering equalisation and how the competition is designed to work.

On the plus side, Tom Atkins had a brilliant year.

He’s the heart and soul of the midfield, and probably the club, and carried the load in the absence of Patrick Dangerfield.

I’d be surprised if he doesn’t win the best and fairest this season.

Strong, relentless, brutal, fearless, he’s been a massive tick from the season and has got leadership written all over him.

Isaac Smith, with Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, after his final game with the Cats. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

That being said, I hope Stewart puts his hand up to be the next captain.

From the younger brigade, Tanner Bruhn and Ollie Henry were strong contributors, who I expect to peak in coming seasons.

Especially Henry, who kicked a career-best 41 goals as Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Tyson Stengle were down on their output compared to last season.

So where to now for the Cats?

We’ve already seen Isaac Smith retire, and Esava Ratugolea is likely to depart, so things will look different in 2024, and they need to.

But with a touch more continuity and a healthier list, I’m still convinced Geelong can challenge again next season.

Originally published as Geelong’s season never got off the ground after a poor start and a run of injury, Cameron Mooney writes