Geelong’s midfield set for its biggest test yet against Brisbane

Three-time premiership forward Cameron Mooney believes Geelong’s biggest “question mark” will face its biggest test this weekend as he names the one player he wants to see tackle Lachie Neale head-to-head.

Patrick Dangerfield is a welcome return for the Cats. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong might have the “best bookends” in the competition but question marks still surround the midfield according to two-time premiership Cat Cameron Mooney.

Ahead of the Cats’ trip to the Gabba to take on the Lions on Saturday night, Mooney said stars including Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins and Tom Stewart had played key roles in their side’s start to the season.

With skipper Patrick Dangerfield, who returns this weekend, and veteran Cam Guthrie sidelined early in the year, the Cats young core have done some of the heavy lifting.

Brandon Parfitt is playing some of his best footy in the blue and white hoops while Tanner Bruhn continues to impress.

Now they’ll face their biggest challenge of the season against Brisbane’s midfield led by Lachie Neale.

“What we’ve realised now is they’ve arguably got the best bookends in the competition,” he said.

“Their backs are outstanding, their forwards are outstanding. Their midfield is a little question mark but what they’ve done as a younger group without Danger and Guthrie, they’ve held their own.

“We’re talking A-plus at the bookends and their midfield has probably been around a B. That’s the biggest one this weekend coming up against a rock solid midfield in Brisbane.”

Tanner Bruhn continues to build. Pic: Michael Klein

MATCHING THE BEST

While the Cats might be sitting pretty at 5-0, Chris Scott’s men still have their doubters with Mooney labelling this weekend’s clash as their biggest test of the season.

Brisbane has endured their own troubles but has now won back-to-back games.

“I don’t think Geelong has played anyone that is a top-four challenger,” he said.

“They’re coming up against Brisbane, who we know aren’t in the top four, they’re starting to get things rolling.

“Massive test for Geelong. But for a team that everyone didn’t think was going to play finals, you can roll Hawkins and Dangerfield back into the team.

“It’s been a great start for them. I thought at the start of the year if they could keep their older guys fit after having a big pre-season, which is something they didn’t have after the 2022 premiership, they were going to give themselves a good shot.”

Brisbane star Lachie Neale. Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

LIMITING NEALE

Despite Brisbane’s slow start, two-time Brownlow medallist Neale has enjoyed a flying start season, averaging 27.8 disposals.

And Mooney believes Tom Atkins is the perfect man to quell his influence.

“I’d love to see Tommy Atkins go head-to-head with him,” he said.

“He’s not in the class of Lachie but when you’re talking about a bull, I don’t think there’s much better to go head-to-head at a stoppage.

“I think when you’ve got guys like Atkins and Mark O’Connor who can run through there I think it’s a plus for Geelong.

“You can throw someone on him, not to tag because I don’t think anyone really tags anymore, there might be the odd player. At least to stand next to him at a stoppage.”

Toby Conway is back for the Cats. Photo: Michael Willson/AFL Photos.

THE RUCK CHANGE

The Cats have elected to recall Toby Conway for Saturday’s night blockbuster with Rhys Stanley officially managed after playing his 200th game against North Melbourne.

Conway, 20, has missed the last two games for the Cats after impressing in the Easter Monday win over Hawthorn.

“Toby is an interesting because he is the future,” Mooney said.

“I was one of those people asking why Toby wasn’t playing, speaking to Geelong people this is a young man who is still trying to get his body at a consistent senior level.

“That’s fitness and injury. He’s still a work in progress, he is going to be excellent for the footy club.”

Catch all the action of the Lions and Cats match live and ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports.

Originally published as Geelong’s midfield set for its biggest test yet against Brisbane