The Cats will be hungry to “rectify” Sunday’s 29-point loss to Collingwood after a “thorough review“ this week, midfielder Mitch Duncan has said.
“The mindset’s a little bit different, you get in there and you want to work – probably – a little bit harder because you’ve had that loss.”
Duncan had yet another stand out performance collecting 27 disposals and kicking a goal, as Cats superstar duo ’Dangerwood’ failed to fire.
The tough Joel Selwood struggled against a hard Levi Greenwood tag and fellow star Patrick Dangerfield was unsually quiet with 21 disposals.
Geelong has drawn heavy criticism again for over-reliance on the ‘Dangerwood’ combination throughout the year.
“When we win, it’s Dangerwood, when we lose its Dangerwood,” Duncan said.
But the young midfielder said it was up to Geelong’s other midfielders “protect Selwood” to allow the duo to perform at their best.
Geelong’s whole midfield will have to lift as they battle former Cat and Gold Coast superstar Gary Ablett next week at Metricon Stadium.
Duncan said the key would be “(winning) the ball first” to deny Ablett possession.
“I might have to give him a couple in the ribs,” he joked.
Meanwhile, scans have confirmed Brandan Parfitt has suffered a high-grade hamstring strain which will rule him out for between eight to 10 weeks.
Distraught Cats fans watched the NAB Rising Star pull up in agony after sprinting towards a loose ball in the final quarter.
“Brandan’s injury is disappointing, particularly after such a promising start to his first year at the club,” Geelong’s general manager of Football Steve Hocking said.
Suns defender Steven May, who was set to return from injury, has given his team a big chance against the Cats this weekend.
“I genuinely think we’re a big chance,” he told the Courier Mail.
The Suns will likely try to limit it Selwood’s effectiveness by mimicking Greenwood’s tag.
“They were undefeated and everyone thought they were flying, but to see the way Collingwood were able to pick them apart gives us confidence,’’ May said.
“We have missed two close ones, we have to win and we have to win now.”
The Cats announced they had resigned coach Chris Scott before the loss on Sunday.
Free agent Daniel Menzel said this week he would be happy to sign a one-year contract, which he had done since making his remarkable comeback.
“I would be comfortable with another one-year deal,” the 25-year-old forward told K-Rock.
“I think it is important to back yourself in these situations, and I don’t have any issues about doing an ACL again.”
The Cats were less efficient inside 50 without Menzel Sunday.
