Geelong’s season hangs precariously at three wins and three losses with a mounting injury toll in the lead up to tonight’s massive clash against Greater Western Sydney.
And while the orange invaders from the west of Sydney will descend on GMHBA Stadium tonight, the Cats will also don orange for a worthy cause.
The club’s annual Just Think round will see players wear orange-banded socks and goal umpires don orange flags to highlight the alcohol education program which has been providing practical advice for young people regarding alcohol use and safe drinking behaviours since 2008.
Geelong endured a shock loss at its Kardinia Park fortress last weekend to an injury depleted Sydney Swans.
In terms of opposition scoring for the Cats, it was all or nothing.
Sydney was a 52-point better side in the first 18 minutes of the first quarter and last term combined, booting 10.7 (67) to 2.3 (15) as the Cats were run off their legs and unable to find answers to the Swans’ scoring potency.
Geelong lost the last 12 centre clearances as Sydney gained an unstoppable momentum in the middle of the ground.
So far this year it has been all or nothing for the Cats from stoppages, with Geelong scoring the most points in the league from stoppages while also conceding the most.
“The most important number besides the scoreboard was the centre clearances, and they weren’t good for us all day,“ coach Chris Scott said.
“The last quarter, when they were able to scrounge a few goals early and get a bit of momentum, (with) a bit of breeze behind their back, the centre bounces were obviously going to be crucial.
“We just got dominated in there and dominated inside, which is disappointing because we had control of the game for large parts of it and we just couldn’t put the game beyond reach.“
The Giants present a similar challenge as the Cats were hit hard with injury themselves.
Scott Selwood (concussion) and Brandan Parfitt (foot) were late withdrawals from the selected squad, followed by George Horlin-Smith’s game-ending concussion in the second quarter.
Giants star Brett Deledio’s past three weeks have turned back the clock with the veteran racking up 28, 29 and 28 disposals, but the 31-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury and won’t line up tonight. Star forward Jeremy Cameron has also been ruled out.
The Giants sit third on the ladder while Geelong is in ninth place.
The Cats have a blockbuster next week against Collingwood, but then face very winnable games against Essendon, Carlton, Gold Coast and North Melbourne.
A win tonight could well see Geelong back in the top four when the bye rounds are played.
Tonight’s game is at GMHBA Stadium and starts at 7.50pm.
GWS is capable of winning, but the Cats should get the job done by 14 points.
