Geelong happy to be home for Roos

Andrew Mathieson
A HOMESICK Geelong has given its best indication yet that players are ready to return home to Skilled Stadium for the first time this season.
The quicktempo Cats of the previous fortnight were reduced to a slog last Sunday against Hawthorn during a fourpoint loss at Launceston.
Coach Mark Thompson said Geelong was keen to use its homeground advantage against the Kangaroos on Sunday.
Last time the two teams met at the venue Geelong won by 69 points before embarking on a seasonending slump that included seven defeats from the next eight games.
“To play your first game at home in round five is a long wait,” Thompson said.
“We’re happy to be back here at our home ground.
“I think the boys are pretty keen to have a pretty impressive hit out.”
Thompson said the club wanted to make the last remaining suburban ground a fortress this year.
“History will tell us that it probably won’t happen, to win all eight, but that’s the goal,” he said.
Despite the wideopen spaces of Aurora Stadium, Thompson fulfilled his own prophecy last week that the Hawks’ clash would be “ugly”.
He predicted – taking a dig at his rivals’ playing style – it could be a “10goalall game”.
Hawthorn won the battle 10.16 (76) to 9.18 (72).
Thompson, however, still drew positives out of the heartbreaking loss.
“I’m really proud of the fact we still had 28 scoring shots against a team who sort of played that way.”
Former Cats skipper Steven King drew far less praise.
In his return from injury, the ruckman collected eight possessions, two marks and seven hit outs including a costly turnover that resulted in a crucial Hawks’ goal.
Brad Ottens’ fitness could determine the role King plays in Sunday’s game.
“I think Steven would admit it wasn’t great,” Thompson said.
“We, the match committee, thought he could have played a lot better.
“Hopefully, it will be this week.”