By Justin Flynn
With two massive games under his belt Gary Ablett can improve further, according to Geelong coach Christ Scott.
The Little Master collected 37 possessions against his old side two weeks ago and was on fire again against North Melbourne on Saturday with a near-flawless 34-disposal outing.
And in a chilling warning to other clubs, Scott thinks Ablett can get better.
“I think he has got improvement in him,” Scott said.
“I’m not suggesting he can play his best footy because there might not be many who have played better footy than him in his prime. But I think it’s just a logical progression given where he has been with his body and his preparation and adjusting to life with new teammates.“
The Cats host Richmond in an MCG blockbuster on Sunday afternoon.
It’s difficult to gauge the Tigers’ recent form.
They demolished Essendon by 71 points in the Dreamtime Game, but were sloppy going into their forward 50 against Port Adelaide last Friday night.
Richmond is clearly missing the inside grunt of the injured Dion Prestia and rebounding defender Bachar Houli and was without Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin last week.
Geelong won the previous 13 encounters between these sides before the Tigers turned the tables in last year’s qualifying final when they went on a last-quarter rampage on their way to an 11th premiership.
Richmond has also won its past 15 games at the MCG.
But Scott said his side is primed to end the streak, although he conceded the Cats will go into the game as underdogs.
“I think we’ll be going in giving ourselves a chance, but they have been formidable there. People aren’t just making that up, the numbers reflect it as well. So it’s a great challenge and we’re really looking forward to it,” he said.
Geelong’s defence is primed for an assault on Richmond’s small forward line.
The Cats have conceded an average of just less than 55 points for their past nine games. To put that into context, no other side has done that for nine straight games since 1990.
However, despite last week’s poor showing of 58 points against Port Adelaide, Richmond is the third-highest scoring team in the competition this season.
Richmond wins games by forcing turnovers, which they then score from. They are number one in the comp in scoring from opposition mistakes.
But the Cats turn the ball over less than 16 other teams in the AFL.
It makes for a mouth-watering proposition, doesn’t it?
A lot hinges on the fitness of Dustin Martin. He will be named, but with nagging calf soreness, could also be a late withdrawal although the Tigers insist he will play.
Heart says Richmond. Head says Geelong can end the MCG streak.
A draw?
