By Justin Flynn
Geelong has a chance to cement a spot in the top four when it takes on Essendon tomorrow.
The Cats are third on the ladder but only percentage separates them from the eighth placed Port Adelaide.
All six sides below Geelong will start favourites in their respective games, so tomorrow’s clash is a must win. The competition is so even, that a loss could see Geelong slide out of the eight.
But first things first.
Essendon is in disarray after losing to the previously winless Carlton last week and has star backman Michael Hurley on the injury list.
Further compounding the Dons’ woes was the axing of former Melbourne and Ocean Grove coach Mark Neeld as game performance coach during the week.
Geelong will regain key forward Tom Hawkins from suspension. Hawkins had been in good form prior to his indiscretion, booting six goals in two games.
However, Esava Ratugolea, in just his seventh game, responded to coach Chris Scott’s call for him to be the No.1 target, showing genuine ability by taking three contested marks.
“We have been looking for a second target down there for a long time if you don’t include (Dan) Menzel in that category,” Scott said post-match.
“It was not him playing second fiddle today with Hawkins (out) today, it was a requirement for the team he stood up. Some of those big contested marks, he’s a formidable proposition for the opposition.”
Last Sunday, Geelong put away a dogged Collingwood in a low-scoring and, at times, scrappy affair.
Gary Ablett returned from injury and was straight into his possession-collecting best with 32 touches, including 10 in the final term.
Sam Menegola has flown under the radar in Geelong’s star-studded midfield. Menegola had 24 touches and took 10 marks against the Pies.
In fact Geelong’s midfield had plenty of the footy. Ablett (32 disposals), Patrick Dangerfield (26), Mitch Duncan (25), Joel Selwood (25), Menegola (24) and Tim Kelly (22) had more than 150 possessions between them.
Harry Taylor made a successful return in defence for Geelong after missing six games with plantar fasciitis.
Taylor was allowed to ease his way back into the swing of things thanks to Tom Stewart, who collected 28 disposals and clunked 10 marks. Stewart, his 28th game, patrolled the defence like a veteran and has been a shining for the Cats this season.
Tomorrow’s game, which is part of Kevin Sheedy’s Country Festival brainchild, starts at 4.35pm at the MCG.
Expect the Bombers to come out firing after a tumultuous week, but the Cats are too well drilled.
Geelong by eight goals after an even first half.
