By Mandy Oakham
Cats coach Chris Scott is alert but definitely not alarmed about his team’s home game advantage turning into a disadvantage.
Talking at this week’s pre-game media conference, Scott said that he was aware of the commentary being made about Geelong’s ability to win the big games at the MCG.
“We are definitely aware of the commentary, and that’s exactly why we have practice sessions out at Deakin where the ground is exactly the same size as the MCG,” Scott said.
“We have to be prepared to win on the narrower grounds like Geelong and Adelaide, but of course we have to prepare for the wider grounds like the MCG.”
Scott predicted that win or lose the big top-of-the-ladder clash between Geelong and Adelaide this round, that neither team would emerge as being “psychologically damaged”.
Scott told the media conference that the possibility of Paddy Dangerfield playing in the Adelaide clash was “still live”. Dangerfield was expected to fly out with the team, as was Scott Selwood and Tom Stewart was also expected to play, albeit with a helmet due to his recent eye injury. Andrew Mackie was also expected to play.
“If we get knocked over this week, we will not be coming back psychologically damaged,” Scott said.
“Every team this year, no matter where they are on the ladder, know that we are all going to be in a bit of a scrap to the finish.
“A loss to either team at this stage of the season won’t be completely destructive to either side.”
Scott singled out Lachie Henderson as being Geelong’s surprise package this season.
“Hendo has proven to be a really, really valuable player for us this season. Lachie has proven himself to be a real team player and very flexible about fitting in with our systems at Geelong,” Scott said.
“I think his ball use was probably under-rated before he came to us, but he has become a very valuable player for us.”
Scott said win or lose, his team was looking forward to playing over at Adelaide.
“It is a great atmosphere over there, and with two teams at the top of the ladder it will be a great experience for our younger players to be exposed to that high-pressure situation.”
Scott told the conference that the club had decided to take a more “conservative” approach to Nakia Cockatoo’s injuries.
He said Cockatoo was “close” but still had a “few niggly issues”.
