Cats back on track and just about over grand final

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG officially launched its 2009 AFL season in every way imaginable yesterday.
The players were back in training, looking fresh and kitted out in their new summer Cats gear.
The Melbourne media throng was out in strength for the event, covering every step the team took over the nearby Geelong cricket ground.
Off the field, the club was setting new goals.
The Cats are aiming to top their 36,850 members this year with at least another 150 supporters in another record mission.
“That’s the goal, that’s the challenge we have set for ourselves and hopefully our supporters will pick up that challenge and run with it,” said Geelong chief executive Brian Cook, despite the capacity at home games next year reduced to 24,000.
The club also announced a $1.22 million operating profit, its ninth consecutive result in the black after revenues increased a $2.4 million for the year to $35.7 million.
Merchandise sales also grew, up 43 per cent to $2.47 million.
But coach Mark Thompson was still left answering the inevitable questions yesterday.
The 2008 grand final loss still burned but Thompson said he was “just about over it”.
“I’m not really wanting to go too much backwards or looking too far into what happened last year,” he said.
“It’s about this year now.
“Look, we had a crack, we got to the grand final, which is exactly what every club aims to do.
“We didn’t win it, so be it.
“I’m just about over it and I’m looking forward to 2009.”