Hard Cats on road to great test says coach

Andrew Mathieson
MARK Thompson is convinced Geelong’s worst is behind it on the eve of a testing three weeks including dual road trips to Adelaide.
The Cats coach has heaped praise on his side’s brand of football following a shaky start with just two wins in the opening five rounds.
Geelong has since belted Richmond by 157 points and inflicted West Coast’s first loss this season a week later.
“Just how strong they’re going at the ball and how committed we are has been great,” Thompson said.
“We’ve been really honest, we’ve been quite disciplined and we’ve been really hard to play against.
“There’s definitely a certain ruthlessness about the way they’re going about their footy.
“It’s just good to watch. Even if I wasn’t coach I’d enjoy watching them play.”
However, Thompson issued a warning to all involved at the club not to get carried away.
This time last year Geelong was battling through a midseason slump with five losses from six matches.
Thompson acknowledged the Cats became complacent after winning the NAB Cup last year, ironically in Adelaide – the venue of Sunday’s twilight clash with Port Adelaide.
“I think that’s been a bit of a problem that stemmed at the club, like everyone at the club, including myself, has just got to keep it to next week.
“If they hear the coach talking two or three weeks ahead or finals, they just want to concentrate week to week,” Thompson said.
Geelong holds a paltry 318 win/loss record at AAMI Stadium and will return to Adelaide a fortnight later to take on the Crows.
Under Thompson, the Cats have also won just three of the past 17 games interstate.
He was under no illusions how tough the Power would be at home.
“They’re second on the ladder and they were top of the ladder before last round,” Thompson said.
“It’s a great test for us.”
Geelong faced some pleasing selection dilemmas this week, with Tom Harley available after playing in the VFL last weekend.
Thompson said Andrew Mackie and Paul Chapman were “guaranteed to play” after returning from injury.
“Unfortunately, some boys may miss out who don’t deserve to go out,” he said.