Three ruck strategy on outer with coach

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG is set to drop one of its form ruckmen for the finals, with Mark Thompson opting against selecting all three for a third consecutive game.
The coach was guarded this week about the prospects of playing Brad Ottens, Steven King and Mark Blake in the same side.
“(It will) more than likely not happen,” he said.
Blake appears to be on the outer after King completed a successful return from a persistent knee injury.
Thompson indicated the veteran’s place was safe following “another quite solid” game in Geelong’s 27point victory over the Kangaroos on Sunday.
Blake has now missed the past two matches.
With the Cats’ preparations for an assault on the 2007 premiership on track, the only conjecture remains the fight for team spots.
Thompson said there was also pressure from Geelong’s fringe players after the Cats’ VFL side continued to dominate its competition.
“There are five or six players in the reserves who have been exceptional all year,” he said.
“They’re basically waiting for an opportunity to play and we haven’t had many injuries.
“Their attitude has been sensational and I’m sure one of them will get their chance.
“I hope they do.”
Max Rooke would return from a serious hamstring strain in the VFL on the weekend, Thompson said.
Skilled Stadium will host a rare topofthetable clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday before the Cats travel to the Gabba to face the Brisbane Lions.
Thompson believed Geelong’s run home had worked in its favour.
The side has now won a remarkable 15 consecutive games after dropping three of the first five.
“I think playing Adelaide, playing the Kangaroos, Port Adelaide and Brisbane is that they’re all great teams – they’re all great games,” he said.
But Thompson also played down Power coach Mark Williams’ comments just moments after his team’s lastgasp victory over Hawthorn on the weekend.
Williams warned Geelong it was only a matter of time before injuries and suspensions hurt the club.
He was alluding to Port’s slide in the 2002 and 2003 finals’ campaigns after it had secured the minor premiership in both years.
Port also missed both grand finals.
“I have no idea what he’s trying to do there,” Thompson said.
“To be honest, it’s not that important (what he says) to me or the players.”