Tonight’s AFL final might indicate whether the Cats are on the way to the top but a competition of a different kind has confirmed that the Geelong region is at least home to the top dog.
To explain, working Winchelsea kelpie Boof beat all comers to claim the Cobber Champion title this week.
Boof, whose title bid was reported in the Indy last month, won the work rate-based competition with GPS readings over a fortnight showing he ran 639km at an average speed of 10.6km/h.
Wow. With figures like that Chris Scott should consider giving him a run in Geelong’s midfield tonight!
But stamina and speed aren’t Boof’s only elite traits. Also like an AFL midfield star, he’s a gun at negotiating congestion, too.
“Boof’s a pretty great dog,” explained owner Henry Lawrence.
“He can work a mob of sheep through a mob of cattle of vice versa or go ‘round them both if I want.
“He just seems to know what I’m after, so it’s pretty special.”
Hmm. Those much-maligned “bottom six” Cats might need a preseason with a certain pup out Winchelsea way.
From top dog to downward dog, yoga’s the focus of an interesting new study involving Barwon Health and Deakin University.
The pair will examine how the ancient Hindu discipline might complement usual psychological, rather than pharmaceutical, treatments for depression and anxiety.
A “proliferation” of research in recent years indicated “particularly promising” benefits from yoga, the research team said.
Yoga teacher and research participant Jill Harris is already sold on the potential, citing how yoga routines helped one student overcome sleep issues linked to stress and anxiety.
“It was a constant struggle for her,” Jill explained.
“(But) yoga postures had a positive impact … she found she was able to relax and calm her mind in order for sleep to happen.”
Anyone with similar issues who wants to participate in the trial can email yogapsychology@deakin.edu.au.
Cats players will wear black armbands in tonight’s file in honour of a past player with a unique record.
Former Cats and Bulldogs ruckman Ian ‘Bluey’ Hampshire died this week aged 70 after a short illness.
Bluey, who the Cats described as “hugely popular” at both clubs, played 113 games for the Cats and 111 for the Doggies from 1968 until 1982.
Interestingly, the big man debuted for Geelong in a match against Footscray – then debuted for Footscray in a match against Geelong!
While at the Dogs, he also played his 150th game against the Cats and his only Footscray final against Geelong.
Plenty of symmetry there, to be sure.
So vale, Bluey – may the Cats give you the send-off you deserve.
