By Natalee Kerr
Geelong Coach Chris Scott says despite a season first loss last weekend the team are “doing enough right” to remain optimistic about the future.
The Cats undefeated start to 2019 was put to an end after a four-point loss to GWS at GMHBA Stadium last Saturday.
Scott said while the loss “should hurt” the group remains positive.
“We’ll try to ride the momentum when we’re going well and not lose the plot when things go against us,” he said.
The hard-fought comeback by GWS was the visitors first win at the Geelong venue.
“We were in front on the scoreboard for most of the day but it didn’t feel like we had control of the game after quarter time,” Scott said.
Geelong now prepares to rebound off defeat for the first time this season when they face Hawthorn for an Easter Monday blockbuster.
The annual clash has become one of modern footy’s greatest rivalries with six of the nine Easter Monday games between the two sides decided by less than 20 points.
Last season Hawthorn snatched a one-point victory over the Cats in what was one of the more spectacular contests between the two in recent years.
The Hawks are also coming off the back of a agonising five-point loss to St Kilda on Sunday to now sit on a 2-2 record.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said despite the outcome it was a “good contest”.
“We’ve played four games (this season) and in every one of those games been in winning positions,” he said.
Both coaches agreed that this year’s competition is providing its challenges.
“Every game is going to be hard this year,” said Scott.
Clarkson had similar views labeling the current game as “a very tough competition”.
“I think every team in the competition is still trying to find out where they sit in the whole scheme of things and we’re no different,” he said.
Hawthorn will be without star midfielders Liam Shields and Shaun Burgoyne due to injuries.
Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Esava Ratugolea and Joel Selwood however have been cleared to play after copping fines for separate incidents during Saturday’s game.
