By Luke Voogt
Geelong faces a potentially season-defining clash against Melbourne for the minor premiership on Saturday night.
With the Cats guaranteed a top-four spot following last week’s win over St Kilda, a win against the ladder leaders would move them into at least the top two.
Geelong coach Chris Scott indicated the Cats would not “take liberties” despite the reduced rest period due to the AFL scrapping the pre-finals bye.
“The stakes are too high in terms of improving our game,” he told a press conference yesterday.
“We’ve got some parts of our game that we want to continue to work on.
“It’s always a better opportunity to work on those things against the better teams, and Melbourne are clearly that.”
Gary Rohan looks likely to return from a hip injury, which could allow Esava Ratugolea to spend more time in the ruck as Mark Blicavs moves back to cover the void left by injured star backman Tom Stewart.
Tom Atkins appears likely to return too, but Scott indicated small forward Gryan Miers was only an outside chance to return from a lower leg fracture.
The Demons dominated contested possession against Geelong’s midfield, minus Patrick Dangerfield, in their 25-point win in round 4.
But with Dangerfield back, Scott said he backed “our guys” against Melbourne’s dangerous midfield.
With Victoria’s COVID-19 worsening, winning on Saturday night and securing a top two spot still might not earn Geelong a qualifying final at GHMBA Stadium.
“The probability is that the finals series will be played on neutral venues,” Scott said.
But he highlighted the multitude of obstacles and factors that the AFL had to consider in fixturing the finals series.
“The AFL has been an outstanding custodian of the game throughout an almost impossible period to govern,” Scott said.
“They will be beholden to the governments and the rules of the day.”
Scott played down the importance of the AFL scrapping the pre-finals bye, although he admitted it would lessen the chances of Zac Tuohy (hamstring) and Mitch Duncan (knee) returning in time for the qualifying final.
“As a collective we’re fine to roll on,” Scott said.
“It has hurt those two individuals … a little bit, but if we can get the job done and play for long enough, then it won’t be an issue for them either.”
The lack of bye would not affect the return of Stewart, according to Scott.
“Tom Stewart’s come off his surgery, by all accounts, really well,” he said
“But the pre-finals bye wasn’t going to be a factor there especially given his only hope at this stage of playing would be on grand final day. To the best of our knowledge that date hasn’t changed.”
