Despite having their fair share of critics during preseason, Geelong have stamped their authority on a 2013 Premiership tilt.
The 2007, 2009 and 2011 premiers were not all that fancied when the NAB Cup was before us but now they have made it clear that a fourth flag in seven seasons is a genuine possibility.
Geelong’s professionalism
On Saturday night, the Cats were tested by Richmond in the first half but blew the Tigers away in the third and fourth quarters to eventually win by 44 points.
What was evident as the game progressed was Geelong’s willingness to work for each other and support each other around the contest, making it easy to get out of trouble and find teammates in space.
By contrast, Richmond at times seemed devoid of ideas when placed under pressure, relying on too few to get the ball out of tight areas and failing in their delivery into the forward 50.
Steve Johnson is a class act (if we didn’t already know that), Mathew Stokes has resurrected his career, Allan Christensen continues to improve, James Kelly is no frills but all skill and the list goes on with courageous captain Joel Selwood, the sublime talents of Jimmy Bartel, experience of Corey Enright and Joel Corey and support from the likes of Mitch Duncan, Taylor Hunt and Billie Smedts.
The scary thing is that Paul Chapman did not play and ruckman Hamish McIntosh is still to return from a knee injury making the Cats a very dangerous prospect moving forward.
Six wins from six outings has Chris Scott’s side sitting second behind Essendon and in a very strong position ahead of the top-of-the-table clash this Friday night and for the remainder of the season.
Following that is another test against Collingwood and a tough trip to Port Adelaide but if the Cats can pass those examinations, they will be well-placed for another shot at September glory.
West Coast expected to go on winning run
After a fairly poor beginning to the 2013 season, West Coast have the opportunity to pull things back on track in the next few weeks.
Sunday’s 70-point thumping of the Western Bulldogs was to be expected and although they have only beaten Melbourne and the Dogs thus far, I feel the Eagles are on the verge of an extended run of wins.
In the next five rounds they take on Brisbane at the Gabba, North Melbourne at home, GWS away, Richmond at home and St Kilda away which suggests that they could quite possibly be 7-4 by Round 11.
Nic Naitanui will be better for the run on the weekend after returning from injury, Sharrod Wellingham was impressive on his Eagles debut, Beau Waters and Sam Butler aren’t far away, as is Andrew Embley while Mark Nicoski could also return in the next couple of weeks which is sure to give John Worsfold a selection headache.
West Coast are extremely difficult to beat at Patersons Stadium and if they can salute in their next few there while taking care of business on the road, then they will be again in contention to push for finals.
Once they have all (or most of) their squad fit, the Eagles will be a different monster and I just feel they can stick their toe in the finals door before breaking it open later in the campaign.
Hawthorn’s ability to win without Franklin firing
The Hawks have only narrowly won their past two matches by three points over North and 11 over Adelaide but they have done so without a goal from star forward Lance Franklin.
It shows that last season’s runners-up are not reliant on any one player with Buddy returning seven behinds in two weeks in a rare bout of subpar form from the sublimely talented specimen.
Five wins and a loss (which came in Round 1 to Geelong) has Hawthorn beautifully placed for redemption ahead of the grand final replay with the Swans at the MCG this Saturday night and with the stakes so high, don’t be surprised if Franklin kicks back into gear with a big showing against the reigning premiers.
If not, Alastair Clarkson has plenty of depth to cover for Buddy which is always a good sign for a team aspiring for a top-four finish.
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