Cats to be fab in 2014

West Coast! Geez - most punters have them struggling to make the top 10.

Geelong like it when people talk like this, its gives them something to prove, top four finish for me. My top four in order Hawthorn/Sydney/Geelong/West Coast -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.

I think the pressure is on Brown/Kersten/Menzel (and Chris Scott) to provide more avenues to goal. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they went with an Essendon style model of everybody forward of Dustin (Lonergan) getting on the goalkickers list. Stevie J's great in the midfield, but I think he's more useful to Geelong in the forward half. It's not the forward 50 Geelong have problems with, it's the 2nd kick after they burst out of half back. They usually transition fast enough to find a loose player across the middle of the ground, but then struggle to penetrate with the next kick often going too wide which leaves Hawkins with little room to move except leading straight at a guy sitting in the hole between him and the incoming ball. If Kersten or Brown can present a target, they can move up the field and get the ball central and give Hawkins plenty of room. Or Hawkins can move up the ground and Brown/Kersten can do the finishing.

I'm thinking Flaming Pie or Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. Lets face it, 75% of the team are no longer around but in that 25% there is enough genius for an unexpected classic to come out.

Hawkins definitely could be the big worry/bonus for the Cats depending how his back responds to the rigours of a season as it wears on. Motlop depends so much on his athleticism, it's a bit of a worry that he's not had a good run at a full preseason. Selwood will also be interesting on how he goes, a foot injury can be one of the worst a footballer can have. Kelly is a tad overrated and has enjoyed the fruits of being a foot soldier in a great team, he would be more exposed as more responsibility is required of him. Stevie J at this point in his career would play more in the forward and less in the middle ideally, but he'll probably be required in the middle more and more. The young kids will be more exposed too as the senior players are less able to do the top notch stuff as often. But having said all that there's more than enough quality on multiple lines for them to hold their ground, if maybe they'll concede a few more games to the L column than last year.

I dont know at which point I apparently said everyside in history stays like they were the previous year. In fact, I only referenced one side and two different years in the one post. If the Carlton team of 06-08 were still winning flags it would be a medical marvel, truly amazing stuff. Yes, people get older and injuries occur, but that wont be the downfall of Geelong just yet. To say they are gone is wishful thinking that you have probaly been barking on about every preseason for the last few years, and were probaly wetting yourself a couple of years ago when it looked likely that would fade; ready to recieve your applause and wave at the admiring crowd as they celebrated your prophet like skills. You do realise Geelong lost 4 H&A games last year by a total of 23 points and finished a clear 2nd? 90% of that outfit will be running around next week. The dynasty is not quite over. Another year, another finals appearance. I love enchiladas. They are delicious.

Could finish anywhere. If Motlop and Christensen can be in full swing come August 2014, the cats could get that vital injection of energy that every team needs approaching finals. Along with Kelly, Stevey J, Bartel and Selwood, plus cameos from Duncan, Stokes and maybe Varcoe, that's a midfield that could match it with anyone. On the other hand, if big Tom's back lets him down again, the cats may be back to their pre-premiership days when their forward line was disfunctional.

Do you mean Vardy is out for the year? Caddy is fit and firing by all reports.

I bet Jorji has said the same thing for the past 3 or 4 years ... keep trying, eventually you'll be right, but it won't be this year.

The Beatles are also responsible for a lot of pretension drivel. I think they will get slam danced by the punks and heavy metalists.

So, your saying every other club in the league just stays like they were the previous year. No improvements or drop offs? By that measure, the Carlton team of 1906-07-08 should still be winning flags in today's world. People get older, injuries start holding you back, growing out of the Peter Pan lifestyle. It all contributes to the eventual downfall. In summary, wake up and smell the enchildada, Geelong are as good as gone my friend. Sorry.

Its funny, Geelong go from one straight kick away (Varcoe) from playing in another grand final to people thinking they are going to miss the 8. They lost 5 older players a few of which hardly featured (chapman) and some were barely in the best 22 (west and hunt). They lost Podsiadly but they basically didnt have Hawkins last year. Early injuries to Christenen and Motlop hurt, but they will get them back and possibly Menzel as well. Will definetely play finals, and are still a massive threat. I think your prediction of 4th is about right, and if they do finish top 4 they will be very hard to beat in the finals.

I reckon 2014 will be like the Beatles compilation album "Past Masters" ..... can't see them delivering another September hit parade

Sick of that cat man, he will probably jump like a rat on a sinking ship if they miss the 8.

Geelong has a very limited number of avenues to goal. The Fremantle final in Geelong last September as an example. Hawkins has a chronic back problem which hampers his playing, Podsiadly is now drinking wine in the Barossa and Caddy is out for the year. Who else do they have at Geelong? Kirsten? They will get overrun by the big defenders of other clubs. Doubt they will feature in the top four and will struggle to make the 8. That comes down to how easy a draw they have.