Geelong coach Chris Scott says his team has fallen behind other pace-setting AFL clubs in the basics of the game.
After finishing third on the 2014 ladder behind champions Hawthorn and Sydney, Scott says the Cats have some ground to make up.
“In the basics of the game, we’ve probably slipped away,” Scott said after an open training session at Simonds Stadium.
“We’ve slipped behind some of the best teams in simple things like overall team defence. We’re behind where we have been in previous years we think.
“Just our work in the contest at least statistically suggests we’re not quite as good as some of the best teams last year, so if we can improve that that will make a big difference.”
While those areas will be an off-season focus for improvement, the Cats are also counting on their recruitment to make an impact.
Heading that list is former Demon Mitch Clark, who is on target for their opening round one match against the Hawks on April 6.
Clark retired from football in April following a battle with depression and persistent foot injuries before resurrecting his career with Geelong.
“Mitch has been a really good addition to our program, not just because of what he can offer as a talent but what he brings in terms of his knowledge of the game and experience,” Scott said.
“He’s coming from a long way back as he’s had a number of issues that he’s needed to overcome but all indications are that round one is a pretty good target for Mitch.”
Scott said the club was excited about Clark’s combination with fellow big man Tom Hawkins.
“It’s exciting for Tom as much as anyone to have someone down there who can at least attract the opposition defence, not just his direct opponents but the opposition are going to have to think about Mitch if he’s playing anywhere near his capacity.”
Meanwhile, Dan Menzel and Nathan Vardy have been pencilled in for NAB Cup appearances after serious knee injuries.
The two have played just 21 games each for the club, with Menzel undergoing four knee reconstructions.
Scott was cautious about the progress of the 23-year-olds but thought they would be close to ready.
“We’re confident those guys could be pushing around that time frame,” he said.
Lroy
Guest
"'... couldn't get on the grog as much this year as last...'' ah classic, well played sir. Still waiting for a player to utter those immortal words '' we're training the house down, we've never been fitter, we're all raring to go....'' yep.. its January ;-)
Casper
Guest
Just the coach putting the older brigade on notice that they can't get comfortable because they've won a few flags as well as firing up the new draftees to put their work in at training. Coaches play these mind games all the time. Does anyone really expect a coach to say "I'm unhappy with the recruits I got this year" or a 2014 finals qualifier to say "I can't see us being in finals contention". I'd prefer to have Chris Scott's predicament than one of the cellar dweller coach's problems. Watch for the standard quotes from players to the media over the next month or so as footy fever ramps up: "we're training harder than we ever have before / we're fitter then we've ever been / I've learned more from the new coach than I ever did from my previous one / we'll give everyone a fright this year if we can keep the side healthy". This is code for "I can't get away with bludging like the old days / I couldn't hit the grog as much this last Christmas break / I had the last bloke fooled but I'd better suck up to the new coach or I'll miss a spot in the team / the good teams might have to play 2 good quarters to beat us / we've got no depth so let's hope nobody goes down injured before finals time"
Paul D
Roar Guru
Hopefully when Geelong do drop down the ladder we're spared all the soothsayer types saying "at last geelong have fallen etc etc" They've been a premiership contender for close to a decade. It's been a remarkable era of football, and their rivalry with Hawthorn, and the games it has produced has been one of the all-time great head to head vendettas. It's been a privilege to have been around to witness to it, and credit to Geelong for staying up as long as they have. I doubt very much they will bottom out, and I'm sure they will be back, sooner rather than later.
Brian
Guest
Scott's a coach I wouldnt pay much attention to what he says. He repeats the same thing every season December-March they fall behind need to work harder April-June they are nowhere near their best and hit by injuries July-August its all coming together nicely and they're confident of success in September. September the results speak for themselves Not having a go at him. It is his job. Every coach would be saying his team needs to work hard over pre-season.
andyl12
Guest
Agree totally. And Scott's "we've fallen behind the pack" comments are what all smart football fans have been saying for the last 12 months. Geelong have more players aged 31 or over than any other side. Unless a few of their youngsters become A-graders in 2015 then a finals spot is no guarantee.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
No I said kick with precision to the forward line, as into key forwards. I never said a 'keepy off' style of game the Hawks play from defence. There is a big difference. But hey, why don't you come up with something Jake? Also, why wouldn't you want to take something from the premiers? Your comment about the Tigers I have also made numerous references to throughout last year. Personally, I'm only going by what they have drafted, but you really don't know what style of game play teams are going to go with until about round 5. Even then, teams plans at the start of the year are very different compared to the finals. What I do know is teams are leaning more towards offence than defence. That trend has been building for the past few years, so it will be interesting if it changes.
TomC
Roar Guru
Characteristically blunt. I'm not sure where the Cats are going, but I'm sure they're in good hands.
Jake
Guest
So you're saying Geelong just want to imitate Hawthorn's game? It took the Hawks 8 years to build a list full of precision kickers. As we've seen with Richmond trying the same style, a procession kicking plan won't hold up without the skills, and Geelong haven't been a great kicking team.
MarkG
Guest
Geelong has some superstars in Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins. If you take out the aging players (Stevie J, Kelly, Enright, Bartel, Mackie, Lonergan, Rivers, McIntosh, Stokes), they have a very thin list apart from their 2 champs. One would think that they must drop down the ladder to middle of the table.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Firstly, they finished 5th, not 3rd. Geelong's success over the past 7 years has been a solid structured defence, which allowed for very fast risky counter attacking. The acquisition of players like Mitch Clarke does not suggest to me Scott plans on going with this same type of game play. It looks like he is setting up for a more structured midfield type defence that may kick with precision to key forward targets with superior possessional play. Could be wrong, will be interesting to see how he restructures this year to remain competitive.