It seems, for many, Geelong’s reign as a force is over, consigned to history as probably the second best team of the past ten years.
As Patrick Dangerfield edges closer and closer to a home at Kardinia Park, football fans on social media keep issuing barbs that he will not see a premiership at Geelong for at least five years.
One can’t help but think these predictions are premature, born out of hope that the Cats will experience a lengthy spell in the lower part of the ladder.
It’s interesting analysis, given that Geelong won 11 games this season despite fielding a list in transition. Rather than falling further down the ladder, it’s conceivable that Geelong could be ready to begin climbing once again.
Consider the midfield next year, presuming of course that Dangerfield arrives at the Cattery, and their grades.
Joel Selwood (A); Dangerfield (A); Steven Motlop (B+); Mitch Duncan (B+); Josh Caddy (B) and Cameron Guthrie (B).
Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley will share the ruck duties, and both players have proven that they can perform. Factor in also the fact that Jimmy Bartel can make cameos in the midfield, and it’s apparent that the Cats will be far from easybeats during 2016.
What about the forward line?
Tom Hawkins (B+); Mitch Clark (B); Nathan Vardy (B+); Daniel Menzel (B); Bartel (B+) and Josh Walker (C).
It is likely that Walker might go in a trade, possibly to Carlton in exchange for Henderson. The Cats will have a team of power forwards next year, and if Vardy and Clarke can remain on the park they will present headaches for opposition defenders.
It’s true that Hawkins experienced a difficult and often frustrating season in 2015, but too often he was forced to shoulder the load due to injuries. He is an A-grade forward on his day, and with more support around him he could easily notch up 70+ goals. If Daniel Menzel has a strong pre-season, then that B rating will fast be moving north.
Defenders? (Let’s assume Henderson comes across).
Corey Enright (A); Harry Taylor (A); Tom Lonergan (A); Andrew Mackie (B); Lachie Henderson (B+); Jake Kolodjashnij (C+) and Jed Bews (C+)
Kolodjashnij and Bews showed a bit in 2015, but obviously they’re not there yet. Enright is still playing brilliant floating football on the half-back line, while the addition of Henderson will provide valuable support for proven campaigners Taylor, Lonergan and Mackie.
It might be wishful thinking for Cats fans, but a quick look at the likely 2016 list reveals that there is still the right mix of top players and those with up-and-coming potential. It would be foolish to talk it up as a premiership list, but it is fair to argue that finals in 2016 is a likely possibility, with further success down the track.
The Geelong Football Club have made fools of naysayers in the past. It could just be that they will do so once again.
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