The Cats enjoyed a simply scintillating start to season 2019, but their post-bye form has experts and fans alike concerned about their ability to make a finals impact.
With 11 wins from their first 12 games, the minor premiership looked just about wrapped up as Chris Scott seemed to have rubbished all pre-season predictions of a slide down the ladder for Geelong.
But, after the midseason break, it’s been another story. Upset losses to Port Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Fremantle – none of whom reside on the top eight – have seen them fall back level with West Coast and Brisbane in the race for first place.
So, where has it gone wrong for the Cats and how do they recover?
We were joined by Roar AFL expert and editor Josh Elliott on the Game of Codes podcast to examine where it’s all fallen down for the Cats and discuss whether they can sort it out before finals.
Listen to the discussion:
Geelong’s run home isn’t the easiest in the world either. They’ll start favourites against North Melbourne and Carlton – but the form both sides are in could see them take it right up to the Cats.
In between those home fixtures is a trip to The Gabba to face the seemingly unstoppable Lions.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
That is a very naiive thing to say when they are still on top. Whenever the cats have a home game against Richmond or Hawthorn, the AFL moves it to THEIR home ground. I'd like to see that happen to Freo or West Coast. Fair? Geelong had NO INJURIES up until last weekend, which goes to show they have been carefully preparing for finals time. Collingwood have 21 players out. Geelong have 4, and 3 of them are no chance for a final. The inclusion of Cameron Guthrie is hurting them - he is useless. Rhys Stanley very rarely plays a good game. Sam Menegola is too slow. Other than that, they are good to go.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
This year's fall is very obvious to me. Pre-Cameron Guthrie we were flying. Post Cameron Guthrie we are useless.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Neil, Chris Scott recently said that's basically what they are doing. Tweaking things in season to provide a better finals performance. Could be a strategy that becomes the new norm if they pull it off this year with another Cats flag.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Your probably right Neil but I'm reasonably optimistic. North are due for a win in old Geelong. Still vaguely in the hunt for the 8 and a damn site fresher than when they travelled to Perth. Geelong look a bit blerk. Another good one to watch to see if North can conquer St Patrick, Princess Gary, Selwood and company.
Nick
Roar Guru
Exactly.
Iambillbob
Roar Rookie
Yeah I was there when I was 4 when he kicked 14 haha the greatest of them all....no where near
Raimond
Roar Guru
They assumed they had top spot in the bag. You don’t go anywhere with that attitude.
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
Playing North Melbourne in Geelong will be an easy kill for the cats. Geelong have a huge advantage down there over any opposition. They have a mainly ticketed home crowd (along with the umpire bias that goes with that), train exclusively on the ground, and plays against opposition that only plays there once every 1 or 2 years. A good Geelong win away from Kardinia will be the only true test if the team has turned the corner.
Boo
Guest
I used to laugh at the footy watching what Ablett did on the field.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
That whole side and the way they played footy under Blighty was magnificent. Watching Gary Ablett Snr kick 14 against Richmond when starting on the Wing and high half forward was the best football game by an individual I have ever seen. He commanded the ball. He routinely destroyed the Tigers actually.
Boo
Guest
No margin for error bring on the North game at home and let's see where Geelong are really at.
Iambillbob
Roar Rookie
Love him too
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
My second side...fell in love with the Cats back in the gary ablett snr days...
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
we will see...dont think theyre done yet
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
No I don’t think so. This time last year you nailed it with Richmond’s ‘lethargy’ when most people were saying that the tigers were on top (2 games clear), and had nothing more to play for in the home and away season. They were predicted to simply flick the switch come finals time. To many cats players are down on form, for what ever reason. That can’t be, (and wouldn’t want to be), contrived by the coach. Can’t see Geelong flicking the switch either.
Iambillbob
Roar Rookie
Peter is a secret Geelong supporter
Old Ben
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't even back 'em with your money Peter.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I reckon a few sides near the bottom who haven't played finals for some time don't feel too sorry for the Cats, sitting on top with a big percentage, three rounds out. Poor Cats. Perhaps they have just been very, very smart and will start the build to form and a flag now.