Opinion
Given the current circumstances footy finds itself in, the unpredictability of teams winning or losing games of footy has never been higher.
You only have to look at the shock loss of the GWS Giants against the struggling Swans, which was described as a hopeless performance by star Giants midfielder Stephen Coniglio, to realise that this is a season full of surprises.
One such surprise has been the dominant performance of Geelong. While Geelong were always moderately on the radar of playing finals, no one really gave them a chance to potentially go all the way in the bizarre season of 2020. That is until now.
The Cats have won their last three matches, beating North Melbourne, St Kilda, and Port Adelaide in what were all comprehensive wins. Impressively, however, they’ve beaten two current top eight sides during the last three rounds in tremendous fashion, and as a result have stamped their authority on the competition as being real threats in season 2020.
Prior to Round 12, Geelong had averaged 72 points per game, compared to arguably the flag favourites West Coast, who prior to Round 12 averaged 67 points a game. Their scoreboard pressure in games is evident through these points per game averaged.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Geelong have been able to hit the scoreboard consistently, spearheaded by Tom Hawkins, who is almost in career-best form again. His presence on the ground is a key pillar for the Cats. In addition, his leadership combined with his strong form of late has boosted and added an extra layer to the Cats’ forward line.
Cam Guthrie has also risen to the challenge of stepping up in the midfield for the Cats, as has Sam Menegola, who has been able to accumulate influential touches while also hitting the scoreboard, which is a huge plus for the Geelong outfit.
The other pleasing sign for Geelong has been the fact that they’ve been winning the contested ball, particularly at stoppages, while also taking care with their disposal efficiency. Their biggest asset of late has been their cleanliness with ball in hand.
Taking care but also pride in disposal of the footy can be a real make or break factor that distinguishes stronger teams from the weaker teams. Geelong’s Round 12 clash with Port Adelaide really illustrated their dominance in disposal efficiency, running at 75.5 per cent. If the Cats continue their form of the last two weeks, then what’s not to say they can go all the way?
What’s also pleasing is that Geelong are still strong despite also missing key personal from their team, like Gary Ablett, Luke Dahlhaus, Esava Ratugolea, Quinton Narkle and Jack Steven, who missed Friday’s Round 12 game. It’s highly unlikely that Ablett will return given his personal situation but nonetheless, there’s still additional depth in the Cats’ squad.
The Cats have a reasonably smooth run home, playing Adelaide, the Bulldogs, Essendon, Richmond and the Swans while having their bye round in Round 15. But perhaps their biggest test in the run home will be Richmond in Round 17, which sets up to be a mouth-watering clash. And while they also have to face Essendon and the Bulldogs, recent form would suggest the Cats can be more than competitive.
Obviously for most people, West Coast would seem the most thoughtful choice for the leading contenders of 2020 so far. There’s no disputing that. However, with the recent form Geelong have been displaying, it’s only fair that they now be seriously looked at and considered to go deep into finals.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
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It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
