Last Season
After making the preliminary final in 2016, they started off the season well, but looked sub-par from rounds 6-9 which had many wondering just how good they were. However, it was smooth sailing from there as the Cats were able to gather momentum, with Patrick Dangerfield recreating the Brownlow-esque form that we saw a season ago.
When injuries and suspension hit the Cats, including a suspension to Dangerfield, the Cats managed to rally and finish the season at 15-6 and in second position.
Dangerfield played deep forward regularly with great effect, where Harry Taylor showed that he can be used in a swingman role. New recruits Zach Tuohy and Tom Stewart provided ample amounts of run off half back, while Mitch Duncan, Sam Menegola, Brandon Parfitt and James Parsons thrived in the midfield.
However, the Cats couldn't rise to the occasion in the preliminary final for the second year in a row, where injuries often derailed their campaign. Joel Selwood hurt his ankle on the eve of the finals, whilst injuries to key forwards robbed them of any consistency heading into the finals series.
Off Season Grade
In: Gary Ablett, Lachlan Fogarty (pick 22), Tim Kelly (pick 24), Charlie Constable (pick 36), Gryan Miers (pick 57)
Out: Darcy Lang, Steven Motlop, Andrew Mackie (retired), Tom Lonergan (retired)
Off season Grade: B+
They had reported interest in Sam Lloyd from the Tigers, but he remained at Tiger Land while they also heavily targeted Jack Watts and Jake Stringer. However, pick 19 was given as compensation for Steven Motlop which ultimately paved the way for the return of Gary Ablett.
If Ablett can remain fit the sky is the limit for the Cats, however they'll need to replace the voids left by defenders Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie, whilst replacing the pace and x-factor lost through the departure of Motlop.
Defining Period
Geelong will play nine games at the Cattery this year, whilst also featuring in a lot of prime-time matches. They play in the traditional Easter Monday clash whilst also playing three Friday night matches along with two Thursday night blockbusters.
Geelong's first seven games will be a tough assignment for the Cats. They face the emerging Dees in round one, while also playing Sydney, GWS, Port Adelaide and West Coast. They also come up against arch rival Hawthorn and finals-hopefuls St Kilda. They do however host Sydney and GWS in back to back matches at the Cattery.
Round 1 Sunday, Mar 25 — Melbourne, MCG (Away)
Round 2 Monday, Apr. 2 — Hawthorn, MCG (Home)
Round 3 Sunday, Apr. 8 — West Coast, Perth Stadium (Away)
Round 4 Sunday, Apr. 15 — St Kilda, GMHBA (Home)
Round 5 Saturday, Apr. 21 — Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval (Away)
Round 6 Saturday, Apr. 28 — Sydney Swans, GMHBA (Home)
Round 7 Friday, May 4 — GWS Giants, GMHBA (Home)
Champion Data Suggests…
Champion Data suggests that the Cats are in their prime and need to capitalise on this if they want to make the most of their list. They have 11 players that rate elite or above average, and all these players are at least 25 years old. Of Geelong's oldest 10 players, eight of them rate elite or above average, while they arguably have the strongest midfield combination of Dangerfield, Ablett, Selwood, Duncan and Menegola.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
The Cats' pressure around the ball from round eight onwards last season was phenomenal. They went from being ranked 18th in average pressure factor to 1st with 191 per game. They attempted 116 tackles per game, with 82 percent of them being effective.
Their core midfield group is also a massive strength for the Cats. Ablett is the cherry on top for a very versatile midfield group, where almost every player in their core midfield has the ability to go forward and kick goals. They ranked fourth in centre clearances last season, whilst also ranking first in contested possessions. The addition of Ablett will only improve these numbers for the Cats this year.
Weaknesses:
Geelong's front half is a slight concern. Daniel Menzel rates as the 6th best general forward and Tom Hawkins just rates outside elite for key forward, however other than that they don’t have much else to get excited about. Lincoln McCarthy, Nakia Cockatoo and Corey Gregson have all played in the forward line but have had lengthy injury layoffs, while the arrival of the experienced Stuart Crameri might help. Perhaps more attacking time for Ablett and/or Dangerfield might be on the cards.
Geelong's defence is also very light on this year, after the retirements of Mackie and Lonergan. They only have nine permanent defenders, and two of these defenders haven't even played a game. With Taylor tipped to play the whole year in defence alongside Lachie Henderson, an injury to any of those two might have the Cats scrambling to find another suitable and capable key defender.
Prediction
4th
If Ablett can stay fit and healthy, the Cats could finish first, however either way they must capitalise on a list that is in its prime. They have plenty of quality in all positions, and with the prospect of Dangerfield and Ablett playing down forward is exciting for Cats fans. It wouldn't be surprising if Dangerfield can better his 45-goal tally from last season and take out another Brownlow Medal.
The top four race will be a tight one, with Sydney, Richmond and Adelaide looking like they'll be fighting for top spot come season's end, so anywhere as high as first is possible.
Previous: Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, Carlton, North Melbourne, Fremantle, Collingwood, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, Essendon, Port Adelaide, West Coast, Sydney
