GEELONG will be determined to bounce back quickly against Collingwood on Saturday following their loss to Sydney on the weekend.
The selectors will have some decisions to make at match committee prior to announcing the team on Thursday night after some encouraging performances in Geelong’s VFL Round 1 win against Essendon.
Here’s a breakdown of how each player performed in the VFL and a couple of other Cats who could be in the selection mix this week.
Jonathon Ceglar
The former Hawk made his first VFL appearance in the hoops and demonstrated why Geelong’s recruiting team targeted him in last year’s trade period.
A highlight coming in the second quarter when he tapped it to the advantage of Cooper Whyte who then combined with his fellow draftee Ollie Dempsey for a goal.
Ceglar finished with six hit-outs to advantage and impressed VFL senior coach Shane O’Bree.
“I thought his ruck craft was really good,” O’Bree told geelongcats.com.au post-game.
“He would admit himself that he is a little bit rusty, but you could see what he is going to bring to the Club just with his competitiveness and helping our group out whether that be at VFL or AFL level.”
Mark O’Connor
The Irishman got through his first game back from injury unscathed in a polished performance.
O’Connor was a steadying influence down back. He also pushed up onto a wing and used the ball well accumulating 17 disposals, eight marks and nice goal assist to Jackson McLachlan in the first quarter.
Cooper Stephens
Stephens set the tone for the Cats from the opening bounce with nine disposals, four clearances and a goal assist in the opening quarter.
The 21-year-old finished with 21 disposals and a game-high eight clearances to be named in Geelong’s best.
Quinton Narkle
Another Cat who amassed plenty of the ball with an equal team-high 25 disposals (80% efficiency) in the win over the Bombers.
Narkle impacted the game in the middle and forward of centre with 12 contested possessions, six clearances, six inside 50s and five score involvements to be named in Geelong’s best. He was an unused substitute against the Swans and is firmly in contention for a recall.
Gryan Miers
Got better as the game progressed in his first competitive game back from back and hip sciatica issues. Covered the ground well as he usually does and finished with two goals from his 20 disposals.
Nick Stevens
Provided plenty of dash from Geelong’s defensive 50 with 22 disposals (including 20 kicks) and five rebound 50s in the Bendigo Bank Cats round 1 victory. Stevens made his disposals count operating at 82% efficiency.
Sam De Koning
Missed Geelong’s Round 2 AFL clash with concussion but is set to be available this week.
Francis Evans
Finished with 11 disposals and a goal.
Cooper Whyte
Had an impressive first outing for the Cats with 15 disposals and four inside 50s. His clean ball use was a highlight, particularly at stoppages and his strong performance saw him feature in the best.
Mitch Knevitt
Another first-year Cat who performed strongly in his first VFL outing. Lead the team for tackles (9) to go with 21 disposals, seven ground ball gets and four clearances.
Ollie Dempsey
Kicked an eye-catching three goals, backing up his 4.3 performance from the practice match a week earlier. Looks an exciting prospect.
“He is so untapped. He’s exciting to watch because the last two weeks he has had bursts for 20 minutes where he is everywhere,” O’Bree said.
“There is still a long way to go but his coach-ability and what he brings to the table, he is very different to a lot of our players.”
Shannon Neale
Moved well and took a couple of nice grabs playing predominantly as a key forward. Finished with eight disposals and a goal for his efforts.
Paul Tsapatolis
Would have learnt plenty working in tandem with Ceglar in the ruck. Finished with 10 hit-outs and three clearances.
