We’re just four rounds into the new season and already some Geelong fans are starting to jump off the Cats bandwagon.
For the past three years the so-called experts have written the Cats off at their peril. This year with Geelong languishing at sixteenth on the ladder, the critics are sniggering to themselves that finally the Cats golden era is over.
But here are 5 reasons that may help relieve that horrible sick feeling in your stomach after last weekend’s loss to the Kangaroos.
1. TOUGH DRAW:
Geelong’s first four rounds have been brutal and this season the Cats have only lost to teams that beat them in 2014.
The Hawks and the Kangaroos both outperformed Geelong during last year’s finals series, while the Dockers beat the Cats in round 9 before also finishing top 4.
2015:
Round 1. The Cats lost the season opener to reigning premier Hawthorn by 62-points (Hawks defeated Geelong Week 1, 2014 finals)
Round 2. The Cats lost to Fremantle by 44-points (Fremantle finished the 2014 home and away season below the Cats in 4th, before also bowing out in straight sets in the finals)
Round 3. Geelong beat Gold Coast by 9-points
Round 4. The Cats lost to North Melbourne by 16-points (North Melbourne defeated Geelong Week 2, 2014 Finals)
Geelong has had arguably the toughest first four rounds to kick off 2015. But this hasn’t come as a surprise to the Cats, before the season began coach Chris Scott said the first four rounds would be “very difficult”.
2. SOFTER RUN HOME:
The Cats draw only gets easier.
Geelong will take on just 3 of last year’s finalists in the final 10 rounds of 2015 as they target a top 8 finish – six of those matches are Cats home games.
3. YOUNG GUN:
Cory Gregson’s first year of football has been outstanding. Since being drafted with pick 47 in last year’s national draft the 18 year-old has played every match this season and had an impact in all four games.
The classy South Australian will only get better with more games under his belt and if he continues his good form is sure to feature highly in the club’s best and fairest.
4. MENZEL AND VARDY RETURN:
Unlucky Cats stars Daniel Menzel and Nathan Vardy are now back training with the team after undergoing knee reconstructions, and if luck’s on their side, they will provide a massive boost later this year.
5. HISTORY:
It may be a long shot but history says the last time Geelong lost to North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium, the following week it beat Richmond by 157-points. (Round 6, 2007) The Cats play the Tigers on Saturday at the MCG.
The Cats 2015 season is far from dead and buried.
So remain positive and don’t write off the Mighty Cats just yet!
Sean Sowerby
Channel 7 News Weekend Sports Presenter/Geelong FC Member
