As Lonergan explained, the Cats remained confident that they had the pace and manpower to turn things around, which again saw them finish off the match on top.
“We always had the belief that we were fit, and if we got our game plan together, worked a bit harder defensively, that we could try and shut them down and start scoring ourselves,” Lonergan explained.
“The beliefs are always there, it’s obviously about executing it though.”
Lonergan knew how important it was to improve the Geelong’s scoreboard that he even took the journey from down back to kick a goal, and enjoyed every minute of it.
“Yeah it was nice to slide down forward and get involved, it’s not all the time you can get down there and kick a goal, so it’s always nice,” Lonergan said.
Again, the speed and intensity produced from Travie Varcoe, was able to cause significant upset for the Roo’s frontline, as he was sent to work down back.
He remains to be a big player for the Cats and Lonergan hopes he can stay fit and on form, having missed the majority of last year’s season with a foot injury.
“Yeah he’s a fantastic addition, obviously we missed him all last year and he’s had a terrific preseason, and to come back and have the impact he has, has been a real bonus for us,” Lonergan said.
“We just hope he stays fit and he can continue on his good form throughout the year.”
However, one of yesterday’s biggest game changers for the Cats, was zippy midfielder, Matthew Stokes. He was only subbed on halfway through the third quarter but managed to rip up the ground with 16 possessions.
“He might be the first sub that features in the Brownlow votes because he was outstanding,” Lonergan said.
“He had such a big influence and we really needed him when he came on and he delivered.”
Although Lonergan and his teammates enjoy playing in a bit of rain, he also agreed with North’s senior coach, Brad Scott, and believed the roof should have been closed.
“Yeah it was an interesting one, I see Brad Scott wasn’t too happy after the game.”
“I thought that was the reason why they had the roof was to shut it so we didn’t get any rain, we always like playing in a bit of rain but I think they probably should have (closed it).”
Lonergan reassured Geelong fans and SEN Radio that the skipper, Joel Selwood, is a true warrior and should be fit for Saturday night’s clash against Carlton, despite him feeling some possible discomfort during yesterday’s game.
“No doubt, the way he plays Andy, he probably has niggles every week, but he’s such a tough competitor,” Lonergan explained.
“He’ll never let on and he’ll never tell anyone unless something is really seriously wrong with him.”
“That’s why we love him so much, he just competes; he’s such a warrior and such a great leader of our football club. I think he’s fine and he should be right to play on Saturday night.”
