The Cats are looking forward to coming up against their former teammate James Podsiadly on Thursday night for Round 1 against the Crows.
The Cats are well aware of Podsiadly’s ability in front of goal especially when it comes to playing on his old ground at Simonds Stadium.
“Yeah Pods had a great record here, I think in his first season he kicked multiple bags of five here at Simonds Stadium. It’s going to be a big challenge for us as a defensive group to keep him quiet,” Harry Taylor told Cats TV.
Podsiadly, who played 83 games and kicked 169 goals for the Cats, knows exactly how his ex-teammates work and think on the field.
Though the Cats also have a very clear understanding of how Podsiadly implements his game.
“He knows our game plan very well, he knows individuals very well but hopefully we’ve got some stuff on him too,” Taylor said.
“Pods and I got along pretty well and we had some pre-match routines that we used to practice - so it will be interesting to see if he still wants to use those when we go out and potentially play on each other.”
Mitch Duncan, who was drafted with Podsiadly in 2009, says the absence of his former teammate has been apparent, having closely worked together since the beginning of Duncan’s AFL career.
“Playing against Pods is going to be very different,” Duncan said.
“He was such a crucial part of the side for the last couple of years.
“Pods and I were drafted in the same year, so I’ve had him by my side for the last four years.
Podsiadly is a player that Duncan has always looked up to and admired.
“This year I’ve missed him in the gym because he throws the weights around like it’s going out of fashion. He always pushes you in the gym and out on the track as well.”
“He’s probably one of the quickest big men around in the game and Adelaide is lucky to have him. I can’t wait to play him.”
Tom Hawkins has fond memories working with his goal-kicking co-host and cannot wait to have Podsiadly home for the opening clash.
“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be exciting,” Hawkins said.
“He’ll be a bit nervous coming back but he’s got such a great record here at Simonds… and he’s been a great player for the Geelong Football Club.
“I think he’ll get a nice reception from the crowd and welcoming home.”
Cats senior defender Andrew Mackie sees Podsiadly’s return as a great challenge and one that the Cats can win.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve played against the big fella for a few years so I won’t mind coming up against him - but first things first, we just want to win the game of footy, and I’d like to think we can get him off his game,” Mackie said.
