PAUL ROOS – HERALD SUN COLUMN

The Roos View- Geelong’s form a big threat

BY Paul Roos, September 8, 2012

The Roos View with 2005 Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos

GEELONG V FREMANTLE

WHY is everyone talking up the Cats’ premierships chances?

Simple.

From Rounds 9-23, Geelong sits second on the form ladder behind Hawthorn, with 11 wins, three losses and a percentage of 126.98.

Against top eight sides this season, the Cats have a time in forward half differential of plus 6.32 minutes — the best differential of any side this year.

The Cats’ first hurdle is a tough one, with the Dockers in outstanding form.

Since Round 15, the Dockers have recorded a time in forward half differential of plus 11.32 – the best of any side.

The Dockers appear to have the balance of attack and defence.
Can the Cats use their pinpoint accuracy with hand and foot to break through the Dockers’ outstanding forward press? Or will they take a more conservative route around the boundary rather than attacking the Dockers’ greatest strength?

The Cats do have good decision makers throughout and have the capacity to slightly modify their game style from week to week and at different stages throughout the game.

CLEARANCES

THE Dockers have struggled to dominate clearances with Aaron Sandilands over the years.

This looks to have changed since his comeback from injury.

The big ruckman looks so much more in synch with his midfielders and this poses the greatest challenge to the Cats.

MISSING PERSONNEL

THE loss of key players Luke McPharlin (Fremantle) and Steve Johnson (Geelong) would make each opposition coach happy.

Which team will be able to cover the loss will be significant in the outcome of the game. With Tom Hawkins in great form, it does seem McPharlin will be the bigger loss of the two.
Stevie J does provide a significant spark when the Cats are struggling.

FREO FORWARDS

EVEN though Matthew Pavlich has been the standout, the Cats cannot underestimate the other Dockers forwards. They will target Pavlich and the Dockers will have to find other avenues to goal.

Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne and Kepler Bradley can kick multiple goals and the Dockers have goalkicking midfielders.

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