The ugly win we had to have

[Rik E Boy]

Geelong were horrible yesterday. Outcoached, playing the opposition's game and plenty of players getting found out in a finals like atmosphere. But despite all of the above, this was our best match of the year by a fair margin. We were playing at a ground that made even our star studded combinations of the Blight era shed their fur and roll up into a timid ball. Last year at this ground the Crows put on a clinic and totally dismantled the Pussies in an awesome display of power football.

The Crows owned the coridor and at the start of the game at least, had the better skills. The Crows tackling was superior and for the first time in seven weeks the Cats were second guessing themselves. I groaned out aloud and thought of the dismal game in Tasmania when the Hawks shut us down and we lost the close game.

The Crows were unlucky with injuries that goes without saying. Not sure what happened to Goody but you needed him out there despite the best efforts of Van Berlo and Knights. I thought Macca was a little down and Edwards was a little quieter than usual. Rooke will get a holiday for his hit on The Roo which really shook him up. The Crows had no bench in the last quarter and that hurt them as the Cats started to believe and ground out the match.

It has been said many times that Adelaide play a 'taxing' style of football, and they mean to the players and not to the fans (which is my view) of course. This 'taxing' style of football in combination with the age of some star players (although the Crows do have youngsters coming through) could be the reason why the Crows are starting to get hurt, an unheard of problem back in the 2005 season which may go down as Craig's best shot. I'm not sure what happened with Goody and how good he was during the week but should he have played? The Roo copped one so you can't point the 'management' issue at him but what about Jonathon Griffen? Was Johncock 100%? Perhaps Kris Massie should have been played in this game.

Now to Geelong. Hopefully by now people can put away the 'no stars' line as Gary Ablett Jnr is an absolute gun and BOG for mine yesterday. I reckon he'd be rated a lot higher than he is if he had a different surname. Jimmy Bartel took a while to get going but once he did he caused trouble for the Blackbirds. Cameron Mooney kept the Catters in it early in almost a lone hand as Stevie Johnson and Nathan Ablett in particular were totally shut out of the match. Joel Corey got plenty of ball but he continues to burn it and Cameron Ling deserves the highest praise..especially from us sheepish Cat fans who tore him into last season. Ling is the best run with player in the land right now and is a reliable shot for a goal in a season when not many are. Ottens and Blake continue to be overlooked by many when people are disussing premier ruck duos. Tom Harley played his best game in years and for once, leadership does not appear to be an issue.

Keeping the lid on it as several players such as Mackie and Tenance were awful so you can always improve. For the Crows it is going to be tough over the next couple of weeks against the underrated Roos and the perinnial power West Coast.

regards,

REB

[Hondo]

Very good summary REB, very fair I thought.

I take some heart from the we are the only team that has looked like beating the Cats in the last 6 weeks or so and were down to 19 fit players at the end. Great to see Kenny back and kicking some goals after going forward. We have a good run home so still confident on the top 8 ... top 4 will be a different story.

Whether or not Craigy worked out a way of stopping Geelong only time will tell ... We have 3 hard games coming up which could make or break our season.

REB, if Geelong can hold form and injuries they should snag a top 4 (or even top 2) possie. And I don't buy the 'no stars' line for 1 minute. It will be an interesting second half of the season.

[mighty_tiger_79]

MACKIE, really should be counting his lucky stars he's playing league, the last few weeks have been very very ordinary............

[sydney-dog]

REB

Great summary

I tend to agree with REB's 'no stars" line up, G Ablett is a gun, the Cats have a host of dangerous players and are a very even side across every line, but in my opinion, they do not rely on 3 or 4 stars each week getting them across the line.

this is what makes them a more dangerous side this year

[JK]

Yes, all well said Richard ... To be honest I've never heard anyone suggest Geelong had "no real stars".

Ablett is sensational and close to the best player to watch ... Whilst being different in movement and shape, watching him go on a mazy run is like watching Judd at his best at times.

Ottens seems to be playing with more urgency and perhaps confidence this year and offers the Cats plenty imho .. They are really shaping up as the best TEAM in the land at the moment.

I reckon it would be awesome for footy if they could go all the way this year, I just hope they can perform to a similarly high level at the business end of the year.

[sydney-dog]

they key to Ottens is the Cats are playing him in the Ruck, he has the capability to be one of the top ruckman in the comp

[Dutchy]

G Ablett needs to be appointed Captain of that side next year...while we know his footy skills I was impressed with his leadership on the field yesterday

[sydney-dog]

If Harley becomes a Premiership Captain he may be hard to toss

[Rik E Boy]

G Ablett needs to be appointed Captain of that side next year...while we know his footy skills I was impressed with his leadership on the field yesterday

Paul Chapman Dutchy. That's who should be skipper. Still, Harley was fantastic on Sunday, he hasn't played that well for literally years. If he can regain his best form then our defence looks bloody awesome.

regards,

REB

[mighty_tiger_79]

big hairy pussy MOONEY, he gave away a 50m early in the game to bassett, but i actually didnt mind that, because he was just letting the crows know that he was there!!!!!! i applauded that and the cows fans around me were amazed that someone would cheer when they gave away a 50m..

[Dutchy]

The big hairy cat is a premiership player when he was a hairless kitten...

[Booney]

It has taken quite a few years for Port fans to realise what we let go in Tom Harley.Although,much like Nathan Eagleton we at the time had many of Harley's position in our team (Mead,Paxman,Wakelin) and had no need for him.

He struggled to get a decent go and has gone on to bigger and better things.

I too think GAJ should be skipper,just one of those players who inspire.He inspires fans of all clubs,he inspires his team mates and one would think he would be a fantastic leader.

Chapman just 5hits me off.Dont know why,just gives me the irrits.

[Footy Chick]

REB whinges when his mob are losing..

and now REB is whinging about their perfomance even though they're sitting on top of the ladder and have just won their 5th ever game in Adelaide in 16 years...

They may not be playing pretty football, but at the moment, Geelongs ugly football happens to be better than everyone elses ugly football, so just sit back and enjoy it my friend... sheesh..anyone would think you're a pom..

[Booney]

REB whinges when his mob are losing..

and now REB is whinging about their perfomance even though they're sitting on top of the ladder and have just won their 5th ever game in Adelaide in 16 years...

They may not be playing pretty football, but at the moment, Geelongs ugly football happens to be better than everyone elses ugly football, so just sit back and enjoy it my friend... sheesh..anyone would think you're a pom..

Imagine if they go another 40 odd years with out winning a flag?

[Strawb]

REB whinges when his mob are losing..

and now REB is whinging about their perfomance even though they're sitting on top of the ladder and have just won their 5th ever game in Adelaide in 16 years...

They may not be playing pretty football, but at the moment, Geelongs ugly football happens to be better than everyone elses ugly football, so just sit back and enjoy it my friend... sheesh..anyone would think you're a pom..

Imagine if they go another 40 odd years with out winning a flag?

If Geelong took over another 40 years to win a flag the town will hand out ropes for diehards to hang themselves

[JK]

I think most people have had an ugly one they had to have

[Armytank]

I think most people have had an ugly one they had to have

Go ugly early.............avoid the rush later!

[Rik E Boy]

It has taken quite a few years for Port fans to realise what we let go in Tom Harley.Although,much like Nathan Eagleton we at the time had many of Harley's position in our team (Mead,Paxman,Wakelin) and had no need for him.

He struggled to get a decent go and has gone on to bigger and better things.

I too think GAJ should be skipper,just one of those players who inspire.He inspires fans of all clubs,he inspires his team mates and one would think he would be a fantastic leader.

Chapman just 5hits me off.Dont know why,just gives me the irrits.

Which is why he should be made captain. Who cares if the skipper inspires fans, inspiring the players is what it's about and Chapman is the man. GAJ will get his shot in time but we don't want to give him the Geelong Captaincy curse just yet.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

REB whinges when his mob are losing..

and now REB is whinging about their perfomance even though they're sitting on top of the ladder and have just won their 5th ever game in Adelaide in 16 years...

They may not be playing pretty football, but at the moment, Geelongs ugly football happens to be better than everyone elses ugly football, so just sit back and enjoy it my friend... sheesh..anyone would think you're a pom..

Not whingeing babe, just pointing out a pertinent fact from last week's game. I'll take an ugly win over a pretty loss anyday.

BTW, last weekends win against the Cows was our 11th victory over them from 25 matches at all venues. It was Geelong's second win from 13 attempts at Girlee Stadium but the Cows aren't much better with 3 victories in 12 matches at Cat Park but don't let facts get in the way of a good story eh?

regards,

REB

[Footy Chick]

REB whinges when his mob are losing..

and now REB is whinging about their perfomance even though they're sitting on top of the ladder and have just won their 5th ever game in Adelaide in 16 years...

They may not be playing pretty football, but at the moment, Geelongs ugly football happens to be better than everyone elses ugly football, so just sit back and enjoy it my friend... sheesh..anyone would think you're a pom..

Not whingeing babe, just pointing out a pertinent fact from last week's game. I'll take an ugly win over a pretty loss anyday.

BTW, last weekends win against the Cows was our 11th victory over them from 25 matches at all venues. It was Geelong's second win from 13 attempts at Girlee Stadium but the Cows aren't much better with 3 victories in 12 matches at Cat Park but don't let facts get in the way of a good story eh?

regards,

REB

Moot point... i wasn't whinging about it!