Cats shake off Magpies to charge into AFL top four
Cats shake off Magpies to charge into AFL top four
Geelong
The Pies’ stark comparison to the 2022 Cats ahead of the clash between the last two AFL premiers.
The Pies’ stark comparison to the 2022 Cats ahead of the clash between the last two AFL premiers.
ANALYSIS Opposition Analysis | Round 17 – Geelong v Hawthorn
On Saturday, the Hawks are set to return to GMHBA Stadium for a crucial match with significant implications as the season enters its final stretch. Hawthorn, despite infrequent visits to Kardinia Park in recent years, arrives in strong form, having won seven of their last eight games. Their success has been anchored by dominant performances in clearances, led by midfield stalwarts James Worpel and Jai Newcombe, both instrumental in their recent victories. Geelong, meanwhile, seeks to build on a rebound win against Essendon and must strategize to counter Hawthorn’s effective midfield and distribution tactics, particularly focusing on limiting the impact of key players like Karl Amon and Massimo D’Ambrosio.
Hot Hawks still have work to do: coach Mitchell
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell believes it is too soon to consider his team among the AFL’s top contenders. However, he is optimistic that with continued confidence and by avoiding complacency, they will soon reach that level. Despite currently being 13th on the ladder, Hawthorn is only half a win behind the eighth-placed Brisbane Lions and just one win away from fifth-placed Geelong. The Hawks recently achieved their fifth consecutive victory and their seventh win in the last eight games with a commanding 61-point victory over West Coast in Perth. Mitchell emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence without becoming complacent, stating, “We deserve to feel confident, but that doesn’t give you the right to be complacent.”