Cats drought about to end
The last two grand finals we’ve been obliged and compelled to watch trench war fare. In saying that, under normal circumstances you’d think that would be a borefest, when the complete opposite was true.
However, the 2007 AFL Grand final will be a totally different ball game.
This match up between Geelong and Port Adelaide wreaks players far more fleet of foot, far more skilful and far more attacking. Stoppages and scrimmages, which were the hallmark of the Sydney/West Coast epics, won’t play a huge role.
There are plenty of Geelong doomsayers out there, but I believe they will win. Those doubters certainly came of the woodwork once Port destroyed the Kangaroos and Geelong struggled with Collingwood.
The close call against Collingwood will only help the Cats. When a team is confronted with a 44 year drought, there was plenty time for all the gremlins to set in the Cats minds during that two week spell.
Imagine how much sleep they would have got in the lead up to that game, thinking about all the things that could go wrong?
The Cats are the complete package. A wonderful midfield rotation, a frugal defence and a reasonably potent attack. Sure, there are a couple of flaws, but that nine or ten player rotational midfield will provide the Geelong forwards with plenty of pill.
The hard hit out was perfect. The vulnerability that was exposed would only serve as an indicator that nothing is a given for Geelong still needs to tackle hard, do the 1 percenters and get down and dirty.
Last Friday was a timely reminder.
Grand Finals are notorious for forging reputations and bringing unknowns into the spotlight. Teddy Hopkins for Carlton in 1970 and Shane Ellen in 1997 with five goals for the Crows two excellent examples.
If there was a player to fit that bill in 2007, it may well be Geelong’s David Wojcinski. Hard name to pronounce, but I have a sneaking suspicion by 5.30 on Saturday afternoon, his name may roll of the tongue like a Smith or a Jones.
Geelong to win in a goalfest.
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