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CATS CONFIDENT OF BREAKING KANGAROO HOODOO AT SKILLED
STADIUM MARK Thompson remains optimistic that Geelong can break their hoodoo against the Kangaroos this Sunday at Skilled Stadium, despite the Roos’ winning 8 out of their past 9 encounters against the Cats. The Geelong coach dismissed suggestions that the Kangaroos will go into the match with a strong psychological advantage, despite their recent good record down at the Cattery. “No I would not have thought so”, he said. “I think as we’re getting better as a team, we will start to play better at all grounds, this is just (Skilled Stadium) one of many” , Thompson said at training today. Not since Round 5 in 1994, has Geelong beaten the Kangaroos at Skilled Stadium. “It was the same story last week against the Bulldogs, it’s a similar challenge this week, really they (Kangaroos) have had a side, where all the best players, have always played well against us, every time we have played them.” While acknowledging Geelong has won 5 out of their last 6 matches this season, Thompson says it is now time for his players to take advantage of winning games regularly, with no major injury concerns. “What we’re in right now, is that we have not got many injuries, it is very hard to get a game and while that opportunity presents itself, you have got to capitalise and win games.” Thompson agreed that Geelong has never been in a better shape, since being at the helm in 2000, stressing the tough decisions will have to be made at the selection table tomorrow night. “It’s a hard selection, and the players know that, and if you have not gone out and played somewhere near your ability, that your’re in risk of losing your spot and that is a great pressure to have.” After Geelong’s VFL team recorded a convincing 52-point victory over Werribee last Saturday, Thompson says there are a number of players who aren’t in the senior side, who are capable of taking that next step. “I’d say we have got to fill the side up with obviously 22, there would be at least another 6 or 7 (players), you are talking about, people like what Mackie’s showing now, Enright, Spriggs, Steve Johnson, Tim Callan.” But Thompson has declined to speculate on whether any changes will be made for Sunday’s game. “Not at the moment. But there won’t too many changes I wouldn’t have thought.” |
ROUND 12: CURTAIN RAISER VFL ROUND 11: GEELONG v PORT
MELBOURNE
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