BOMBER SETS ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR HIS CHARGES
M Heenan and AAP May 26 2004

MARK Thompson believes the reasons for Geelong’s latest purple patch can be put down to three issues, speed, kicking skills and people playing for one another.

But the Geelong coach is well aware of his team’s recent travelling woes, ahead of this Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, ala Moron Park.

“It is going to be a big game, our record really interstate has not been good ” Thompson said at Geelong training last night. The real challenge is not only to play well, but to try and win a game and bring some points home, that’s the real challenge this week.”

Despite the Cats' narrow loss to Sydney in Round 3 at the SCG, and showing some impressive signs against Fremantle at Subiaco in Round 5, Geelong has lost their last 6 games interstate, something that Thompson is hoping to rectify.

“This (game) looms as a really good test and challenge, and if we play well and win, it is very significant. Three big games in three weeks, it is a real test to see whether we can stay up there, and just keeping meeting the challenges ahead. Make no mistake, Port Adelaide is a big challenge.”

Following last Saturday night's 23-point victory over the highly fancied Bombers at Telstra Dome, Thompson says there is some doubt remaining over whether Kane Tenace, Joel Corey, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski will line up this weekend.

“The boys have pulled up pretty well. We have a few guys in doubt, those 3 or 4 guys have just got to get themselves right by Friday, but in general, they have pulled up pretty well.”

Defender Brenton Sanderson, who is recovering from a knee injury, is expected to miss this weekend’s clash.

“We will probably find out on Friday, at this stage he probably won’t come back in.”

As for depth, Thompson is confident that players from Geelong’s VFL team can rise to the challenge, after some strong individual performances.

“Spriggs, Loats, Steve Johnson, and Bartel are the guys who have been in fantastic form in the reserves, if those other boys don’t came (SIC) up, then they’re the next ones in line.”

Ed Note: Well done Mark! BJ.