Mooney runs out of time



After one match back in the VFL Marc Woolnough, at training last night, was named in a back pocket against the Western Bulldogs.   


Friday May 24
Geelong Advertiser

CAMERON Mooney last night ran out of chances and was dropped for Geelong's clash against the Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium tomorrow.
The Geelong match committee lost patience with the big forward who has been out of touch and struggled to have an impact in games this year.

He was one of three changes to Geelong's side as it searches to get back on the winner's list against the Western Bulldogs.

Backman Daniel Foster and James Rahilly were also axed, making way for young James Kelly, Marc Woolnough and Brent Grgic.

It will be Kelly's second senior appearance for the Cats after playing a string of impressive games in the reserves.

Grgic returns after spending the past six games in the reserves and has been named on a half forward flank. Woolnough has been named in a back pocket.

Thompson said he would use last year's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs as a spur for his players on Saturday.

The Bulldogs came from 47 points down to beat Geelong by seven points in round 12 last year at Shell Stadium.

``It's in the memory bank,'' Thompson said at training yesterday.

``I think if we get in a similar position I'll certainly use it because it's worth using.

``It was a horrible loss. We played some terrific footy to get where we were and then we just capitulated.''

Thompson said Burns would be one of the keys to Geelong's chances.

``Last week was pretty disappointing, remembering it was his first week back from injury, so we've just got to get him the ball and get him into the play and kicking goals because we need 15 or 16 on the weekend,'' he said.

Thompson singled out Bulldogs big men Luke Darcy and Daniel Bandy as two players Geelong would have to guard against.

``Darcy is such a good and experienced player and Bandy is just an aerobic animal so we just might play some other people this week to help Steven,'' he said.

Thompson hinted that person could yet be the skipper Ben Graham who has found himself shouldering some of the ruck duties already some this year to relieve the behemoth Steven King.

Thompson said it was good to be back on home soil after playing Brisbane and Port Adelaide interstate and Hawthorn at the MCG in the past three weeks.

``We've had two good strong wins here,'' he said.

``I know the players will naturally get a lot of confidence, automatically our confidence will be lifted by the fact we're playing here again.''