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AFL 2011 Finals Series Week 1: Cats Defeat Hawks!

2011-09-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

Finally! After 24 rounds of AFL football we have arrived at the finals. It could not have come soon enough. The trash talk is over, it's time to battle it out.

And finally! The Cats have beaten the Hawks in a final. Before this week you would have to go back to 1963 to remember the last time that Geelong had beaten Hawthorn in a final. But technically this was the first time Geelong had beaten Hawthorn in an AFL final, as 1963 was the VFL finals series.

It was good to finally hear the lamentation of the Hawthorn children.

What wasn't as good was the untimely exit of Daniel Menzel. The kid was shaping up to be one of our big improvers for the year and possibly the difference in the finals series. However, that is all impossible now that he has ruptured his ACL and is booked in for a full knee reconstruction.

Luckily Tom Hawkins was there to fill the void. The TomaHawk has really developed as a player in the last few weeks, and is shaping up for a really great 2011 finals series.

And yet again, Mr September - Brad Ottens - has stood up when it counts. Ottens displayed why a dominant ruckman is so important these days as he gave the Geelong onballers first crack at the Sherrin. He also managed to kick a few goals and take a number of contested marks.

There is always a downside to these games and apart from Menzel's knee it would have to be Steve Johnson's game. It was reminiscent of the 2008 Grand Final, also against Hawthorn, in which he racked up numerous possessions, but had little impact on the game. Stick to the forward line Steve, and if you are 60m out and the siren hasn't gone, pass the ball rather than attempting a torpedo.

Now we look forward to a rest and the Preliminary final against Carlton or West Coast.

Go Cats!

AFL 2011 - Round 24 - Best Betting Odds

2011-08-31T01:28:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

I've had a look around and checked what the best odds are for the round 24 matches.

Starting off with Friday night's Collingwood Vs Geelong match, I would suggest that going on current form the odds are stacked against the Cats. Collingwood have had some great wins this year and I would suggest they would continue this trend. My tip for the Collingwood Vs Geelong game would be to go for the Tri-Bet Collingwood 15.5+. At $1.70 it looks like the odds are just about right to give you the best return on your bet.

Gold Coast Vs Hawthorn as the early match on Saturday should be a whitewash. Probably the biggest win of round 24. Hawthorn should beat Gold Coast by a comfortable margin, so any bets relating to Hawthorn by more than 8 goals should be you best chance of having a winning bet. My tip for the bet to take on this match would be Hawthorn Over 39.5 Points. At $1.20 it's probably the safest bet of the round. A great earner for all your multi-bets.

The 2.10 Saturday Western Bulldogs Vs Fremantle game could throw up any number of results, but with Fremantle travelling poorly I would have to give the win to the Western Bulldogs. I would suggest that they would be able to beat Fremantle by at least 4 goals. For a bit of a value bet I'm going to go with Western Bulldogs by 20-39 Points. This is a 50/50 proposition at $ 4.50, so if you're looking for a bet to fill your multi-bets with I'd probably go with the Tri-Bet of Western Bulldogs Over 15.5 Points at $1.16.

Sydney Vs Brisbane at 4.10 on Saturday should provide some easy betting profits and boost all your Multi-Bets very nicely. Sydney had a surprise win against Geelong at Skilled Stadium which should see them with their tails up. The Line Bet of Sydney -34.5 which is paying $1.90requires Sydney to get up by 35 points over the Lions. Something I can not see them having trouble accomplishing, especially at home.

Another easy game to pick is the West Coast Vs Adelaide game at 7.10 on Saturday. West Coast at home, with Adelaide away should mean an almighty home ground advantage for the Eagles. This is one game I'm going to stand out in all my Multi-Bets with my selection for bet of the round being West Coast Over 39.5 Points. Paying $2.15 this is possibly one of the better value bets of the season. A certain winner.

Carlton Vs St Kilda, also at 7.10 on Saturday is a read head-scratcher. I have no problem saying that I have no idea which way this game will go. The deciding factor will probably be which player, Chris Judd or Nick Reiwoldt will have the better game. My gut tells me that it will be close, but my head tells me that the Blues should win. Therefore I am going with the safest bet of the round, Carlton to win at $1.65.

Port Adelaide Vs Melbourne will probably be the cause of many a failed Multi-Bet this weekend. I am going to steer clear of this match.

Richmond Vs Kangaroos rounds out the 2011 AFL home and away season and you couldn't ask for a better match. A Richmond win will see them catapulted into 9th position. They call them 9thmond for a reason. Therefore I am going with a Tigers win in this match. Richmond to win at $2.65. Just avoid this game for your Multi-Bets.

All odds for all bets found online at the TAB website.

AFL betting tips from BestAFLBest at Blue And White Hoops

2011-08-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Resident AFL betting guru BestAFLBets has revealed his method for maximising betting returns on AFL matches in his contribution at Blue And White Hoops

Check out how BestAFLBets can increase your winnings on AFL matches by at least 10%.

Whether you enjoy a punt on the Footy, the Rugby or the Soccer you are sure to benefit from BestAFLBets' punting wisdom.

Head on over to Blue And White Hoops to check it out.

The best AFL betting odds in town.

Free copy of Peggle Nights! Guess how much Geelong will beat Sydney by in round 23!

2011-08-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

Theres a steam copy of Peggle Nights for the member that comes closest to the Geelong Cats Vs Sydney Swans margin over at Blue And White Hoops.

Get on over for a chat and a chance to win a free game!

Free copy of Sim City 4 Deluxe for whoever picks closest to the margin in the Cats/Crows game.

2011-08-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All!

I am giving away a copy of Sim City 4 Deluxe on the steam gaming platform for whoever is closest in picking the Cats Vs Crows margin..

In the event two people pick the margin I will give it to whoever is first.

Contest is open to all members bar admin and mods.

Entries close at the opening bounce.

Head on over to Blue And White Hoops

AFL Live 2011 review. It really is that good!

2011-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

AFL Live 2011 Review

Hey all!

I've put up a little review of my experience with AFL Live 2011 on the xbox over at Blue And White Hoops.

If you're interested in seeing if the hype is matched by the reality I suggest you check it out.

In short: yes.

Round 5 Hawks Vs Cats Roundup

2011-04-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hawks Vs Cats

Coombesy at Blue And White Hoops has written up a great preview of the Tuesday game between Hawthorn and Geelong.

I highly recommend getting over there and having a read.

2010 Melbourne Cup Tips Are In!

2010-11-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

The fellas over at Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup have just released their tips.

They have their top four selections listed as well as the entire field ranked.

Needless to say So You Think has been listed as a red hot favourite, by the length of the Flemington straight.

So if you want to win big on the Melbourne Cup head on over to Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup now!

What A Shitty Week For The Geelong Football Club!

2010-09-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

It starts out the same as any week for Geelong in 2010. Rumours of the defection of the Brownlow medal winning superstar Gary Ablett. Ho-hum. Whatever shall we do.

Secondly, James Hird gets appointed as coach of Essendon. Normally this wouldn't raise an eyebrow at the Cattery, but the fact he has zero experience in coaching means that he'll need someone to hold his hand. Now the rumours start up that it's going to be either Bomber, Choco Williams, or Dean Laidley.

Whatever, as if that'll happen.

Third, Bomber comes to the club and tells them that he's not sure he wants to continue coaching next year. Great! But he assures the club that it's not because he's heading to Essendon to become Director of Coaching or some shit, it's purely because he's burnt out. And if that's true I say fair enough.

But the footy world is a strange beast. Undying support can turn into knives in the back in the space of 2 days.

So now we've got a coach who doesn't want to coach us anymore, but is being wooed by his old club. The club he captained to a premiership, and that has just signed it's golden boy to a coaching stint.

So the club superstar comes back from his holiday in - surprise, surprise - Queensland and call a press conference for 12.30. OK, finally, the rumours will be put to bed. And put to bed they were.

He's gone.

The final bearer of the Ablett name. The name that sits alongside Farmer, Wade, Davis and Ford as being synonymous with Geelong.

And 20 years of history is cast to the wind.

Goodbye Gary. It was good while it lasted, but now you've moved on. And soon, so shall we.

Gary Ablett to announce his decision to leave Geelong for Gold Coa$t $un$

2010-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Gary Ablett is expected to be announcing his decision to leave Geelong at 12.30 today. Farewell Gary!

Fallout from the Bomber Thompson decision.

2010-09-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

The decision by Mark Bomber Thompson has left the Geelong Football Club in a sticky situation.
The club really needs for this decision to become final by the end of the week so that preparations can be made for trade week which begins next Tuesday.
With Gary Ablett still not signed and Thompson undecided, it makes it hard to make any plans.
Should Thompson leave I would like to see either Ken Hinkley or Brenton Sanderson get the job. Both have had vast experience as assistant coaches and would do the club proud.

Mark Bomber Thompson meets Geelong Cats to discuss future plans.

2010-09-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Mark Thompson today met with the Geelong Football club to decide his future with the club.
The club released a statement today to say that Mark has not decided to leave to coach Essendon, but is still wanting to reconsider his future with the Cats.
The statement revealed that Bomber was feeling fatigued and was reconsidering his options before the start of the 2010 AFL season.

James Hird to coach Essendon in 2011

2010-09-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

Good news for Bombers fans and Great news for Cats fans.

With James Hird being announced as the new coach for the Essendon Bombers the chances of Mark Thompson being poached has grown nigh on imperceptible.

Now once Gary Ablett announces that he is staying at Geelong in 2011 we will be ready to challenge for the 2011 premiership.

Go Cats!

Melbourne Cup 2010 Betting System Trial 1 Results Are In!!!

2010-09-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

The system being developed at http://whowillwinthemelbournecup.com has had it's first full race meet trial on the 25/09 2010 at the Randwick Races.

I must say that it has performed very well for a first up trial, with a ROI of 120.25%! That's a tidy profit.

So get on over to Who Will Win the Melbourne Cup and check out the system. In teh coming weeks it will be your best tool for working out which horse will win the Melbourne Cup.

Geelong Cats are premiers for another week!

2010-09-25T01:45:00.001-07:00

Oh Yeah! With the 2010 AFL Grand Final being a draw, the 2009 AFL Premiers are still reigning premiers! Go Cats!

When will Gary Ablett announce his decision now that the Grand Final was a tie?

2010-09-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

Gary Ablett was rumoured to be announcing if he is staying at Geelong or going to the Gold Coast in the week after the 2010 AFL Grand Final. Now that it is a draw, when will he make his announcement? This week or next?

AFL says CHA-CHING!!!

2010-09-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

After the 2010 AFL Grand Final draw, the game will be replayed next week, with supporters expected to have to pay again for tickets.

Many people bought $1300 tickets through AFL affiliated scalpers. Now they will have to fork out again or miss the 2010 decider.

The AFL is laughing all the way to the bank.

It's a draw!!!

2010-09-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

The 2010 AFL Grand Final Between Collingwood and St Kilda is a draw!!!

Probably the best result I could imagine considering I hate both teams!

Which Horse Will Win The Melbourne Cup?

2010-09-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

If you want to know which horse will win the Melbourne Cup or have an idea which horse will win the Melbourne Cup, head on over to http://whowillwinthemelbournecup.com/ and check out the forums.

There's always plenty to learn at Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup

Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup?

2010-09-23T01:10:00.000-07:00

Now that the Footy season's over for us Geelong Cats fans it's time to turn to the spring racing carnival. In particular the Melbourne Cup. Many people come to the first Tuesday in November and find themselves asking "Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup?"

Well, now there's an easy way to fing out. Simply visit whowillwinthemelbournecup.com.

The guys at Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup are developing a system to help pick the winner of the Melbourne Cup as well as other Group 1 races such as the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Cup, Turnbull Stakes, and the Victoria Derby

So head on over to Who Will Win The Melbourne Cup and try your luck.

Post of the day...or should I say Poll of the day at blueandwhitehoops.com

2010-09-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

Old man schfagnum has posted an interesting poll over at Blue And White Hoops - The Geelong Cats Supporters Forum

Ablett To Stay With Geelong
Hey all. What are the chance he will go to the Goald Coast?

I want your opinions and I want them now!

So head on over and let us all know what you think on the issue.

Post of the day! Cats team unchanged.

2010-09-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

As I've just announced over at Blue And White Hoops the GFC.COM website has posted that the team for Friday's Preliminary Final Vs Collingwood is unchanged from the team that whupped Fremantle.

Head on over and have your say.

Thread of the day.

2010-09-15T04:22:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna start linking to posts/threads on forums that I think are particularly interesting.

This thread from "biggazza" really caught my eye.

Memories of Collingwood preliminary final defeats past...

http://www.blueandwhitehoops.com/bawhforum/showthread.php?tid=34

What really caught my eye was this paragraph: "the way that Collingwood scored the first two goals and the fans were going Troppo! We didn't even look like scoring. Pies fans were all in our faces telling us we may as well head for the car park. Then we piled on something like the next 8 goals."

Good times had by all. Head on over to Blue And White Hoops and check out the great stories, or even write one yourself.

New Geelong Cats Supporters Forum

2010-09-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

Just stumbled upon this forum...

http://www.blueandwhitehoops.com/

Looks like it's pretty new.

I've just signed up, so maybe I'll see you there.

Oh and you can get directly to the forum by going to

http://www.blueandwhitehoops.com/bawhforum/

Might see you there. I'll be "cats4flag"

AFL 2010 - Round 1 - Geelong Vs Essendon Review.

2010-03-28T02:30:00.000-07:00

Firstly, it's good to have footy back.

While I could watch the Grand Final about 100 times in a year, I think I reached that number in 6 weeks.

Also having something tangible to write about will slow the barrage of Ablett to Gold Coast articles.

So a good win to start the year.

I was there, collected my members cap and settled into my seat with a couple of frothies.

Have to admit there were times that I was a little worried about the outcome, but nothing too bad. We seem to have a knack for finding that next gear.

Looks like Gary Ablett has his head in a good place. Got a lot of the ball and used it well in most instances. Taking on Davey was perhaps a little foolish, but taking people on is what he does. Seems to struggle with kicking for goal at full tilt running at the goal. But if that's my major gripe all is good.

Cameron Ling's first game as full-time captain was a cracker. Shut down Watson and got plenty of the pill himself. Kicked a great snap from 15m out when the ball was in dispute. Got caught trying to take off from a standing start while in traffic, which shouldn't be attempted by someone of his pace.

Joel Selwood had a great game. Quiet in the 3rd term, but really put his head down and got on with playing footy. I wish all our players could be like that sometimes. Grabbed a few goals which is a good sign for the team when midfielders apply scoreboard pressure. Copped a bit of a knock when going for a mark in the centre which I felt shold have been awarded a free kick. Seemed a little slow to get up, but I was never worried for him. He's as tough as old boot leather.

Shannon Byrnes started the game of ok. Got some of the footy but wasted it a bit kicking a series of behinds before registering his first major. Ended up being in our best without a doubt. Looks like this year we won't be saying "BOO!", we'll be saying "BOO-YRNES!"

James Kelly and Andrew Mackie's disposal was a let-down at times throughout the night. It seems as if they take it a little too easy when they are not under pressure and fluff their delivery. A couple of easy passes to guys 20m in the clear went nowhere near the intended target. Again, it's a minor gripe.

I was a bit disapointed to miss out on seeing James Podsiadly, but we did get to see Mitch Duncan. While he was ineffective in a number of early contests he did get a number of possessions in the following 3 quarters and laid a few nice tackles.

A big surprise for me was Tom Lonergan. Last I heard Lonners wasn't in the team, so to see him on the field was a worry. He played pretty well, taking a number of good marks and seemed to be hitting targets. I believe he kept Gumbleton to 2 disposals, which is pretty good, but nothing to get excited about. This guy has 2 year breaks between games. The real test will be next week against the Hawks.

Cameron Mooney looked to have overcome the yips and started hitting the scoreboard. Good to see him get fired up too. That free kick against him for an early bump was one of the biggest loads of tripe I've seen. Not within 5m my butt.

Jimmy Bartel looked the goods. Got cleaned up by Hille when the game was well and truly lost. A dog act that will recieve weeks as the AFL likes to crack down on that sort of thing early in the season.

Joel Corey seemed to not get amongst it so much, but I guess that happens when you come back from injury. I would've liked for him to have a more memorable 200th game, but a win will do for him I'm sure. Smithy's a great clubman.

Some things that peeved me throughout the game were the number of holding the ball decisions not paid (both ways). Guys were dropping the ball when tackled and not being penalised. They had prior opportunity and made no attempt to dispose of it. I honestly don't believe that it was knocked free in the tackle either. Sometimes you gotta wonder about these calls.

Similarly guys were getting punched in the head in marking contests and not recieving frees, while a number of soft hands in the back frees were plucked out. It's getting to the stage where a whistle blows and everyone shrugs their shoulders and waits to be told what happened.

I also noticed a number of times the bullshit "pass it around the backline for 5min" ploy creeping back into our game. Thankfully it was punished twice, which I'm hoping with be a reminder not to mess around with it close to goal.

But enough whinging...we won. Four points on the board and some good signs that we will be able to successfully defend the flag in 2010.

UP MOGGIES!!!

2010 Supercoah Bargains

2010-03-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the Geelong players that are going to be good value for money in Supercoach for 2010.

James Podsiadly- Should play a number of games with his elevation to the senior list. Will be played deep inside the forward 50 and will be a target. Expect to average 80 points a game.

Shannon Byrnes - Had a breakthrough year in 2009. Looks set to continue where he left off. If he can get his kicks to go between the two big posts he will be averaging over 100pts a game. The ban imposed on Mathew Stokes doesn't hurt either.

Brad Ottens - Had an extremely short season in 2009 due to injury, but is back fit & firing after a mishap with a propller. Will amass a number of points through hit-outs, marks and goals. I'd imagine 80+ average.

Josh Hunt - Kicks out from full-back. Is a link man when exiting the defensive 50 and an "out" when under pressure. Looks to have recovered fully from a knee injury in 2009. 70+ points per game from Josh.

2010 Ladder Predictions.

2010-03-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

O.K.

So we're most of the way through round 1, but I'm sure you won't hold that against me.

Premiers: Who else? The mighty fighting felines!

Wooden spoon: Gotta go with Richmond.

Grand Finalists: Obviously Geelong...and...Hawthorn.

Brownlow: Selwood. Non Geelong: Reiwoldt.

Final 8: Geelong, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Carlton, Brisbane.

Coleman: Franklin

Geelong Best & Farest (Carji): Selwood

Gazza GFC or GCFC?: Gary Ablett to stay at Geelong.

Headline of 2010: Gary Ablett signs new 5 year deal with Geelong.

We Are Back!!!

2010-03-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Lol.

Once again, my on-again/off-again love afair with blogging has blossomed.

After winning the 2009 AFL Premiership over St Kilda it all became too much or me.

Days of partying stretched into weeks, which stretched into Months.

And now we are back.

So strap yourselves in for another season of semi-regular installments filled with what's fallen out of my mind.

Cats4Flag 2009 AFL Grand Final Tips

2009-09-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

2009 AFL Grand Final Winner: Geelong Cats - Peaking at the right time. No sentimental inclusions.
Margin: 30 points - Probably going to outscore St. Kilda by a goal a quarter and then add another when they realise they can't win.
Norm Smith Medal Winner: Jimmy Bartel - The wet weather specialist.
Norm Smith Medal Smokey: Harry Taylor - If he shuts down Reiwoldt will be a big chance to take Norm home.
2009 AFL Grand Final First Goal: Tom Hawkins - Will be delivered lace out by Gazza who will be wanting to boost the young guy's confidence.
2009 AFL Grand Final Most Possessions: Gary Ablett Jnr. - The old space creating one-two.
2009 AFL Grand Final Leading Goalkicker: Paul Chapman (5) - Will snap at least two. The others from set shots, straight as a die. Will miss a banana.
2009 AFL Grand Final Leading Goalkicker Smokey: Shannon Byrnes - Has excelled when least expected. A favourite whipping boy prior to 2009. Will be treated with contempt by St. Kilda until he scores his 3rd goal.

Have a great Grand Final and UP MOGGIES!!!

Gary Ablett wins the 2009 Brownlow Medal!!!

2009-09-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Gary!

About time, after 2 years of torment.

Most deserving Brownlow medallist in years.

Should have had 3 by now.

Lead the count pretty much from the get-go.

Love ya work Gazza!!!

Gary Ablett Favourite For The 2009 AFL Brownlow Medal

2009-09-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

Gary Ablett has again been posted as the favourite for the 2009 AFL Brownlow medal.

Will he win it this time or will he be reduced to tears by the blindness of the umpires?

Is he truly the favourite, or without the presence of the traditional Brownlow medal leak are the bookies simply trying to get everyone to bet on the one little genius in the knowledge that he can't win it?

Only time will tell.

My Tips:
First (Brownlow Medallist 2009): Gary Ablett Junior.
Second: Dane Swan
Third: Chris Judd

Geelong Cats Vs St. Kilda Saints in the 2009 AFL Grand Final.

2009-09-21T00:16:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Geelong and St. Kilda on making it to the 2009 AFL Grand Final this Saturday 26th of September.

After St. Kilda beat the Western Bulldogs on Friday night and Geelong beat the Collingwood Magpies on Saturday night the scene has been set for one of the most highly anticipated Grand Finals of all time.

Geelong seeking redemption after losing the unlosable 2008 Grand Final to Hawthorn will be keen to make amends, and after flogging the Maggies in the Preliminary final look as ready as they'll ever be.

St. Kilda have not won a Grand Final since their single premiership in 1966 and after going undefeated for 19 rounds looks dead set certainties.

This is the first time that Geelong and St. Kilda have met in the Grand Final ever. Tickets for this Grand Final are at a premium. The only chance left for most people is to enter as many competitions as they can to win free AFL 2009 Grand Final tickets.

My Tips:
Winner: Geelong
Margin: 45 points.
First goal: Cameron Mooney.
Norm Smith: Gary Ablett.
Norm Smith Roughy: Tom Hawkins.

The Grand Final will be shown on Channel Ten this year.

AFL Grand Final 2009 - Geelong Cats Vs St. Kilda Saints Tickets - Grandstand Grab

2009-09-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

AFL GRAND FINAL TICKETS PHOTO CONTEST

2 Tickets to the AFL Grand Final 2009 - Geelong Cats Vs St. Kilda Saints are available to 1 lucky winner.

Simply follow the link above to the ABC radio site, register and rate my pic.

Best of luck!

Update: Gary Ablett injury sees him out for 2-3 weeks.

2009-05-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

Cat fan's worst fears have been confirmed with Geelong staff today ruling out Gary Ablett for 2-3 games with a groin injury.

Full story from afl.com.au: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/76195/default.aspx

Well that's just great.

Hope no-one had too much cash on him for the Brownlow. I guess there'll be some more value in him yet.

As always I am certain that the club's claims that he will be back in 2-3 are vastly understated and that he will probably b back in 4-5 weeks.

Just as Ottens' injury was supposed to be 2-4 weeks and last year he was said to be ready to come back on in the last quarter of a VFL practice match only to be 2-3 weeks away for 9 weeks.

Video: Gary Ablett Jnr Vs Melbourne - World record fastest goal.

2009-05-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here it is, video of the lightning fast goal kicked by Gary Ablett in the opening seconds of the game against Mebourne Round 6 2009.

Credit to Channel 7 for the footage and callisto150 for posting it to youtube.

I say it was 9 seconds, as that's when the ball crosses the line. Yet others may argue 13 seconds as thats when the umpire signalled it.

You've got to give it to the 9 second call. If the umpire didn't hear the all clear he could have taken an extra 10-20 seconds to get the confirmation and signal the goal. So 9 seconds it is.

Gary Ablett!!! You star!!!

AFL 2009 - Round 7 - Geelong Cats Vs Sydney Swans

2009-05-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Geelong play hosts to Sydney this week at Skilled Stadium in their round 7 clash.

This match looms as a danger game for the cats with Gary Ablett to possibly miss with a groin injury sustained in last week's game against Melbourne at the MCG. Should Ablett not play, the load will fall upon Joel Corey and Joel Selwood's shoulders with either Paul Chapman or JimmyBartel joining the duo.

Selwood would be looking forward to playing alongside one of his most admired opponents in Brett Kirk.

As usual the danger will come from Adam Bloody Goodes who always seems to play well.

Will Scarlett go to Big Bad Barry Hall? Will Kirk tag Selwood. These appear to be the most mouth watering match-ups on paper.

Last week the Cats nearly kicked themselves out of the game with a 15 goal 21 behind scoreline. If that game was against quality opposition the result would not have been so one-sided.

Hopefully The Big Hairy Cat Cameron Mooney will bring his kicking boots and put through some of those shots from 30-40m out. Tom "Tomahawk" Hawkins also needs to be more confident in front of goal. With Sydney shutting down the game and the weather likely to play a part, there doesn't look like they will get as many chances on goal as in previous weeks. This means that all opportunities need to be taken.

It would also be nice if Steve Johnson could stay inside the forward 50, rather than wafting upfield as he has been doing lately. We get much more value out of him around the goal-square.

Shannon Byrnes needs to lift and would be well advised to take every opportunity that comes his way. Same with Travis Varcoe.

The back 6 lead by Scarlett should be able to keep the Sydney forwards quiet, perhaps even keeping them to 10 goals or less.

In the end this game depends on which Geelong side turns up: The ruthless mob that tears teams apart at the slightest sign of weakness, or the lazy rabble that gets 2-3 goals up and then takes a rest. With St Kilda sitting pretty with percentage hovering around the 200pt mark I certainly hope it's the former.

Geelong to go undefeated all year?

2009-05-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

Recently there has been a lot of people talking about putting money on Geelong to go undefeated all season.

This seems like good value at first glance with people getting upwards of $8.

However if you manage to get 1.15 on the Cats for the remaining 16 rounds you will scoop up $813.70. With this option you can back out of a tough game such as St Kilda.

It's not that I'm saying it's wise to do so, but please realise that you are not getting much of a benefit from such a huge risk.

Just be aware of what you're getting yourself into.

Demote Gary Ablett as your Supercoach / Dreamteam captain.

2009-05-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

For those Supercoach / Dream team coaches who, like me, had Baby Jesus as their captain it's time for me to give you a friendly reminder to swap him out from the captain's spot.

Personally I'm looking at Jimmy Bartel. Should it rain at Skilled Stadium on Saturday he will be in his element. You could say he's a wet weather specialist.

Don't bother trading Ablett as there's no certainty that he'll miss this week's game. Simply switch him to the bench, that way you can always swap him back on if he plays. If you trade him this week and he plays his price will rise by about $10,000.

If you must trade him I would suggest Bartel or Joel Corey. Paul Chapman and Joel Selwood have had good weeks, but I can't see them maintaining this pace. Takeover Target they are not.

AFL 2009 - Round 7 Tips

2009-05-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

I'm back baby!

Time to get the tips back on line.

Was running pretty well last year with the tips with an over 80% strike-rate on certainties and 70% on all tips.

Anyway, lets see if we can regain the magic.

Essendon Vs Hawthorn
Hawthorn have been a bit proppy with the amount of injuries they've had. Essendon has had a bad break with Dustin Fletcher's broken ankle last week. I think Hawthorn will get up over Essendon this week in the vicinity of 5 goals.

Geelong Vs Sydney
It's hard to tip against the Cats this week. Home game. Even with Gary Ablett out for this Round 7 clash I see too much to like about Geelong. Cats home by 7 goals.

Richmond Vs Brisbane
A tough match to call this week. Normally I'd take Brisbane over Richmond any day, but in Melbourne it evens things up a little. I've still got to say Brisbane, by about 4 goals.

Kangaroos Vs Port Adelaide
Kangaroos are useless since Brent Harvey dislocated his elbow. Port usually suck in Melbourne, but after beating Hawthorn here a few weeks back that may have changed. Port Adelaide by 2 goals.

Carlton Vs Fremantle
Carlton to exorcise some demons and pump the Dockers. Not helped by the fact that Freo are duds in Melbourne. The Blues by 10 goals.

Adelaide Vs Western Bulldogs
This should be a close one. Adelaide at home are a formidable task, while the Dogs haven't traveled too well interstate this year. Adelaide can't kick big scores so they need to hold the Dogs to a score under 80pts. Crows too good at home against interstate teams, should win by under a kick. Crows by 5pts.

West Coast Vs Melbourne
Wow. The battle of who could care less. Melbourne were plucky against the Cats this week, but I feel the Cats contributed to that. Melbourne have a terrible travelling record. West coast to save some face after losing the Derby. West Coast by 5 goals.

Collingwood Vs St Kilda
It's just too hard to go past St Kilda. The Magpies may be without 2 forwards, Paul Medhurst & Jack Anthony, with the latter putting that glorious cranium of his to good use. Saints by 4 goals.

My Certainties: Geelong, Carlton, West Coast, St Kilda.

There you have it, my tips for round 6. I'm starting the tally from this week so my current strike rate is 100%.. Cheeky, I know.

Correct Tips Last Round: 0
Correct Tips So Far: 0
Tips %: 1000
Certainties Last Round: 0
Total Certainty Predictions: 0
Total Certainties Correct: 0
Certainties %: 100

Melbourne Vs Geelong - Round 6 2009 - Gary Ablett injured.

2009-05-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

Gary Ablett has sustained a groin injury in today's 15.21.111 to 10.8.68 win against the Melbourne Demons. Bomber Thompson said in the post-match press conference that it may see the little champ sidelined for a week as a precaution. Hopefully this does not hamper his chances of finally securing that elusive Brownlow Medal.

It was otherwise a pretty average day at the office for Ablett. After scoring a possibly world record for the quickest goal in an AFL match (estimated to be between 9 and 13 seconds) Ablett racked up 25 possessions, being easily eclipsed by Jimmy Bartel and Paul Chapman with 41 possessions apiece.

Shannon Byrnes, who said in a recent interview that he wants to become a regular in the side let himself down with terrible turnovers and decision making. He failed to add to his goal tally this week, but unsurprisingly added a pair of behinds to his stat sheet. The bloke's kicked more behinds than Muhammad Ali.

Steve Johnson scored a trio of second quarter goals and then proceeded to waltz up the ground where his tendency to attempt the soft shoe shuffle around opposition players got him into trouble on more than one occasion. Normally this would not be such an issue, but when you do it 70m from the opposition goal the resulting free-kick becomes an immediate threat.

It was good to see Joel Selwood making it through a game without blood pouring from his face. On the subject of injuries, David Johnson went into the rooms with what appeared to be a knee injury, but returned to the field in a few minutes. Here's hoping it was just a knock.

All up it was a frustrating display from the Cats. Full credit to the Dees who put up a fight, with Russell Robertson making his way back into the team for this round six game and scoring 3 majors. It may seem petty to complain about a 7 goal win, but we need to get in the habit of destroying teams before we come up against the threat of St Kilda.

Geelong Cats, Gary Ablett & Super Coach / Dream Team

2009-05-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

If you are playing any of the fantasy AFL games this year, this was the time to make some easy money by trading for Gary Ablett before this weeks game against the Melbourne Demons at the MCG on Sunday.

Averaging nearly 40 possessions per week Ablett is sure to score above 150 points, which means that those coaches that have Gary Ablett as captain will score over 300 points for a single midfielder.

Even trading him into your Supercoach team for this weeks gamewould have earnt you a tidy profit.

Future movers in the Supercoach world from a Geelong Cats perspective are Cameron Mooney, who has had a slow start but should start kicking bags.

Brad Ottens had a minute impact in round two and should increase his value upon return within a month.

Travis Varcoe has started to have an impact and may well score in the low 100's, as with Shannon Byrnes.

But the real powdered white gold is Gary Ablett. Yes, powdered white gold. I went there.

And we're back!

2009-05-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

After a long break, we are back.

The mid-year break, combined with work commitments threw us for a loop.

So far this year we've had the Cats hold out a fast-Finishing Hawthorn lead by Buddy Franklin.

Once Matthew Scarlett was rested in the 4th quarter things fell apart for the Geelong Cats.

Surely the best full-back in the league.

Round two resulted in a disappointing result for the Cats.

Most expected Richmond to get a hiding, but few recall that Geelong don't play their best football at Kardinia Park, nor do they bury teams that should be an easy beat.

Round three was the grudge match versus Collingwood, one of two teams to score a win against the Cats in season 2008.

While the Magpies pulled away early, they lacked the class to go with the Cats for 4 quartersand ended up being brushed aside easily. You can almost feel the pain of Mick Malthouse, Eddie McGuire and Joffa. How sweet it is.

Round four's match against Adelaide Crows was meant to be a danger game for the Cats, but while the crows pushed the away side, they never headed them. If Sherrins were made of asbestos Gary Ablett would have a terminal case of Mesothelioma.

Round five saw the Cats return to Skilled Stadium for the match against Brisbane Lions. Freezing temperatures, hail, and blustery winds didn't help to draw the crowds to Kardinia Park, with only 15,000 loyal fans turning out to see the Cats thump the hapless Lions. Sherrin needs to retain some Mesothelioma attorneys as Garry Ablett racked up another 42 possessions, while also kicking one of the goals of the year from the boundary in the final quarter.

Not to be outdone, Max Rooke bounced one in fromthe opposite pocket. Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins also put in strong showings.

Round 13 Tips

2008-06-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Poor tipping on my part last week, only coming up with 5 winners.

This week doesn't look any easier.

St. Kilda Vs Fremantle
After last week I have no idea.
I'll just go for Saints after the shakeup at the club this week.

Hawthorn Vs Kangaroos
After last weeks insipid effort by the Kangas I've gotta pick the Hawks. Easily.

Port Adelaide Vs Richmond
Both are terrible clubs. Port with the home ground advantage.

Brisbane Lions Vs Adelaide
Hmmm. Adelaide have been promising. As have the Lions. I'll go for the Lions at home.

West Coast Vs Geelong
West Coast's only hope is a blackout.
Cats all the way.

Melbourne Vs Sydney
Melbourne can't win a game to save themselves.
Swans easily.

Carlton Vs Essendon
Carlton making a late surge, while the Dons go for draft picks.

Collingwood Vs Western Bulldogs
Collingwood thrash the moggies and then fall in a heap. Doggies to buil their percentage.

My Certainties: Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, Carlton, Western Bulldogs.

There you have it, my tips for round 13. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 72
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 2
Total Certainty Predictions: 47
Total Certainties Correct: 40
Certainties %: 85

Geelong Squad For Round 13

2008-06-19T03:59:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Brent Prismall, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, James Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int: Josh Hunt, Brad Ottens, Joel Selwood, Travis Varcoe

No changes this week, so there's not much to write about.

I guess the big issue this week is who's fighting for their spot considering Scarlett and Wojcinski will be knocking on the door come round 14.

Most likely Prismall and Varcoe.

Round 12 Tips

2008-06-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

7 tips last week. Just a shame I didn't have faith in Juddy to whup some ass.

Hopefully Port's embarrassing fadeout won't sour them into action this week against the FFFFFF's.

Essendon Vs West Coast
Essendon have just been woeful this season. The only thing stopping this from getting ugly is the homeground advantage.

Western Bulldogs Vs Brisbane Lions
Both the Bullies and the Lions have been good this year. This is a serious test of Brisbane's claim to contender status. Bullies by a nose.

Fremantle Vs Kangaroos
Fremantle are a dog's breakfast, while the Roos managed to push the Cats last week.

Sydney Vs St. Kilda
Sydney looked a bit ordinary for 3 quarters last week, but I'll put that down to having to travel across the country.

Adelaide Vs Hawthorn
Depends on Adelaide. If they show up to play it could get ugly for the Hawks. However, I think they will be taking things easy. Hawks by a couple of goals.

Geelong Vs Port Adelaide
Port blew an easy win last week. So much for their easy draw. Cats to fire. Geelong by 50.

Collingwood Vs Carlton
Collingwood barely scraped over the line against Melbourne last week, while Carlton had a spirited come from behind win over Port. Blues for my money.

Richmond Vs Melbourne
Richmond were terrible last week, while Melbourne could have won if they had kicked straighter.

My Certainties: Kangaroos, Sydney, Geelong.

There you have it, my tips for round 12. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 7
Correct Tips So Far: 67
Tips %: 76
Certainties Last Round: 4
Total Certainty Predictions: 44
Total Certainties Correct: 38
Certainties %: 86

Geelong Squad For Round 12

2008-06-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Brent Prismall, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, James Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int (from): Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Joel Selwood, David Wojcinski, Josh Hunt, Ryan Gamble, Kane Tenace

Still in the extended squad at this point.

I would imaging it would be Ottens, Selwood, Wojcinski, and Hunt on the bench.

Scarlett out with a hamstring injury, hopefully to return fit as a fiddle after the midyear break.

Shagger Byrnes also injure (apparently). Methinks this may be a ploy to drop him after touching Steve Johnson's last gasp goal. What was he thinking???

Round 11 Tips

2008-06-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Not too bad last week, scoring 6 tips, while many did get 8 I was happy with the 6 in the end.

Bulldogs upset the Hawks at their home ground, perhaps if they had played in Victoria things could have been different.

That match really meant the death of the deadset certain tip.

Fremantle also let me down with their loss to Port, but who is surprised really?

Kangaroos Vs Geelong
Cats all the way here. The Roos have had a number of injuries to key players while the Cats have regained Chapman (and Mooney).

Richmond Vs Adelaide
This could go either way, but the Crows only because I think the Tigers are crappier.

Essendon Vs Hawthorn
Essendon are still terrible, despite pushing the Crows. Hawks to bounce back.

West Coast Vs Sydney
West Coast are unpredictable, but I predict a loss to the Swans.

Brisbane Lions Vs Fremantle
Freo are just the worse team in the league. Even Melbourne look better than them.

St. Kilda Vs Western Bulldogs
Depends on who shows up. If it's the rabble that played Brisbane Vs the mob that beat the Hawks I will be going for the Dogs.

Port Adelaide Vs Carlton
These games don't get any easier. Could swing one way or another, but based on last week I'm tipping the Power.

Melbourne Vs Collingwood
These blockbuster games have a tendency to bring out the best of the minnows, while the sharks get stagefright. I'm tipping the Maggies this week, with a few $$$ on the Dees just for a little sweetener.

My Certainties: Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney, Brisbane.

There you have it, my tips for round 11. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 6
Correct Tips So Far: 60
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 3
Total Certainty Predictions: 40
Total Certainties Correct: 34
Certainties %: 85

Geelong Squad For Round 11

2008-06-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Jame Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int: Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins

Otto came back and didn't re-injure last week which is a positive.

Harry Taylor a bit stiff to be dropped this week, while Tom Hawkins has had it coming for a while now. Maybe a run in the 2's will do them both good.

Cam Mooney and Paul Chapman come back into the team which hopefully will add some potency to the foward-line which should have buried Carlton by half time last weekend.

Round 10 Tips

2008-05-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

Ow!

Round 09 was a bad week for tippers and Cat-fans alike.

Congrats to Collingwood on the win.

Turns out us cats fans were expecting too much from the boys. I know my boss loves it when I spend 6 hours of an 8 hour shift slacking off. I'm glad the boys took the week off last week, now they should be rested for the game against the Blues this Saturday.

Apologies to Gary Ablett, Joel Corey, and Josh Hunt who I felt really worked hard.

West Coast surprised a few last week, while Adelaide killed off as many Muliti's as Geelong and Western Bulldogs combined.

Adelaide Vs Essendon
Christ. After last week who knows? Crows for the home ground advantage, and ladder position.

Collingwood Vs West Coast
The focus of a lot of peoples attention this week. Will the Eagles reproduce their efforts from last week? Are Collingwood the real deal? Maggies for me.

Hawthorn Vs Western Bulldogs
Hawks. Still undefeated.

Brisbane Lions Vs Kangaroos
Brisbane...as with Adelaide mainly based on home ground advantage, and ladder position

Geelong Vs Carlton
Catters to come back with a vengeance!!! Go Cats!!!

Sydney Vs Richmond
Home ground advantage, and ladder position

St. Kilda Vs Melbourne
Melbourne have been good recently, but surely the Saints aren't this bad?

Fremantle Vs Port Adelaide
The chokers cup. Who cares? Home ground advantage.

My Certainties: Adelaide, Collingwood, Geelong.

There you have it, my tips for round 10. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 54
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 3
Total Certainty Predictions: 37
Total Certainties Correct: 31
Certainties %: 83

Geelong Squad For Round 10

2008-05-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Travis Varcoe
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
Int: Brad Ottens, Max Rooke, Shannon Byrnes, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Tom Lonergan, Kane Tenace

Brad Ottens is finally in!!! The list says he'll start on the bench, but I reckon they'll be eager to get him back into the thick of the action, so don't be surprised if he starts on the ground.

Max Rooke is back adding some much needed toughness.

Perplexedly Shagger Byrnes is also in the side. Perhaps it was felt that having just Travis Varcoe in the side didn't add enough "running around like a chook with it's head cut off" flavour to the side.

Trent West and Ryan Gamble have been omitted while Josh Hunt has a shoulder injury.

Round 09 Tips

2008-05-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Round 8. What a round for tippers. Most seemed to be getting 7 or 8, with betting houses around the nation crying poor. Music to my ears.

Again the Saints let us down with an insipid display against the plucky, buy admittedly average Magpies.

The Cats once again gave us a scare by coming from an early deficit to walk away with the points. Questions of their ability to play out four quarters led to Tom Harley making a statement to the media that the fans expect too much...and then proceeded to say that the fact that they can't run out four quarters was worrying the team. Seriously? What's up with that?

Collingwood Vs Geelong
Cats should do this easy unless they decide to make it difficult and only show up after half-time. I have a lot more than pride riding on this one, so a shellacking would be nice. I would also like to see the umpires give Collingwood a ton more frees, especially 5m out, directly in front. That way there'll be no excuses when we flog em.

Carlton Vs Fremantle
Who can tell?
Carlton because it's at home.

Port Adelaide Vs Sydney
Another toughie. Sydney because they'll be rested after playing half a game against the Dons.

Essendon Vs Richmond
Tigers should do this easy. The Dons are just terrible. They looked like the Washington Generals last week.

West Coast Vs Adelaide
Crows for my money. West Coast are after the last number 1 draft pick for a few years.

Brisbane Lions Vs St. Kilda
Lions. St Kilda have let me down in the past though. But I reckon this time they'll do me proud and loser like the losers they are.

Melbourne Vs Hawthorn
Hawthorn to be surprised by Melbourne finally stringing together two consecutive goals late into the 3rd term. Meanwhile both Buddy and Roughy will outscore the Dees on their lonesome.

Western Bulldogs Vs Kangaroos
Could go either way, but I'm going for the "undefeated" Doggies.

My Certainties: Geelong, Richmond, Adelaide,Brisbane, Hawthorn.

There you have it, my tips for round 09. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 7
Correct Tips So Far: 49
Tips %: 76
Certainties Last Round: 5
Total Certainty Predictions: 32
Total Certainties Correct: 28
Certainties %: 87

Geelong Squad For Round 09

2008-05-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Andrew Mackie, Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski
Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Travis Varcoe, Max Rooke

Max Rooke is out, making way for Mathew Stokes who returns from suspension.
Trent West comes in for Shane Mumford who is being given a spell.

There were rumours floating around that Ablett, Ling and Wojcinski were all doubtful for this game so don't be surprised if there are a few late changes for the game Vs the Magpies.

This may be Mark Blakes last game as Number 01 ruckman with Brad Ottens rumoured to be back for next weeks round 10 clash with Carlton.

Hopefully the Cats can get a win against the Toothless Scum...and Joel Corey can get more of the footy than Dane (Stop looking at me) Swan.

Round 08 Tips

2008-05-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Round 07 seems like an eternity ago. The Hall Of Fame Tribute Match was OK, but it lacked any real passion. It's a sorry sight when a mexican wave gets people interested at the footy, and boy was I interested!!! :D

The Tigers let me down last week. Bloody Richmond!!! Hopefully they don't do the same this week.

I can't believe the value I got for Western Bulldogs last week, but I'll take it every time. Almost as good as the value in the Demons, shame I sunk all my hard-earned into the Doggies.

Still 7 isn't bad, even though everyone else seemed to get 7 by tipping St Kilda. Bloody Richmond!!!

St. Kilda Vs Collingwood
Could go either way, but I think Mick Malthouse has been too busy whingeing this week to get any coaching done. Saints for me.

Hawthorn Vs Port Adelaide
I'm of the impression that the Adelaide teams don't do too bad at Aurora, so this could be a good watching game. At the end of the day though I think its Hawks and Cats undefeated until round 17...and then one must fall. (Unless its a draw) :D

Richmond Vs Geelong
Tigers have been OK lately, but the Cats will finally hit their straps on the wide open spaces of the MCG.

Carlton Vs Brisbane Lions
Carlton have been a bit wobbly lately, while Brisbane took it up to the Cats for 3 quarters last round. Lions by a nose.

Kangaroos Vs West Coast
West Coast are dead. D.E.D. Ded! Kangas with some injuries, but that's still not enough for the Eagles.

Adelaide Vs Melbourne
Dees finally show some spirit with Austin Wannabeerme sparking the Dees to victory against an insipid Dockers outfit. I guess the Cat Attack just broke their back.

Sydney Vs Essendon
Dons, dons, dons, dons, dons. What went wrong. Supposedly the fastest team in the league...only because they're in the back of an ambulance. Sydney to strangle the Dons, and then like a Python will spend the next month in a cave digesting their sorry remains.

Fremantle Vs Western Bulldogs
Freo. What can I say? You did ya best against the Cats, but it wasn't good enough. Just as opposition coaches have figured out Franklin with "Buddyline" soon they will have figured out the Cats. Will it be called "Play perfectly for 4 full quarters"? Only time will tell. Dogs to win with their 2's side.

My Certainties: Hawthorn, Geelong, Kangaroos, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs.

There you have it, my tips for round 08. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 7
Correct Tips So Far: 42
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 3
Total Certainty Predictions: 27
Total Certainties Correct: 23
Certainties %: 85

Geelong Squad For Round 08

2008-05-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Ryan Gamble
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Shane Mumford, Andrew Mackie, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes

Ablett's back!!!

No, I'm not talking about the Nathan Ablett return to AFL football rumour, I'm talking about Baby Jesus' calf. The little genius is back on deck. There were rumours that one of the currently listed emergencies (Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes) could get a game but I guess no-one thought Gaz would be back.

Still no return for Brad Ottens though, which is a shame. Hopefully this will give Mark Blake and Shane Mumford an incentive to perform.

Good to see that Darren Milburn has recovered from the rib/shoulder (take your pick) injury he sustained in the Hall Of Fame Tribute Match. Matthew Scarlett and Dasher are the real Dream Team. Like Nuts 'N' Gum.

Round 07 Tips

2008-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! Couldn't've been more wrong about Essendon and Collingwood.

And another Draw. It's murder for the honest tipper. (ie those that don't claim that both tips would be a win)

So much for the Cats wiping the floor with Freo. Sheesh!

Saints left me in the lurch too.

West Coast Vs Carlton
Could go either way. Carlton seem to have hit some relatively good form, while the Eagles are in the doldrums.

Geelong Vs Brisbane
The cats. After a small scare from the boys in blue, maroon and gold the cats should pull away.

Hawthorn Vs Collingwood
Could be an upset here. With the AFL scrutinising the Hawks over their dog tactics (corking) the maggies should be able to run with them for a while. Hawks for mine.

Richmond Vs St Kilda
Richmonds got some fighting spirit back, while the saints cant run out 4 qtrs. Should be the Tigers.

Adelaide Vs North Melbourne
Adelaide's been looking good, so have North. I'm going for the crows because their worst isnt as bad as North's worst.

Sydney Vs Western Bulldogs
Doggies to cause an upset. how the swans can be favourites is beyond me. The Doggies look mean and keen, while the swans are playing a style that would sell great as a treatment for insomnia.

Melbourne Vs Fremantle
Wow, this could be match of the round. Last weeks result would have broken Freos spirit. Melbourne looking to beat a team that is already broken. possibly their first win of the season.

Essendon Vs Port Adelaide
Who know? They're both terrible, but you're only as good as ya last game, therefore it's Port for my hard earned.

My Certainties: Carlton, Geelong, Western Bulldogs.

There you have it, my tips for round 07. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 35
Tips %: 72.9
Certainties Last Round: 5
Total Certainty Predictions: 24
Total Certainties Correct: 20
Certainties %: 83

Geelong Squad For Round 07

2008-05-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Shane Mumford, Andrew Mackie, Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Max Rooke, Travis Varcoe

No changes this week.

I felt on first inspection that Mackie was lucky to get another run but after watching the game in the cold light of day he didn't seem as bad as I remember.

Ottens should be back for next round (after the Dream Team match), which will be a bit of a worry because he has zero match fitness, but when he's fit watch out Hawks!!! You have a challenger! :D

Round 06 Tips

2008-04-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

Average tipping last week, with the draw throwing everyone off. I'm not gonna count the draw as a tip or half tip. It was wrong. End of story.

This week really seems to have similarly placed teams facing off with maybe 5 glaring exceptions. Does that even make sense???

Collingwood Vs Essendon
Both teams have been terrible lately. I just seem to think that the Bombers will run the Magpies down in the last qtr.

Fremantle Vs Geelong
Geelong should wipe the floor with the Dockers.

Carlton Vs Adelaide
Another whitewash.

Western Bulldogs Vs West Coast
No doubt.

Port Adelaide Vs St. Kilda
Hard one to pick, but Port just coasted home last week while the Saints had to work til the last.

Brisbane Lions Vs Melbourne
It's become traditional to tip against Melbourne. After the Lions took it up to the Hawks they could be in with a chance of making the 8.

Kangaroos Vs Sydney
God knows, but I'm going with North. Sydney seems to miss Barry Hall too much, and Adam Goodes has gone AWOL. Surely Cameron Ling isn't that good. :D

Hawthorn Vs Richmond
Hawks easily over the Tigers.

My Certainties: Geelong, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, Brisbane Lions, Hawthorn.

There you have it, my tips for round 05. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 6
Correct Tips So Far: 30
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 4
Total Certainty Predictions: 19
Total Certainties Correct: 15
Certainties %: 78.9

Geelong Squad For Round 06

2008-04-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Shane Mumford, Andrew Mackie, Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, Max Rooke, Trent West

Taylor, Gamble, Mumford in, with Prismall, West, Rooke out. Prismall was very quiet last week, West had had a taste of seniors and didn't get much of the sherrin, while Rooke was a bit down on his usual form (A run in the 2's will do him good).

Good to see Harry back. Hopefully he can keep Matthew Pavlich quiet.

Ryan Gamble is back from a one week tribunal ban. Hopefully Cameron Mooney will feel a bit more pressure to kick truly, ditto Tom Hawkins.

Shane Mumford is getting a run. Looks a likely type this young tyro. ;)

Round 05 Tips

2008-04-17T04:33:00.000-07:00

Last weeks tipping looked to be in the bag come Sunday morning. But Collingwood and Fremantle let everyone down YET AGAIN! When will we learn?

This week I'd be happy with 5 correct tips.

St. Kilda Vs Essendon
Close one, I'm going with the Saints because I feel playing us has shown the what the must do to succeed. That and Essendon have too many injuries. The inclusion of Lloyd doesn't help either.

Geelong Vs Sydney
Barry Hall is out, along with Ryan Gamble. I know who is gonna feel the loss more, not that Gamble is useless (quite the opposite) but Barry is such a big target for the Swannies that it will hurt them. The Moggies all the way.

Adelaide Vs Fremantle
Fremantle have show us just how insipid they can be after losing to the Tigers without even a whimper. Crows for my money, and a stack of it, too.

Brisbane Lions Vs Hawthorn
Brisbane have shown some pluck lately, but the Hawks will remain undefeated.

Collingwood Vs Kangaroos
Magpies didn't look like they wanted to play. Reminds me of Geelong circa 2006. They should bounce back this week. Maggies for me.

Melbourne Vs Carlton
Melbourne getting better, but the Blues now know how to win and will make a late charge at the 8...from round 4. :D

Western Bulldogs Vs Richmond
Richmond flogged the Dockers, but I reckon it's because the Dockers didn't try. Tigers are still shite. The Bullies this week to remain undefeated.

West Coast Vs Port Adelaide
Christ. The Eagles have fallen to earth in a puff of feathers. Port are looking shoddy, but not as shoddy as West Coast. The Power easily.

My Certainties: Geelong, Adelaide, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide.

There you have it, my tips for round 05. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 6
Correct Tips So Far: 24
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 2
Total Certainty Predictions: 14
Total Certainties Correct: 11
Certainties %: 78.6

Geelong Squad For Round 05

2008-04-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Andrew Mackie, Brent Prismall, David Wojcinski
Emg: Harry Taylor, Simon Hogan, Shannon Byrnes

PRISMALL IN!!!

Finally, Brent Prismall gets a run. Hopefully he can continue the form he's shown in the Nab Cup/Challenge, as well as in the 2's, and let everyone know that he's ready for the big time. Best of luck mate.

Andrew Mackie is back in the team which is good to see although I think he could have played himself into form in the 2's.

Still no Brad Ottens. Who knows? Maybe he'll be ready for finals (assuming we make it).

Ryan Gamle out through suspension and Harry Taylor is stiff to be dropped after doing a number on Nick Riewoldt in teh second half of last week's Saints game.

On a related note, it's good to see Charlie Gardiner getting a gig in the Saints seniors. Go Chaunce!!!

Aftermath Of The Round 04 Clash Vs The Saints

2008-04-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

A good win by the boys after falling asleep at the start and being a bit sloppy.

Gary Ablett & Jimmy Bartel quiet by their lofty standards and Joel Corey once again showing why he's surging up the Brownlow medal favouritism.

Speaking of favouritism...the bloody umpires were annoying me something chronic.

How can Steve Johnson take a mark and then be tackled? It's either 50m or a free against Smudger.

I'm not sure it was Razor Ray Chamberlain, but I hate the guy so I'm gonna blame him for it.

Mark Blake Vs Steven King was a bit of fun, and while King had Blake's measure one-on-one Blake helped the mighty cats get another 4 pts.

A few worries this week...

Ryan Gamble has been reported for striking Nick Dal Santo. Pretty week stuff, but he'll no doubt cop a week or two in order to let the rest of the league have a chance.

Cameron Mooney looks like he may be tribunal bound after some people think he tripped a Saints player. Don't know how you can trip someone from up in the air, but he'll be right.

Trent West is supposed to be looked at for his shepherd on X Clarke which saw the X-Man crumble like a house of cards caught in a light zephyr. Nothing in it other than a free "Harden The F*@k Up!!!" bracelet courtesy of the Blue Boys.

And finally, word has it Jimmy Bartel did something to someone somewhere. I didn't see it, didn't hear it mentioned during the coverage, but word has it it will be looked at.

Who knows? Maybe Sydney do have a chance this weekend after all.

Round 04 Tips

2008-04-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well last week wasn't the brutal slaying that everyone was saying it would be. Still, a 5 goal win and top spot is nothing to be sniffed at.

Now onto the tips for round 04 of the 2008 AFL season...

Essendon vs Western Bulldogs
With Lloyd and Lucas out most of the Dons' firepower is shot down before the first bounce. Dogs to run away with the goods.

St. Kilda vs Geelong
My head says close game, but my heart says CATS!!!

Kangaroos vs Melbourne
After last weeks performances from these two this could go either way. I think the Kangas will bring their A game this week.

Sydney vs West Coast
West Coast have been horrible this year. Sydney to do it easily.

Port Adelaide vs Brisbane Lions
Who know? They've both been playing like chumps. I'm gonna go for Brizzy.

Hawthorn vs Adelaide
This game shapes up to be a corker. Adelaide may give the hawks a run for their money, but I think Tassie will be too afraid of what Jeff will do to them to lose.

Carlton vs Collingwood
These rivalry games are always full of surprises. I'm gonna go with the magpies based solely on ladder position.

Fremantle vs Richmond
Fremantle every day of the week.

So after possibly the easiest week to pick in living memory we have one that shapes up to be full of surprises...and value for the astute punter.

My Certainties: Western Bulldogs, Sydney, Fremantle

There you have it, my tips for round 04. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 8
Correct Tips So Far: 18
Tips %: 75
Certainties Last Round: 4
Total Certainty Predictions: 11
Total Certainties Correct: 9
Certainties %: 81.8

Geelong Squad For Round 04

2008-04-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: James Kelly, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Ryan Gamble, James Kelly, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, David Johnson, Shannon Byrnes

Gamble in, Shagger out. I can't work out why he was in the squad to replace Gamble last week.

Hopefully the boys can pull their heads out of their own collective proverbials long enough to actually play some footy this week. It was good to see the flags unfurled, but it seemed like it cut into our preparation time. Maybe they coulda unfurled it before the 2's and make everyone be there to support the up 'n' comers like Pris-matic.

And this week it's Blakey Vs Kingy. Methinks Kingy will have a last minute "general soreness" and miss the game :D

Hopefully the K-rock boys will be out front selling "Blake 4 King" T-shirts so we can all get behind our baby giraffe/goal kicking machine/ruckman.

Geelong Squad For Round 03

2008-04-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: Ryan Gamble, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Max Rooke, James Kelly, David Wojcinski
Emg: Brent Prismall, David Johnson, Shannon Byrnes

Not too many complaints this week.

Shagger out! Hahaha. After Sunday's game Rick Olerenshaw interviews Shagger and says "You put on a clinic today" and Shagger replies "Dont know about that, couldnt find the big sticks" Errrrr. He was talking about the team Shagger. Hahahaha. What a boob!

Rooke back in. I wouldn't be surprised if he threw himself in front of a runaway semi and wound up injured this week (again), but you gott try these guys out.

Still no Ottens. That sucks...luckily we still got the talent.

Round 03 Tips

2008-04-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

Go those Mighty Fighting Felines!!!

Essendon were just too fast. It seemed like every time they got the ball they used their famous pace and were a blur. So much so that no-one in the entire Dome managed to catch them.

Shame really.

Special mention to BLLLAAAAAKKKEEEYYYYY!!!!
2 sausage rolls for the big fella.

Now onto the tips for round 03 of the 2008 AFL season...

Western Bulldogs Vs St. Kilda
The Bullies have won 2, the Saints have won 2. As a cats supporter I',m hoping the Dogs' attacking play can beat the Saints Lock Down style. Go doggies!

Kangaroos Vs Hawthorn
This tip is purely because the Kangas have been weak as water the last 2 weeks. Hawks easily.

West Coast Vs Fremantle
This game's a bit up in the air. Neither team has looked particularyly flash this season, but I think the Dockers can get it over the Eagles.

Brisbane Lions Vs Sydney
Sydney whomped Port while Brissy scraped over the line against the Maggies. Therefore Swans to win.

Essendon Vs Carlton
Carlton suck. Simple as that. This isn't 1995. You can't buy a premiership.

Geelong Vs Melbourne
Cats.

Richmond Vs Collingwood
Maggies.

Adelaide Vs Port Adelaide
I think after the last few games its Adelaide who've looked the better team.

My Certainties: Hawthorn, Essendon, Geelong, Collingwood.

There you have it, my tips for round 03. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 10
Tips %: 62.5
Certainties Correct: 5
Certainties %: 71.4

Geelong Squad For Round 02

2008-03-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: Ryan Gamble, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
I/C (from): Travis West, Shannon Byrnes, James Kelly, David Wojcinski, David Johnson, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe

First, the good news...

Tenace out!!!
Praise be! I thought the day would never come.

But now the bad...

Mackie out. Word has it with a strained quad. Hopefully it's not a long term injury.

Which brings us to Ottens. "He could have come back on" my arse!!!

My money's on The Black Flash to replace Tenace. One waste of space for another. And Prismall wastes another week on the emergency list. Either play him or let him prove himself in the 2's.

Round 02 Tips

2008-03-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hey!

How about those cats?

I'm still tipping them this week, but they are far from a certainty.

Here's my tips for this week...

Brisbane Lions Vs Collingwood
This is a close one, so I'm going with the home side.

Melbourne Vs Western Bulldogs
After the debacle that was last week Melbourne should not be on anyone's winners list. The doggies in a cakewalk.

Adelaide Vs West Coast Eagles
Adelaide...still playing the ugly game. West Coast to cruise to victory. Glass to restore his name after J Brown monstered him last week.

Fremantle Vs Hawthorn
While Hawthorne are not as good as everyone says they are (C'mon, it was Melbourne they beat) Fremantle are as bad as everyone says they are.

St Kilda Vs Carlton
Carlton couldn't even beat Richmond. That's gotta say a lot.

Sydney Vs Port Adelaide
Port were "gallant in defeat" against the Mighty Fighting Felines last week and if they can pull their fingers out early should cream the lacklustre Swans.

Geelong Vs Essendon
This one will be close. I'm going with my heart on this one, but my head says "draw".

Richmond Vs Kangaroos
Richmond are back!!!! Or so they want us to believe. The shinboner spirit will not allow another atrocity like last weeks failure against the Dons. Kangas in a canter.

My Certainties: Western Bulldogs, Kangaroos, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide.

There you have it, my tips for round 02. I've updated the tally after last week's games.

Correct Tips Last Round: 5
Correct Tips So Far: 5
Tips %: 62.5
Certainties Correct: 2
Certainties %: 66.6

CatsLife - New Geelong Cats Comic

2008-03-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

First Impressions - Round 01 - Port Adelaide Vs Geelong

2008-03-21T00:54:00.000-07:00

Port Adelaide 14.12.96
Defeated By
Geelong 15.15.105

Well, it's good to have footy back.

Last nights game was a bit of a disappointment for me personally. It seems that - once again - we failed to play the whole four quarters.

After a slow start in which Port managed to skip away to a 12 point lead, we got a run on and were 31 points clear.

Then the rot set in.

I know it's the first round of the season, but these guys are paid to kick a ball, yet were regularly missing targets by hand and by foot.

Take a bow Kane Tenace. Not only was his disposal woeful, prompting my viewing partners to groan every time he went near the ball, but when under the slightest pressure he panicked. Handballs straight to the opposition were particularly frustrating to watch.

Probably the worst thing to see was how Tenace would handball to a player surrounded by opposition players. I know he's struggling to keep his place in the side, but attempts to get his teammates injured are just plain wrong.

And where is the supposed speed that allegedly enables him to continually get a game? Not once did I see him chase, let alone a tackle.

The defence was a bit lax at times, running off their men when we were exiting the defensive 50, only to watch the ball sail over their head to awaiting opposition players on the overlap. At one point a trio of Port players raffled it 15m out from goal with nary a feisty feline in sight.

Another aspect of our game that gets me worked up is the "play on at all costs" mentality. I know that- for the most part - it makes our team a pleasure to watch, however it isn't appropriate when it means that you play on from 30m directly in front only to get corralled and have to chip it backwards to someone in a worse position than you started in.

Well, enough whingeing...time for some highlights.

Hawkins showed some promise with a huge pack-busting leap nearly coming off and a great checkside goal from deep in the pocket.

Mooney seems to have maintained his self-control, accepting some shonky decisions that went against him.

Trent West showed he has what it takes to become our number 2 ruckman, while Mark Blake looked like he spent too long in the gym and not enough time with the ruck coach.

Joel Corey amassed 30 possessions, which was good for my supercoach team, shame the Cornes brothers outshone him (but again great for my supercoach).

Chappy's back. Enough said.

All up I'm glad we got the win, but we looked like we wished we were somewhere else at times. While my opinion may change with future viewings I will end by saying that I will be expecting more effort next week.

Geelong Squad For Round 01

2008-03-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Darren Milburn, Andrew Mackie, Corey Enright
C: Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
F: Ryan Gamble, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey
Int: Trent West, Shannon Byrnes, James Kelly, Kane Tenace
Emg: Harry Taylor, David Johnson, Brent Prismall

Ottens is out with a rolled ankle he suffered in the VFL practice match. It's rather annoying how the club announced that he was fine and could have returned to the field. Then they wait until they're boarding the plane for Adelaide before they tell anyone. What a joke. Do they think that Port Adelaide will be wishing they had of known? A late inclusion would be a tactical advantage, but a withdrawal? Ridiculous!

Poor Brent Prismall, resigned to live out his days rotting on the emergency list. The guy's easily among or best 22, yet he is left out while Kane Tenace is given a slot on the bench. That I just don't understand. Are we trying to exploit a perceived lack of speed on behalf of the Power? So frustrating.

Good to see Ryan Gamble get a gig. The guy led the goal kicking for the preseason, so he has definitely shown some spark. Harry Taylor was unlucky to miss out. There goes my supercoach.

Channel 7 Coverage - Port Adelaide V Geelong - Round 01

2008-03-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

Channel 7 is airing the Round 01 clash between Geelong Cats and Port Adelaide.

The coverage starts at 8:30pm (Geelong time) Thursday night.

Important facts:
Bruce is back...special!
Buckley's debut.
Pre-recorded interviews with 2007 Premiership players Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Brad Ottens, Tom Harley and Paul Chapman.

That last point has peaked my interest.

I'm just so glad that Footy is Back!!!

Carn the Cats!!!

Geelong Cats Book: "The Mission"

2008-03-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Scott Gullan of Herald Sun fame has released a book detailing the Cats' transformation from the disaster team of 2006 into the Greatest Team of all we know and love today.

Word has it he set out to check out how things were going with "The Review" of 2006, and ended up staying throughout the 2007 season.

Looks like it will be a good read.

I hope to snaffle me a copy.

Available from the Cats Shop, so your hard earned cash can go into club coffers.

http://www.gfc.com.au/portals/49/shop.html

Round 1 2008 Tips

2008-03-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

Well, lets see how I go this year with my tips...of DOOM!!! :D

OK.

My Tips in bold.

Carlton V Richmond
Judd to add too much to Carlton. Fev to finally get it delivered lace out. No more excuses big fella.

Port Adelaide V Geelong
How can I tip against the Cats? Maybe if i was insane!!!

Collingwood V Fremantle
Collngwood will take a lot out of last year, while the Dockers will struggle under Harvey.

West Coast Eagles V Brisbane Lions
The Eagles just have too much class. Especially from Glass. But poety won't save Brizzy. They'll feel Dizzy. Hahaha, that was terrible.

St. Kilda V Sydney
Saints will have gotten a confidence boost from the NAB Cup win. Too easy.

Western Bulldogs V Adelaide
The Crows will crush the Dogs. Craig is just a better coach.

Hawthorn V Melbourne
My god, who would tip Melbourne? Only Melbourne supporters and people who think tipping against the flow shows courage.

Kangaroos V Essendon
Kangaroos will show the shinboner spirit that got them a single game from the big one in 2007. Essendon under Knights will flounder.

For something different I'm going to list the winners that I believe are definitely going to win.
My Certainties: Carlton, Geelong, Hawthorn.

There you have it, my tips for round 1. I'll post a tally each week so you can see how good I go.

Correct Tips Last Round: N/A
Correct Tips So Far: 0
Tips %: N/A
Certainties Correct: 0
Certainties %: N/A

Get Your 2007 Grand Final DVD & Season Highlights DVD

2008-03-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Any of you guys with a birthday coming up, grab a copy of the 2007 AFL Grand Final.

Relive all the highlights of the greatest day of our lives...

- Chapman's mark over Tredrea.
- Stokes' back from the grave return.
- Ottens' brilliant chase and tackle (My fave).

Also you can get a DVD of 2007 Geelong Football Club Season Highlights.

Both are available in a box set.

I suggest grabbing them from the Cats Shop at Kardinia Park.
Support the club.

Don't Forget To Buy Your Memberships!!!

2008-03-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings all.

Just a quick note to remind you all (yes, both of you) to get your 2008 Geelong Cats Memberships.

Show the club your support, and they will reward you.

Last year all members received a 2007 premiers pin.

You also get a "Geelong - Footy Full On" cap, and access to finals tickets.

Get on board!!!

My Predictions For 2008

2008-03-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then!

Let's get this over with.

How wrong can one person be about a footy season...let's see.

Premiers: Geelong Cats (Of course - 3 losses for the season).

Wooden Spoon: Melbourne (2 wins).

Brownlow: Joel Corey (32 votes).

Coleman Medal: Brendan Fevola (102 goals - Judd will put it lace out).

Rising Star: Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn).

Mark of the Year: Matthew Stokes (Come see the little man fly!).

Goal of the Year: Bloody Dale Thomas (Probably on ANZAC day).

Norm Smith Medallist: Paul Chapman (So close last year).

Geelong Best & Fairest: Paul Chapman.

Geelong Leading Goal-kicker: Steve Johnson (60 goals).

Geelong Most Improved: Shannon Byrnes (He's gotta come good some day).

Geelong Best First Year Player: Harry Taylor (Will play for Matty Egan).

Most reported player: Campbell Brown (Reported 3 times - will serve 6 weeks).

There ya have it.

I'm sure 90% of them will be wrong, but no guts = no glory.

Lets have a good one.

2008 SuperCoach Predictions.

2008-03-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again...

We're all filled with expectation and a little dread (Richmond supporters) for the coming season, and now we get the chance to show that we actually know what we're talking about when it comes to AFL.

Yes SuperCoach is back!!! Back to make us look like Gods or fools depending on how the players we place our faith in perform on the big stage.

In this post I am going to put my neck on the chopping block and predict which Geelong rookies will give you the best bang for your buck.

Top Value:
- Harry Taylor - Played some good games in the NAB Challenge. Kept Richo quiet until a late burst soiled his record, also played well against J. Brown in Brisbane. Will most likely get a gig while Matthew Egan is out, possibly until round twelve. Should be able to double your money if he plays, which I see as being a likely scenario.

- Ryan Gamble - Has been outstanding up foward so far in 2008. Snagged a few goals and looks to be able to hold a mark. May even get a run before Tom Hawkins. Well worth a look.

- Trent West - With Ottens a chance to miss round one the door is ajar for the young ruckman. Should he play, the astute SuperCoach could make a tidy sum.

Who to steer clear of:
- Kane Tenace - Any game where effectiveness of possessions is a factor leaves "Blackjack" on the outer. Shocking disposal and decision making create a SuperCoach trainwreck.

- Rookie listed players. L.Bedford, C.Kangars, J.Laidler, B.Moles, S.Mumford. They can't play until someone has a season ending injury.

Unknown:
- Shannon "Shagga" Byrnes - This could be a career defining season for "Monty". Will it lift him to new heights? Or will his kicking, decision making, and coolness under pressure leave fans furious? Only time will tell.

- Brent Prismall - Should have broken into the team last season, but there were no open spots *cough*Byrnes!*cough* If theres an injury in the cetnre or wings he will be a genuine chance to play, and should he play he will repay every dollar of your investment. Gold.

Now for the Cream:
Gary Ablett
Jimmy Bartel
Joel Corey
All three will score around thirty possessions a game, Corey may lose points dues to - at times -shoddy disposal, but will make up for it with contested balls.

Matthew Scarlett - Will rack up 25+ possessions a game. With bonuses to marks from opposition kicks making him great value.

And there you have it.

I hope that helps.

Good luck, bit not too much. I want the ca$h!!! :D

2008 Season Predictions

2008-03-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

OK, we had a fantastic year in 2007. I'm pretty sure its the best the club has ever known.

What I don't understand is how people are now coming out with bold predictions of "dynasties" and other stuff & nonsense.

These people think that back-to-back flags happen every year.

Maybe it's due to the Brisbane Lions dominance from 2001-2003, or it may be a result of the two Sydney Swans vs West Coast Eagles Grand Finals of 2005/06? Perhaps it because even Collingwood made it to the big one twice in a row?

Anywhoo, these people seem to forget that it's Geelong we're talking about here.

Geelong are a great club - they're my club - but anyone who's been around for longer than it takes to get your drivers licence knows that Geelong is such an up and down side. One minute they're playing like men possessed, the next minute they look like they could hardly be bothered tieing their shoe-laces. Anyone in need of a reminder of this fact only need watch the round 10 2006 game vs the Eagles. Up by 54 points midway through the 3rd term the Cats somehow found a way to lose.

Geelong can do great things this year, provided we play the fast, attacking brand of footy that we are known for and which carried us to our first premiership since '63. Injuries will also play a significant part. In 2007 we had a few, but they were all able to be covered. Mainly because they didn't happen to two players with the same role. It was always a ruckman and a small foward out, or a centre half-back and a wingman. We never had to rely on a 3rd string option.

So if everything falls into place like it did in 2007 we will be a definite chance, but some are behaving as if it is a given. I am yet to see a columnist place Geelong outside of the final eight for the 2008 season, with most (9/10) claiming that we will be playing on the last Saturday in September.

Optimism is one thing, but blind faith is dangerous.

Carn the cats!!!

Otto's ankle.

2008-03-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Great.

So Otto's rolled his ankle and might miss the Grand Final rematch.

They only played him for a half. What's up with that? If you need a bit more work on one of our best and most influential players, why bother playing them for half a match in the twos?

Surely if the big fella needed a bit of extra fitness they could have organised some fartlek?

It appears now that two players will be missing in Round One, with Wojcinski out for four weeks with tendon surgery required on an injury sustained in the NAB challenge match against Richmond. Somehow these things tend to stretch out to six weeks.

Geelong Cats 2008 Draw & Television Schedule

2008-03-15T20:23:00.003-07:00

RND	WHEN	VS	TIME	H/A	TV
1	Thursday March 20	Port Adelaide	8:15pm	A (AAMI)	7
2	Sunday March 30	Essendon	2:10pm	H (TD)	7
3	Sunday April 6	Melbourne	1:10pm	H (KP)	F
4	Saturday April 12	St.Kilda	2:10pm	A (TD)	10
5	Saturday April 19	Sydney	2:10pm	H (KP)	10
6	Friday April 25	Fremantle	6:40pm	A (SUBI)	7
7	Saturday May 3	Brisbane	2:10pm	H (KP)	F
8	Saturday May 17	Richmond	2:10pm	A (MCG)	10
9	Friday May 23	Collingwood	7:40pm	A (MCG)	7
10	Saturday May 31	Carlton	7:10pm	H (TD)	10
11	Friday June 6	Kangaroos	7:40pm	A (TD)	7
12	Sunday June 15	Port Adelaide	1:10pm	H (KP)	F
13	Saturday June 21	West Coast	5:40pm	A (SUBI)	10
14	Friday July 4	Adelaide	7:40pm	A (AAMI)	7
15	Saturday July 12	Fremantle	2:10pm	H (KP)	10
16	Saturday July 19	Bulldogs	2:10pm	H (KP)	10
17	Friday July 25	Hawthorn	7:40pm	A (MCG)	7
18	Saturday August 2	Richmond	7:10pm	H (TD)	10
19	Friday August 8	Melbourne	7:40pm	A (MCG)	7
20	Saturday August 16	Sydney	7:10pm	A (TD)	10
21	Sunday August 24	Kangaroos	1:10pm	H (KP)	F
22	Saturday August 30	West Coast	2:10pm	H (KP)	10

				KP = Kardinia Park	F = Foxtel (PAYTV)
				AAMI = AAMI Stadium
				SUBI = Subiaco
				TD = Telstra Dome

2008 Geelong Cats Player List & Rookie List

2008-03-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Senior List
G.ABLETT JR	29
N.ABLETT	23
J.BARTEL	3
M.BLAKE	24
S.BYRNES	17
P.CHAPMAN	35
J.COREY	11
J.DAVENPORT	1
N.DJERRKURA	18
A.DONOHUE	25
M.EGAN	19
C.ENRIGHT	44
R.GAMBLE	15
T.HARLEY	2
T.HAWKINS	26
S.HOGAN	34
J.HUNT	8
David JOHNSON	28
Steven JOHNSON	20
J.KELLY	9
C.LING	45
T.LONERGAN	13
A.MACKIE	4
D.MCKENNA	31
D.MILBURN	39
C.MOONEY	21
B.OTTENS	6
B.PRISMALL	32
M.ROOKE	33
M.SCARLETT	30
J.SELWOOD	14
D.SIMPSON	16
S.SIMPSON	22
M.STOKES	27
H.TAYLOR	7
K.TENACE	10
T.VARCOE	5
T.WEST	12
D.WOJCINSKI	40

Rookie List
L.BEDFORD	42
C.KANGARS	38
J.LAIDLER	37
B.MOLES	36
S.MUMFORD	41