Geelong's 2011 VFL campaign can be divided into two distinct periods. The first half, which saw the club languishing at the bottom of the ladder. And in direct contrast, the second half, where the Cats won six of their last 11 games to put themselves into finals discussions. Putting aside the absence of September action, the Cats continual improvement coupled with the development of key future prospects bodes well for the club going forward as Kane Hunkin reports.
Season 2011: 6 - 12 (9th) / Season 2010: 5 - 13 (12th)
Leading Goal Kicker: Jordan Schroder (23 goals)
B & F Favourite(s): Josh Cowan, Jonathan Simpkin
Highlights:
Geelong's VFL watershed moment came in round 10 at Box Hill City Oval where the Cats came from behind to post their first win of the season courtesy of a dramatic one point victory against the Hawks. From then on, the Cats proved a competitive foe, notching up some memorable performances. The 128 point, round 18 demolition of eventual top four side Casey Scorpions validated Geelong's late season form and served as the Cats' biggest scalp.
The fact that the side put themselves into finals calculations late in the year highlighted the team's spirited mid-season turnaround. Furthermore, a 44 point comeback against Sandringham in the final round of the home-and-away season was significant and capped off an honest season if nothing else.
Lowlights:
As much as the second half of the year was lauded for its determined and gallant performances, the first half was anything but. Geelong were the last side to post their first win of the season and at the completion of round 9 sat winless at the bottom of the Peter Jackson VFL ladder.
Off the field, the hard luck story of 2011 was AFL primary-listed player Marcus Drum. The defender and former top 10 AFL draft pick suffered a horrible run with injuries since making the move from Fremantle at the end of 2009. Drum's only 2011 VFL appearance came in Geelong's round six loss to North Ballarat, where he re-injured a troublesome hamstring - resulting in Drum's early retirement.
Potential AFL Recruit Targets:
1. Andrew McLean - a mature and experienced key-position player, who although plays mostly down back can also go forward with impact as well. While age may count against him, this ultra-consistent Cat would be a readymade player that could easily slot into the back six of a number of competing AFL clubs.
2. Mark Corrigan - Unassuming, Corrigan is another player that enjoyed a solid VFL season. A small forward, who can play in the midfield, Corrigan may be worth a look in.
3. Ben Raidme - A local boy, at 24 Raidme is a possession gatherer playing through the middle. Has not looked out of place competing against AFL-listed midfielders throughout the year.
From the Coach:
Despite missing the finals for consecutive years, Geelong coach Dale Amos remained philosophical in his assessment, noting that the development of the players has been equally important.
"I think there's been a significant improvement in the group and individuals over the course of the year. It's been a really pleasing progression over the course of the season," Amos said.
Additionally, the coach affirmed that the side's eventual ladder position was probably a fitting reflection of where the group currently stands within the VFL competition.
"We probably finished about right. We were almost good enough to get in but probably not quite. We probably didn't get enough games. We had a few closes ones that we didn't quite get over the line that cost us in the end but I think it's been a really pleasing season. I think the development has been pretty positive. We are happy where some of our players are at by the end of the season."
Amos adopted a pragmatic view when looking forward into next season.
"It's important for us that we do have that little bit of continuity and the guys that have been here have been an important part of that. They can build on that and become an important part next year. We'll have a new bunch of young kids come through, that we'll need to train up and need to help become AFL players [next year]," he said.
Last Modified on 07/09/2011 14:06