While the first loss of a season is always inevitable, the circumstances are never as ideal. Unless you're Port Melbourne, losing is never the exception, but much rather the rule.
While it's simplistic and entirely misguided to suggest Geelong received a reality check last Friday night in their loss to Werribee, the defeat nevertheless highlighted the evenness of the current competition. And similarly, the consequences of performing below the standards set in the first three games.
Seven consecutive goals to the Tigers in the first quarter was the near knockout blow. However, in defeat the neutral observer still gathered some valuable insights that suggest this Geelong side is not the same team of 12 months ago.
Facing a game high 39 point deficit early in the second quarter away from home, the Cats rallied to cut the margin to just three points mid-way through the third term. It's a commitment and endeavour that's seen the side win its three previous games.
Geelong assistant coach Max Rooke observed after the game that the side lacked intensity in the key areas.
"Obviously the first quarter the boys started slow and it was seven goals to nil and that was pretty much the margin in the end. [We] probably didn't come to play and they [Werribee] killed us in attack on the footy and contested ball," Rooke said.
Additionally, on a night where conditions proved troublesome, Rooke noted that Geelong's lack of adaptability was decisive, citing the side's inability to play to fundamental structures.
"We didn't adjust to the slippery ball a bit. We still tried to play the same way although the conditions were different to normal and they just got in first. It was pretty basic; just like the old school stuff," he said.
A main feature in Geelong's impressive early season form has been its run-and-carry generated primarily from the back line. The assistant coach believed the second and third quarter comeback was set-up through defence.
"The second and third quarters we showed we could match it in the intensity and hardness around the footy and guys started winning their one-on-one contests. And even when they [Werribee] were able to get the ball forward, they didn't look as dangerous because our back men started to take a few grabs."
On the positive side, much like Lincoln McCarthy against Frankston in round four, another debutante showed impressive signs for the Cats. Primary-listed, first year player Shane Kersten (two goals) playing as a key position target up forward looked comfortable, if not assertive.
"He is as powerful as they come for a first year player and he's a massive kick as well. Once he starts to realise how powerful he is, he'll become a pretty good player," Rooke said.
Moreover, the return of veteran David Wojcinski, who got through the game unscathed, provided good news for Cats fans.
Apart from the defeat itself, an A/C injury to important defender Andrew McLean and a knee injury to McCarthy were the other main downsides.
Geelong, in their second consecutive night match, will look to bounce back against the Bendigo Gold at Queen Elizabeth Oval this Friday.
"You have to keep fronting up every week and you can't just keep thinking about the past. Every game is a new contest and you've got to be ready to go," Rooke aptly said.
Last Modified on 26/04/2012 15:34