Round 7 of the Peter Jackson VFL kicks off bright and early on Saturday morning with an action-packed contest between top four sides Geelong Cats and Casey Scorpions at Simonds Stadium.
Geelong and Casey hold a close track record, having played 19 games, with the Cats triumphant in 10 and the Scorpions successful in the remaining 9.
Round 18 last year painted a very different picture though, with Geelong finishing victors by 128 points.
Geelong enters this Round 7 contest full of confidence after a convincing win over Bendigo Gold last weekend. The Club’s Academy Coach, Paul Hood feels that they are now performing at their highest level.
“It was probably our most complete four quarter performance of the year. In the other matches we have played we have played 1, 2 or 3 good quarters of football, last Friday night the playing group really stuck to the game plan throughout the entire match. It was a very pleasing performance – especially after doing the road trip to Bendigo and then losing Jordan Murdoch through injury in the warm up.”
Geelong produced 7 separate goal kickers in their match against Bendigo, with 6 of them kicking 2 or more goals. This depth has provided the Club with a significant strength over their opposition and will be needed again this weekend with their leading goal kicker Mitch Brown selected for AFL duties.
“We have a number of different scoring options and it can be a difficult forward structure to match up on at times. The three tall options – Mitchell Brown, Joshua Walker and Shane Kersten worked really well together last week. Together with the resting ruckman (either Orren Stephenson or Andrew Banjanin) and the small forwards – Lincoln McCarthy, Jordan Schroder, Shannon Byrnes, Jack Shannahan etc – they are forming a dangerous combination. The fact that they are working well together and working for each other is the most pleasing aspect.
Geelong holds Casey in high esteem and are therefore travelling into this weekend suitably prepared having scouted the players they know will influence the game.
“As a group we rate the Casey Scorpions very highly and they have a terrific mix of AFL talent and experienced mature quality VFL listed players. One of our former VFL listed players Tom Couch is having a great season in the midfield and looks to be on the cusp of AFL selection. A number of other Melbourne listed players such as Ricky Petterd, Jamie Bennell Jake Spencer, Sam Blease and Daniel Nicholson have been in good form in recent weeks and are all very damaging players.
Evan Panozza, Wade Lees, Rian McGough and Danny Nicholls are all quality VFL listed players who have played well against us in the past,” Hood said.
Geelong’s VFL side will again be bolstered by champion David Wojcinski as he steadily makes his return from troublesome foot problems that hampered his preseason.
The Casey Scorpions approach this weekend on a high after a thrilling come from behind win against the North Ballarat Roosters. Head Coach, Brett Lovett found it tough to explain the atmosphere in the rooms after Sunday’s exciting 1 point win.
“The group was feeling about 10 different emotions. We had thought we were going to lose, but to win in the dying moments made the place full of excitement. I would have to say it is one of the strangest wins I have ever had.”
Casey had to fight their way back into the game after a poor performance in the first term.
“Having come off a BYE after playing 7 games straight, I think as a young team we really struggled getting going early on. We were kicking against a strong breeze and North Ballarat came out firing after their big loss the week before, so we had a lot of things working against us.”
Casey has won each of their games this season by single digits. Lovett and his team have taken confidence from the fact that they can rise to the occasion when a game gets tight.
“The fact that we have been able to win games by such a small margin proves that our game plan stands up and that we are able to come together as a team in a time of need.”
The Scorpions will be sticking to their thriving game plan this weekend when they take on Geelong. They have examined the Cats structures and aim to dismantle the strength that lies in their forward line.
“Geelong has been kicking quite a few goals, so we will have a focus on their forward line,” Lovett said.
Casey has named an impressive team this weekend with the addition of Melbourne players Liam Jurrah and Jack Watts. Jurrah will be playing his first game for the year after suffering a wrist injury late last year and Watts has been given an opportunity with Casey to improve his intensity and regain some match day form.
The Scorpions have also selected Jack Viney, son of Melbourne legend Todd Viney, to make his VFL debut. Viney has been earmarked as a father/son selection for Melbourne in this year’s NAB AFL Draft.
Who will prevail when 2nd plays 4th in the Peter Jackson VFL?
If heading to the game, click HERE for ticketing information as it is an AFL curtain raiser game.
Last Modified on 04/05/2012 15:26