This Saturday, the Geelong Cats take on the Box Hill Hawks in what promises to be a thrilling ABC TV Match of the Round.
With one win separating the two teams, Simonds Stadium is certain to produce the prime battle ground for these successful clubs.
The Geelong Cats approach this contest following a 46 point victory over Coburg, which saw them kick six goals and hold the Tigers scoreless in the final term of the match.
Geelong’s Development Coach, Max Rooke was happy with the team’s performance and feels the match was closer than the scoreboard indicated.
“The match was played in very difficult conditions and neither side had used the wind properly all day. We changed a few things around at three quarter time and gave the players some simple instructions of where they had gone wrong in the second quarter.
“The way in which the side changed things up and learnt from their earlier mistakes was one of the most pleasing aspects out of the day. I think Coburg only had three inside 50's for the last quarter which was a tremendous effort by our guys. The final score was not a true indication of the contest, as Coburg had played really well for most of the day.”
The Geelong Cats currently sit in fourth place on the VFL Bailey Ladders ladder, but hold their position over two other sides only due to percentage, and by a one win over the following two teams.
“The season is proving to be a very even one, not just at the top of the ladder but right throughout. It is an incredible competition and depending on a number of factors, you really can be beaten by any of the other 12 sides on any given weekend.
“Having said this, we are not concerned about ladder positions. We are more focused on the way in which the team plays each week. If we play the Geelong way, then the rest will take care of itself. ”
The Cats hold the Box Hill Hawks in high esteem and will be entering this battle well prepared.
“They (Box Hill) seem to have a fantastic combination of youth and experience at the moment. The likes of Cameron Bruce, Daniel Pratt and Tom Murphy compliment the young players really well.
“They are a quick side with numerous midfield options and have a number of dangerous small forwards such as Amos Frank and Derick Wanganeen.
“Box Hill always seems to have a strong group of VFL listed players and this year is no different. It promises to be a great contest between two even teams.”
Geelong will no doubt approach this match with the upper hand due to a home ground advantage.
“One of our aims is to play the same brand of football wherever we play but we do believe we have a real advantage when playing at Simonds Stadium.
“Both our AFL and VFL squads do all their training sessions at Simonds Stadium, know the conditions really well and most importantly know how to play the ground.
“A big part of our development program is to maintain a real home ground advantage at Simonds Stadium - this is the main reason we are not interested in selling any of our home matches despite the financial benefits it may bring,” Rooke said.
Opposition Coach Damian Carroll is well aware of the adversity he encounters leading into the match.
“There wouldn't be many greater challenges then playing the Geelong Football Club at home so it's going to be a great test for us but one which we are really looking forward to.”
The Hawks enter Round 15 after a confidence building 57 point win against the Northern Blues. To Box Hill’s credit they produced a strong fight back after finishing the first term down by 15 points.
“We were just rapt to get the four points last week against the Blues. In this competition no match can be taken as a guaranteed win as it’s just so even. The Blues had been within 14 points on 5 occasions so to win the match was pleasing for us and we knew it would be a challenge. The score did not reflect how even it was.”
Carroll exemplifies the weekly process each aligned Club must encounter before they can truly approach their next match.
“Each week we have had between five to seven different players in the side so when we work out who is in the mix we will get a better idea of our strengths and the plan ahead.
“I know Geelong defend very well and they are strong through the midfield area so we will certainly have to match them in these areas of the game.”
This contest presents a must win situation for both sides. If Geelong can seal the deal then they should protect their top four position. However, if Box Hill can upset the Cats, they will go another step closer to securing their top eight spot leading into the last few rounds of the competition.
Geelong Cats vs Box Hill Hawks
1:10pm Saturday 7th July
Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Live on ABC TV
Last Modified on 06/07/2012 14:47