STAR midfielder CAM Guthrie has played down Geelong’s stop-start September having an impact heading into Friday night’s meeting with Brisbane.
The clash with the Lions at the MCG will be just the Cats’ second game in 28 days after weeks off between Round 23 and the qualifying final and that victory over Collingwood and this week’s preliminary final.
“I think that’s been a little bit up for discussion,” Guthrie said.
“You’re pretty happy to win week one, but I guess that (having another week off) comes out of it.
“Our training’s been really thorough, really solid, really organised, and I think we’re in a really good spot.”
Guthrie is one of the players to benefit from the breaks, especially the pre-finals bye, after receiving a knock to his shoulder in the Round 23 win over West Coast.
“The body’s feeling good,” he said.
“I had a little knock on the shoulder, but I got through the first week of finals really well.
“It’s been about a month since that incident, and I’m feeling really good to go.”
Guthrie is well aware one of the keys to beating the Lions will be limiting the influence of 2020 Brownlow medalist Lachie Neale.
The gun ball-winner backed up a 39-disposal effort in the narrow elimination final win over Richmond with 27 possessions as Brisbane overcame Melbourne in the semi-final.
Guthrie says Neale won’t be allowed to run loose.
“You don’t want to let someone do their thing, no matter what, and just think, ‘he’s going to be good, and we’re just going to let him be good’,” Guthrie said.
“That’s not the team that we are and the way we want to play.
“He’s going to be influential at times, and I think it’s about stopping how influential he can be and just being a sold midfield up against him.”
Guthrie expects whichever team can get on top at stoppages will go a long way to booking a grand final berth.
“And guys like Neale are so good at winning their contested ball and getting onto loose balls,” he said.
“I thought Brisbane were really good in the contest, particularly in the second half (against Melbourne), and they set themselves up for some good looks going forward.
“If we can stop that and take it forward ourselves, that’ll be a really good chance for us to get on top.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
