MITCH Duncan knows Geelong doesn’t have to look too far into the past to understand how dangerous a young Adelaide can be.
The 2021 AFL season wasn’t even 48 hours old when the Crows, coming off ‘winning’ the previous season’s wooden spoon, upended the Cats, fresh off a grand final appearance, by 12 points.
On Saturday, Geelong will look to avoid a similar situation as Adelaide aims to win at GMHBA Stadium for the first time since 2003.
“If you’re just off for patches, it can really bite you,” Duncan said.
“We’ve got to come with a really strong mindset playing against any team – whether they’re 18th on the ladder or Melbourne.
“It’s going to be a challenging game; every game is. We’re going to try and focus on ourselves a lot.”
LISTEN: CAT ATTACK PODCAST – MAY 26
Adelaide will be without veteran forward Taylor Walker, who has entered health and safety protocols, while first-year dynamo Josh Rachele has been managed.
Ruckman Reilly O’Brien is back after a stint in the SANFL, with experienced midfielder Matt Crouch and Wayne Milera recalled.
Duncan expects Mark Blicavs to have his hands full with O’Brien, who is 5cm taller and 4kg heavier than the versatile Cat.
“He’s a big unit; he’s an extremely hard worker and a great tap ruckman, too,” Duncan said.
“Yeah, we’ll have our work cut out there. But, we’ll back our midfielders in and ‘Blics’.
“He does a phenomenal amount of work, the big fella; he’s awesome to play with.
“But, we’ve got to complement him on the ground, and stop those mids getting first possession, and make it a bit more of a scrap and get the ball going our way.”
Duncan is happy to admit the Cats have made an inconsistent start to 2022, which is reflected in a 6-4 win-loss record.
“I think we’ve been really good in patches and then really poor in patches,” he said.
“It’s just bridging that gap, keeping our consistency … we have been inconsistent.
“Trying to be as consistent as we can, I think that will hold us in good stead going forward and against the better teams.”
The past month has seen a change in role for Duncan, with the 30-year-old finding a new home across half-back where his elite kicking skills are being put to good use.
“It’s been exciting learning a new set of tools, really,” he said. “Honing in on a different bit of craft, which is nice and refreshing.
“It’s giving blokes like Cooper Stephens opportunity through the midfield; Mitch Knevitt.
“Being able to blood the youth is important for the footy club.
“And it’s just not for the long term. These guys are coming in and performing and helping us win.
“My role’s probably changed a little bit – it changes most weeks, to be honest.
“I’m just enjoying being out there. The body’s feeling really good.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
