CAT ATTACK PODCAST – SEPTEMBER 8
Geelong will be chasing a small piece of history as it looks to embed itself inside the AFLW top eight with a win over Adelaide on Saturday.
Since entering the competition in 2019, the Cats have yet to post a victory in six meetings with the Crows, with a two-point loss at this weekend’s venue – Unley Oval – in the second of the 2022 seasons being the closest they’ve been.
It’s a record Mick Stinear is hoping to change as the Cats chase a fourth consecutive victory for just the third time.
Perennial finalists, Adelaide have made a mixed start to the new season, with losses to Sydney and Carlton followed by victories over West Coast and Hawthorn.
“I thought even the game last week provided a good contrast,” Stinear said of the Crows’victory over the Hawks.
“The first half was very much on their terms. They were able to pressure Hawthorn into mistakes and then make them pay off the back of it, and (kick) eight goals from turnover and move the ball really well from the back half.
“Chelsea Biddell was at her absolute best, and it seemed like they’ve got a little bit more run with the team they’ve got now – maybe not as contest heavy – but definitely can really hurt you on the outside.
“But then Hawthorn seemed to find their feet a little bit in the second half, and the game balanced out a bit more.
We’re going to have to be on; we’re going to need to be composed under the pressure that Adelaide apply and then (we’re) just going to have to use the ball smartly.
“You can’t just blaze away and allow their defenders to intercept and kick-start their offence.
Geelong will name winger Zali Friswell, who is due to exit the concussion protocol on Friday, with ruck Piper Dunlop also a chance to return from a knee issue that sidelined her from the win over Essendon.
“We’ll tick off some contact today, and then pending how she gets through that, she would be cleared medically from the concussion protocol,” Stinear said of Friswell.
“We’re planning on her being available if things keep tracking the way they are.
“Piper has a unique injury, which the risk of further damage is limited, but it might still be a little bit sore, but it doesn’t actually limit a lot of her movement.
“So we’ll test that out today, and pending her being able to get through today’s session and pull up well tomorrow, she’s a chance to be available for the weekend.
“And if not this weekend, you would think she wouldn’t be too far away at all.”
However, Geelong will be without half-back Emma Kilpatrick for the remainder of the season as she prepares for surgery on a dislocated shoulder suffered in a day of carnage on the Gold Coast in Round 3.
“It’s been great working with her in the off-season,” Stinear said.
“She’s a much-loved teammate. As coaches, we’ve really enjoyed working with her and her skill set, and she’s really starting to settle in at half-back.
“(She’s) really hard to play against, brings some really good offensive weapons, with her speed and her kicking power.
“She will be a loss to the team, but certainly someone as a club where we’re really invested in and looking forward to supporting her.
“She’ll be a feature of this team moving forward, no doubt.”
X: @krockfootball
