AFTER being held to its lowest score of the year, star midfielder Mitch Duncan says Geelong needs to move on quickly from Saturday night’s 16-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.
The Cats reviewed their second loss in three rounds on Monday and the message focussed on not dwelling on the performance.
“You don’t want to keep putting in those sub-par performances for too long – it’s a very important time of the year,” Duncan said ahead of this week’s Just Think game against St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium.
“We’ve just got to keep evolving as a group and keep learning.
“We’re going to have changes in the team, and we need those guys coming in (and) playing important roles.
“And, at the same time, the guys who play regularly playing at a high standard, and that’s what we’ve got to keep going.”
One of those changes is likely to be the return of Esava Ratugolea from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the Round 12 win over Richmond on June 7.
Duncan concedes the inexperienced forward is crucial to the Cats’ fortunes.
And I think that helps ‘Hawk’ (Tom Hawkins) as well, and allows Hawk to stay closer to goal rather than come up the ground as far as he has to,”
“But the game changes week-to-week (based on) who you play.
“Last we thought we probably didn’t need that second tall as much, but this week it might be different, and going forward.
“Hopefully, Sav’s fit and puts his hand up. We have our main session on Wednesday, so if he gets through that well, I’d dare say he’d be in the squad.”
Duncan is wary of the inconsistent Saints, who need to beat the Cats to stay in touch with the top eight.
“They’ve got some great young players. (Jack) Billings and (Jade) Gresham are having really good years, (and) Rowan Marshall.
“Every team, on their day, is a really good football team; just how the AFL wants it, and probably the fans as well.
“Every game you come to, you want to expect your team to win.
“We’ll enjoy coming back here and playing at home in front of our fans, and hopefully put on a show for them.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
Email: kingy@geelongbroadcasters.com
