A VICTIM of a selection squeeze himself in 2020, Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins has urged teammates that miss Saturday’s qualifying final clash with Collingwood to remain upbeat as the club pushes for its first flag in 11 years.
With a minor injury list and Jeremy Cameron, Rhys Stanley, Mitch Duncan, and Sam Mengola expected to be available, the Cats’ match committee has some tough calls to make ahead of the meeting with the Pies.
Atkins was dropped following the qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide two years ago, with Sam Simpson taking his place as Geelong fought back to win a grand final berth.
“The one thing I learnt is that you’ve just got to try and carry yourself like you’re feeling good and have someone you can talk to and vent a little bit or get some stuff off your chest,” he said.
“Certainly, when you’re around the group, it needs to be positive, and that’s what it’s been like.
“There’s been five or six guys that are really stiff not to be playing, and every time they’re around the group, it’s unbelievable.”
Seven of Atkins’ 79 games in the Hoops have been finals.
However, his last at the MCG was the 2019 preliminary final loss to Richmond, and he’s keen to get back out on the home of football in September after two years interstate.
“It’ll definitely be different,” he said.
“I’m not sure how many got to Optus Stadium last year, but it definitely wouldn’t have been 90,000.
“We’re really looking forward to being back on the MCG for a final.”
Collingwood has won 12 of its last 13 games since Round 9.
The margin in nine of those victories was under two goals and six by under a goal.
The Magpies sewed up the double-chance with a last-gap win over Carlton despite being beaten in contested possession, 177-123, and clearances, 47-33.
Despite the yawning gaps, Atkins has played down their significance ahead of Saturday night.
“We’re not going to underestimate their mids at all,” he said. “If they get (Taylor) Adams back, that’s a really strong inside midfield.
“We’ll just look to go after what we’ve been working on, and the last ten weeks, we feel we’ve slowly been building.
“It’s another opportunity to show what we’ve been working on.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
