Only a few kicks away from an undefeated start

Much like the AFL side (average losing margin of 14 points, lowest in the AFL), Shane O’Bree’s side are not accustomed to big losses. The Cats have faced defeat four times in 2018, at an average losing margin of four points. Their biggest loss came at the hands of Essendon, where they fell to the Bombers by a mere seven points. On the flipside, the Cats have an average winning margin of 38 points and have proved to be one of the hardest sides to score against in the competition. O’Bree’s focus on being staunch defensively has seen the Cats restrict their opponents to six goals or less on five separate occasions.

Is there another Tom Stewart out there?

The Cats have a history of drafting from their own backyard, with the VFL program producing draftees such as Tom Ruggles, Timm House, Ryan Abbott and Tom Stewart over the past couple of years. This year’s VFL list is littered with potential mature-aged recruits, with midfielders Tom Atkins and Jordan Keras pushing their respective cases whilst Sam Siggins’ versatility as a swingman could see him earn an AFL lifeline after three seasons on the Adelaide Crows’ list from 2012-15. Atkins seems the most likely of the three, at 22 years of age, the on-baller has had a prolific season as the Cats’ VFL Captain. Averaging 22 disposals and 10.3 tackles per game, the 2016 Best & Fairest winner is well and truly in the mix to be given an opportunity at AFL level.

Ruck and Roll with Smithy and Rabbott

The Cats’ on-ballers have been racking up big numbers in 2018 as the Geelong VFL side lead the competition in disposals per game, however a lot of the credit needs to be given to the Cats’ ruck brigade. With the AFL side often choosing to play a sole ruckman, the VFL Cats have regularly been blessed with the ruck pairing of Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott. The Cats sit second in the competition for hitouts with Abbott and Smith both averaging over 30 per contest. The duo have also shown a knack for finding the goals, combining for 14 majors, whilst usually commanding quality defenders when floating forward.

Untried Cats continue to impress

Whilst the AFL side have been able to blood six debutants in 2018, there are still some untried Cats that have put together quality seasons at VFL level. Charlie Constable is averaging over 24 disposals and four tackles per contest whilst fellow 2017 draftee Gryan Miers has kicked 16 goals in 2018 to lead the Geelong VFL goalkicking. Ryan Gardner has also been dangerous around the goals since moving to the forward line in round eight, kicking 15 of his own and providing the Cats with immense forward pressure. Ruckman Ryan Abbott and key defender Timm House have also played consistently well and have continued to put pressure on the AFL listed players in their respective positions.

The importance of VFL finals

The Cats are well placed to return to the VFL finals in 2018, justifying the hard work of Shane O’Bree and his team, but September action for the VFL side could benefit the club as a whole. If the AFL Cats are also featuring in September, having a VFL side competing is not only great for fans, but gives the players not picked in the seniors, a chance to push their case for selection. With the VFL finals series set to kick off in the AFL pre-finals bye weekend, both sides can compete almost simultaneously and in the case of untimely injuries or tactical changes, there are match-fit players ready to be picked. In 2017, Geelong’s AFL side made it to the preliminary final but due to the VFL side missing the finals, many players in line for a senior call-up had not played any matches in nearly a month.

Last 5 AFL Premiers and how their VFL side performed that season:
2017: Richmond (VFL side: Grand Finalist)
2016: Western Bulldogs (VFL side: Premiers)
2015: Hawthorn (VFL side: Grand Finalist)
2014: Hawthorn (VFL side: Grand Finalist)
2013: Hawthorn (VFL side: Premiers)