The same old question will be asked, and probably has to be asked. Will Geelong keep defying time and gravity to hold on to their status as a flag contender?
This preview has been written a hundred times in a hundred different ways in March by a hundred different people. Many have been vindicated and many have been proven wrong. It’s a testament to Geelong that this question is still being asked, that one of the great sides in football history didn’t fade away into obscurity.
When it is written in time, they’ll be spoken of as the team that refused to go quietly into the night, regardless of coaching and personnel changes.
Many things are still the same about Geelong. They remain in games long after they should have been blown away and their defensive core still remains formidable – James Kelly, Tom Lonergan, Andrew Mackie and Harry Taylor.
Many things have also changed – their midfield is no longer the powerhouse it used to be and their forward line can become shambolic if the almighty Tom Hawkins has a poor day. Their ruck division has been plagued by injury and also has been big factor in losing midfield ascendancy.
Some off-season changes were sought out to solve these pressing problems. In comes Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley, both incredible gambles - pick 21 was traded to get Stanley to Geelong - with a high pay-off if both work.
Losing Allen Christensen and Travis Varcoe is a blow pace wise, but with that defensive rebounding core still operating at a high level - Taylor, Mackie, Kelly - it’s difficult to say how much of a blow their loss will be. The job is now for players like George Horlin-Smith, Sam Blease and Nakia Cockatoo to cover that run-and-carry deficiency.
Their demise may be exaggerated, but perhaps this might be the year players like James Bartel and Steve Johnson can no longer hold the team up week in, week out. Another flag could now be out of their grasp, but they can still have a big influence at the pointy end of the season.
Players to watch
Mitch Clark:
Unfortunate circumstances saw him leave Melbourne and many Dees’ fans feel pretty hard done by as the struggling club was denied a talent that rarely had a moment to shine. His best football makes Geelong’s forward line incredibly formidable, but there is no guarantee he will return on his promises of delivering.
Josh Caddy:
Easily one of the biggest improvers in 2014, Caddy has to have a productive year to keep Geelong up and around finals contention. Joel Selwood, at times, was left to hold up a midfield that was routinely smashed in clearances, so another step forward for the talented 22-year-old is required.
Mark Blicavs:
Despite an impressive year from the big man, competition for his spot in the ruck has reached absurd levels. Add Rhys Stanley to the list of Dawson Simpson, Hamish McIntosh and rookies Padraig Lucey and Tom Read and there’s huge pressure on him to deliver in 2015.
Key Games
Round 1 v Hawthorn - Always fighting an uphill battle playing an incredibly mighty Hawks team first up. Great opportunity to see if they can continue to cut it with the best.
Round 9 v West Coast – As the sun begins to set on Geelong’s era of dominance, it’s the little things you take for granted that become harder. Even mediocre opposition away from home becomes a danger game. This trip west will be no different.
Round 15 v North Melbourne – Not only is atonement on the line here for a heartbreaking semi-final loss, but a crucial game against another team with top-four ambitions.
Predicted finish – 8th