Dylan Bolch looks at what’s gone wrong for Geelong in 2024 after reaching a preliminary final last season
IT’S THE curious case of the Cats.
Geelong made a remarkable run to a preliminary final last year but have struggled to back it up in 2024 for a variety of reasons.
It’s been hard to get a read on Dan Lowther’s side this year. Their best has been superb, but their worst has been pretty hard to stomach.
Geelong is the only side to take points off last year’s grand finalists, North Melbourne, but have also suffered several unexpected defeats.
They drew with the Kangaroos in week two, and a ferocious first half last week set the platform for a narrow win over reigning premier Brisbane.
Looking at those results on face value, you’d expect the Cats to be right in the mix for a spot in the not only the top-eight, but the top four.
But in reality, Geelong is hanging on to its faint finals hopes by the skin of their teeth. The Cats sit in 12th spot on the ladder, six premiership points out of the top eight, meaning there is no margin for error in the final two rounds.
The equation is simple – beat the Eagles on the road this weekend and then find a way to get the chocolates over Kuwarna in the final round of the season. Then, hope other results fall their way.
So, while their best has been elite, the Cats have been unable to perform at their best for long periods this season.
AFL.com.au takes a look at where things have gone wrong for Geelong in 2024.
Player availability
Injuries can derail any teams campaign, especially when it’s your best players watching on from the sidelines.
Geelong has been missing some of its biggest stars at different stages this season which has tested its depth.
Star forward Chloe Scheer booted 20 goals last year but hasn’t been seen at all this season due to a toe injury, while ruck Lilly Pearce, who was expected to take over the No.1 ruck role, suffered an ACL injury before the season started.
Leave a Reply