Geelong may find themselves among football’s lower middle class after last year’s grand final mauling, with history suggesting teams struggle to bounce back from such defeats. The Cats were pulverised by Brisbane and now face an uncertain future as key players age and injuries mount.
Last season, Geelong played only two top-eight teams from the previous year twice, losing all four games. Their double ups came against Richmond, St Kilda, Essendon and Port Adelaide. Chris Scott’s side excelled at putting bad losses behind them, but the midfield remains vulnerable, with Patrick Dangerfield turning 36 next month and Jeremy Cameron still injured.
Elsewhere, Melbourne have appointed Steven King as coach, encouraging risk-taking and speed, while Carlton retain Michael Voss with renewed optimism. St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has galvanised the club, but Ross Lyon’s young players will be key to escaping the lower middle class.
Geelong’s challenging opening month, compounded by the absence of key players like Tyson Stengle and Bailey Smith, raises doubts about their ability to start strongly. Whether they can defy historical trends remains to be seen.
