Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has emphasized the importance of processing the team’s disappointment following their significant loss to the Brisbane Lions in the AFL Grand Final. The Cats faced a challenging match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on September 30, 2023, ultimately succumbing to a 47-point defeat.
In reflecting on the game, Dangerfield noted that the team must take time to acknowledge their feelings about the loss. “The hard part is there’s no guarantees in any given season,” he remarked. “It’s important that you sit in it for a little bit, that as difficult as it may be, together this piece is really important.”
The Cats entered the final match with high hopes but were outplayed by the Lions, who led by as much as 65 points in the final quarter. Although Geelong managed to narrow the margin towards the end, the defeat highlighted the challenges faced throughout the season. Dangerfield acknowledged that the disappointment from such a significant loss could linger, yet he remains committed to maintaining the team’s competitive spirit.
Tom Atkins, a key midfielder for Geelong, shared a similar sentiment, asserting that the late-game scoring by Brisbane would not overshadow the team’s efforts earlier in the match. “I think we fought as hard as we could while the game was alive,” Atkins stated. “There just comes a point where it’s sort of beyond saving.”
Despite the loss, Dangerfield expressed confidence in the team’s overall performance throughout the season. “When you make it this far and then you don’t quite execute, you don’t need to throw everything away,” he explained. He believes that minor adjustments will be necessary rather than a complete overhaul of the team’s strategy. “Some areas we didn’t quite execute that we’ve executed so well throughout the season,” he added.
Looking ahead, Geelong aims to strengthen its roster during the off-season. The club is reportedly interested in acquiring James Worpel from Hawthorn and Rowan Marshall from St Kilda. Additionally, there are discussions about potentially targeting Charlie Curnow from Carlton. Atkins highlighted the necessity for the team to evolve, stating, “If we play the exact same as we played last year, we won’t go too well.”
Geelong’s management remains focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that the lessons learned from this year’s Grand Final defeat will fuel their ambition for the next season. The Cats look to rebuild and come back stronger in 2024, driven by the desire to reclaim their position at the top of the league.
