The Geelong Cats are preparing for the AFL Grand Final with a confident mindset, despite the absence of star player Tom Stewart, who suffered a concussion during the preliminary final against Hawthorn. Stewart sustained the injury in a tackle and was replaced before the end of the first quarter in the match, which Geelong won decisively with a score of 17.13 (115) to 13.7 (85). He will miss the Grand Final scheduled for March 30, 2024, under concussion protocols.
Geelong’s head coach, Chris Scott, expressed optimism about the team’s chances heading into the championship match, noting that this season’s squad is better positioned than any during his coaching tenure. This will mark the Cats’ third Grand Final appearance in six seasons and Scott’s fourth since taking over the role 15 years ago. He previously led Geelong to premiership victories in 2011 and 2022, alongside a loss in the 2020 decider.
Scott stated, “I think that’s right. I find it a little bit hard to compare previous eras but we do shift things regularly in-season.” He emphasized the importance of adapting to changes in the game while maintaining stability within the team. The introduction of young players has contributed to this stability, enhancing the team’s overall performance.
The coach acknowledged that Stewart’s absence will require adjustments, particularly in the defensive lineup. One potential shift could see versatile player Mark Blicavs moved to the back line, opening the possibility for ruckman Rhys Stanley to return after recovering from a hamstring injury. Scott noted the importance of evaluating whether Stanley is fit enough to contribute effectively, stating, “The way we think about it now is ‘could play’ is not enough. You have to answer the ‘should play’ question.”
The discussion surrounding Stewart’s concussion has reignited the debate over the timing of the pre-finals bye. Many critics advocate for a bye before the Grand Final to help mitigate such injuries. Scott expressed his support for this change, saying, “I think generally in these situations you change your mind depending on what it means for you.” He added, “I’m very pro a week off before the grand final – if we can sneak that in this year.”
In contrast, dejected Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was less inclined to discuss broader issues following his team’s loss. He stated, “You can ask me another day. I don’t care right now. My mental capacities are dealing with what I’m dealing with right now.”
As Geelong prepares for their Grand Final showdown against either Collingwood or the Brisbane Lions, the team remains focused on the task at hand, channeling their energy into securing a championship title despite the challenges posed by injuries. The absence of key players like Stewart will test the resilience and adaptability of the Cats as they aim for another premiership under Scott’s leadership.
