AFL FINALS SERIES 2010, 2ND QUALIFYING FINAL: GEELONG V ST KILDA, MCG
Ben Jensen 2 September 2010

By Ben Jensen (Istanbul, Turkey) GEELONG face a crucial test against St Kilda this Friday night, the winner to advance to a Preliminary Final, the other probably having to face Collingwood in the other Prelim final, should they make it that far. Joel Selwood, Corey Enright and Josh Hunt have been rushed back into the side while a fourth Premiership player, Shannon Byrnes, remains out of the side as an emergency. As expected, three youngsters Dan Menzel, Taylor Hunt and Simon Hogan made way for the Premiership trio. Top shelf inclusions for the Saints also, Steven Baker, Stephen Milne and Adam Schneider all returning, Baker the most talked about after his much-publicised clash with Geelong's Steve Johnson last time these two sides played. Out for the Saints are Dempster, Armitage and Miles.

MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS

WEEK ONE AFL FINALS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED; CATS PLAY SAINTS FRIDAY NIGHT
Ben Jensen 29 August 2010

By Ben Jensen (Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey) GEELONG will play St Kilda this Friday night at the MCG at 19:45, in the 'second qualifying final' for a place in the second preliminary final. Although the Cats lost to the Saints last time, Bomber Thompson's boys will be (very) quietly confident of their chances. The Saints were defeated by Adelaide yesterday while the Cats are in a mini-spell of good form, having accounted for West Coast, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs in the past three weeks after the defeat by Collingwood.

2ND QUALIFYING FINAL

GEELONG V ST KILDA

FRIDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2010, MCG, 19:45

CATS MAKE THREE LATE CHANGES; ABLETT GOES BANANAS; CATS WIN EASILY IN COSTA'S LAST HOME GAME AS PRESIDENT
Ben Jensen 28 August 2010

By Ben Jensen (Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey) GEELONG made three late changes to the side but still pounded West Coast at Skilled Stadium today. Outgoing President Frank Costa, OAM, made a lap of honour and was very well received, while Gary Ablet Junior, who may also be having his last home game at Kardinia Park, destroyed West Coast in the third term, booting all five goals for the Cats. Geelong didn't have it their own way, wooden spooners West Coast neck and neck with the Cats up until half time, partially thanks to wayward kicking in the first term by Geelong earning them a one point lead. Rested today were Shannon Byrnes, Corey Enright and Joel Selwood, adequately replaced by Dan Menzels, Simon Hogan and Taylor Hunt.

GEELONG: 1.7 5.8 10.14 16.16 (112) DEFEATED
WEST COAST: 2.2 5.4 6.5 10.8 (68)

GOALS
GEELONG: Ablett 4, Mooney 3, Johnson 3, Hawkins 2, Ling 2, Varcoe, Ottens
WEST COAST: Wilson 4, Hams 2, Strijk, Stevens, Masten, Kennedy

BEST
GEELONG: Ablett, Kelly, Milburn, Scarlett, Ling
WEST COAST: Hams, Waters, Shuey, Rosa

REPORTS
NIL

INJURIES
GEELONG: Joel Selwood (glute), Corey Enright (foot) and Shannon Byrnes (flu) replaced in the selected side by Taylor Hunt, Daniel Menzel and Simon Hogan
WEST COAST: Nil

UMPIRES: Farmer, Stewart, Pannell

CROWD: 24,099 at Skilled Stadium, Kardinia Park, Geelong

AFL ROUND 22 2010: GEELONG V WEST COAST, SKILLED STADIUM
Ben Jensen 26 August 2010

By Ben Jensen (Olympos, Turkey) GEELONG will look to round off the season in style against West Coast at their home ground Skilled Stadium on Saturday. James Podsiadly is a big loss, with a two week suspension, likewise defender Josh Hunt is out with a week with his suspension but will be back for the first week of the finals series. Coming back though are experienced trio Cameron Ling, Brad Ottens and Andrew Mackie, with Tom Lonergan also returning to shore up the backline. Dan Menzel and fellow youngster Taylor Hunt were the two omissions.

MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS

CATS RUN ON TO VICTORY OVER BLUES BY 42 POINTS
Ben Jensen (From Fethiye, Turkey) 20 August 2010

GEELONG defeated CARLTON by fourty-two points at Etihad Stadium tonight. At three-quarter time the match remaineds delicately poised, the Cats remaining in front by twenty-five points. Geelong led Carlton by twenty-two points at half-time, though they led by over thirty mid-way through the second quarter. It was just one point in favour of the Cats at quarter time, they got going early to establish a decent lead before the Blues pegged a couple back. Carlton were out of the gates after half time but could only kick one goal at a time; they scored first but the Cats answered back, twice, before scoring consecutive goals to extend their half-time lead. Similarly in the final term, Carlton opened up the goal-scoring but the Cats answered back, this time immediately. Gary Ablett, goalless at half-time, had kicked three crucial goals by the twelve-minute mark to give his side a buffer when it counted. Dan Menzel kicked his third with twenty-four minutes gone, staking his claim to a spot come September. Ablett added his fourth not long after, thanks to a Menzel pass, his fortieth for the season. The Cats deservingly winners by seven goals.

GEELONG: 5.3 11.7 14.8 18.13 (121) DEFEATED
CARLTON: 5.2 8.3 10.7 12.7 (79)

GOALS
GEELONG: Podsiadly 4, Ablett 4, Menzel 3, Hawkins 2, Bartel, Byrnes, Johnson, Stokes, Varcoe
CARLTON: Henderson 3, Waite 3, Robinson 3, Judd, Simpson, Warnock

BEST
GEELONG: Chapman, Selwood, Bartel, Enright, Podsiadly, Hawkins
CARLTON: Carazzo, Henderson, Murphy, Robinson, Waite

INJURIES
GEELONG: Nil
CARLTON: Nil

REPORTS: Josh Hunt (Geelong), James Podsiadly (Geelong)
CHANGES
GEELONG: Andrew Mackie replaced in the selected side by Taylor Hunt
CARLTON: Shaun Hampson and Aaron Joseph replaced in the selected side by Sam Jacobs and Andrew Walker
UMPIRES: Vozzo, McBurney, Nicholls
CROWD: 45,172 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

AFL ROUND 21 2010: GEELONG V CARLTON, ETIHAD STADIUM
Ben Jensen 20 August 2010

By Ben Jensen (On a bus somewhere in the Western Mediterranean, Turkey) GEELONG have a good test just a fortnight away from the finals with a clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium tonight. Brad Ottens is out with a virus, possibly picked up from the Western Bulldogs last weekend, with the spurned ruckman Mark Blake getting another run in his place. Joel Corey and Harry Taylor both return from injury, with Taylor Hunt and Jeremy Laidler making way respectively. Dan Menzel holds his position in the side after a solid debut.

CATS COMPREHENSIVELY THRASH FOURTH PLACED BULLDOGS
Ben Jensen (From Istanbul, Turkey) 15 August 2010

GEELONG bounced back from last week's defeat to Collingwood, taking their anger out on the poor old Western Bulldogs (fourth on the ladder) by a lazy 101 points. Tom Lonergan was a late withdrawal, and was replaced by Jeremy Laidler who played his first game of the season and second overall, while Dan Menzel made his AFL debut,both aquainting themselves very well. Channel Ten's Tim Lane may have written us off in the first quarter but the Cats came back, absosultely belting the Bulldogs about the park. (To his credit, Lane did not hide away from his remarks, retracting them around half-time).

GEELONG: 4.1 14.4 17.6 25.11 (161)) DEFEATED
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.1 3.2 6.3 9.6 (60)

GOALS
GEELONG: S Johnson 5 G Ablett 3 J Podsiadly 3 T Varcoe 3 C Mooney 2 J Selwood 2 P Chapman 2 S Byrnes 2 B Ottens D Menzel M Stokes
WESTERN BULLDOGS: D Giansiracusa 3 B Hall 2 L Jones 2 L Gilbee R Griffen.

BEST
GEELONG: G Ablett J Selwood C Enright S Johnson J Kelly A Mackie J Bartel
WESTERN BULLDOGS: M Boyd D Giansiracusa D Morris R Murphy D Cross

REPORTS
NIL

INJURIES
GEELONG: Tom Lonergan (influenza) replaced in the selected side by Jeremy Laidler
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Wood (hamstring)

UMPIRES: Stevic, Chamberlain, Margetts

CROWD: 42,199 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Docklands

AFL ROUND 20 2010: WESTERN BULLDOGS V GEELONG, ETIHAD STADIUM; COREY OUT, MENZEL TO DEBUT
Ben Jensen 14 August 2010

By Ben Jensen (Istanbul, Turkey) WESTERN BULLDOGS V GEELONG CATS Dan Menzel will make his AFL debut on Saturday against the Bulldogs after Joel Corey had to pull out injured from the initially selected lineup. Menzel has been named as an emergency for much of the past month and will be jumping out of his skin to play on the big stage after impressing in the VFL so far this season. For his part Corey has a calf injury; he has played just nine games this season and this will be the 2nd or 3rd time he's had to withdraw before the game.

Field Umpires: TBA

DAMN IT; COLLINGWOOD DEFEAT GEELONG, ALL BUT SECURE TOP SPOT
Ben Jensen 8 August 2010

Ben Jensen, in Heiligenblut, Austria COLLINGWOOD won the second of what will surely not be the last battle in the war for the AFL Premiership 2010 last night at the MCG. The Cats led narrowly at half time, 9.4 to 8.9, but could manage just three more goals and nine behinds as the Magpies booted six goals three to defeat their only realistic Premiership rivals by twenty-two points. James Podsiadly was a late inclusion, and kicked just the one goal while Travis Cloke went someway towards exorcising his goalkicking demons with two crucial goals. Geelong have another Saturday night game next round, an away fixture against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

COLLINGWOOD 4.5 8.9 12.15 14.12(107) DEFEATED
GEELONG 3.1 9.4 11.8 12.13 (85)

GOALS
COLLINGWOOD: Beams 3, Cloke 2, Wellingham 2, Brown, Didak, B Johnson, Jolly, Macaffer, Swan, Thomas
GEELONG: Stokes 3, Johnson 2, Ablett, Byrnes, Chapman, Corey, Podsiadly, Selwood, Varcoe

BEST
COLLINGWOOD: Swan, Didak, Macaffer, Wellingham, Thomas
GEELONG: Chapman, Ablett, Ling, Enright, Varcoe

INJURIES
COLLINGWOOD: Reid (quadricep)
GEELONG: David Wojcinski replaced in the selected side by James Podsiadly

UMPIRES: McInerney, Rosebury, Stevic

CROWD: 84,401 at MCG, Melbourne

AFL ROUND 19 2010; GEELONG V COLLINGWOOD; MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV DETAILS
Ben Jensen 5 August 2010

By Ben Jensen from Ljubljana, Slovenia GEELONG CATS v COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES GEELONG host Collingwood at the MCG this Saturday night in the most anticipated clash since Geelong and St Kilda earlier this season. Jimmy Bartel returns from injury, with Trent West making way. This will leave just the one recognised ruckman in the team, Brad Ottens with Mark Blake still in the VFL. Win, and the Cats will leapfrog the Magpies into top spot just three weeks out from finals. Lose, and not only will Geelong supporters and the rest of the AFL public hear about it for weeks, the Wobblers will all but be assured of top spot and the Dr McClelland Trophy Mark Williams used to bang on about before Port Adelaide gave him the boot.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

CATS DEFEAT SWANS ON THEIR HOME TURF

GEELONG: 5.1 10.1 18.3 20.5 (125) DEFEATED

SYDNEY: 3.7 4.12 5.16 9.18 (72)

GOALS

GEELONG: Johnson 6, Ablett 3, Mooney 3, Ottens, Varcoe, Hunt, Kelly, Byrnes, West, Ling, Mackie

SYDNEY: Goodes 3, Bolton 2, Jack, Kennedy, White, Kirk

BEST
GEELONG: Johnson, Ablett, Scarlett, Selwood, Mackie, Kelly

SYDNEY: Goodes, Mattner, Jack, Mumford, Richards, Kennelly

INJURIES: SYDNEY: Nil
GEELONG: Nil

REPORTS: SYDNEY: Nil
GEELONG: Nil

AFL ROUND 18 2010: SYDNEY V GEELONG, ANZ STADIUM
Ben Jensen 29 July 2010

By Ben Jensen (Hvar, Crotaia) SYDNEY SWANS V GEELONG CATS

Field Umpires: Vozzo, Kennedy, Findlay

CATS SHOW THEIR CLAWS AGAINST LIONS
Ben Jensen (From Bovec, Slovenija) 25 July 2010

GEELONG shrugged off last week's disappointment to inflict a ten goal defeat on Brisbane at Skilled Stadium yesterday. Gary Ablett kicked five goals against what may turn out to be his derby rival for next season, while Steve Johnson, back from a broken hand, booted four along with Travis Varcoe. The only other multiple goalkicker on the day was Jonathan Brown for the Lions, with Brendan Fevola kicking just one.

GEELONG: 5.2 10.4 16.8 19.13 (127) DEFEATED
BRISBANE: 0.3 4.6 6.8 9.10 (64)

GOALS
GEELONG: G Ablett 5 S Johnson 4 T Varcoe 4 C Ling D Wojcinski J Corey J Kelly J Podsiadly M Stokes
BRISBANE: J Brown 4 A Cornelius A Proud B Fevola M Leuenberger T Banfield

BEST
GEELONG: J Selwood T Varcoe G Ablett P Chapman J Bartel J Kelly M Scarlett
BRISBANE: L Power J Brown T Rockliff M Leuenberger

REPORTS
GEELONG: NIL
BRISBANE: B Staker (Brisbane) for striking D Milburn (Geelong) in the third quarter

INJURIES
GEELONG: NIL
BRISBANE: A Buchanan (concussion) M Clark (concussion)

UMPIRES: Jeff 'Kenny' Dalgleish, Hayden Kennedy, Shane Stewart

CROWD: 24,508 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

AFL ROUND 17 2010: GEELONG V BRISBANE LIONS, SKILLED STADIUM
Ben Jensen 24 July 2010

By Ben Jensen (Bovec, Slovenija) GEELONG CATS v BRISBANE LIONS GEELONG welcome back seasoned Premiership duo Darren Milburn and Steve Johnson for their home game against Brisbane this Saturday afternoon at Skilled Stadium after their surprise loss to Adelaide last Friday night. Out of the side are Shannon Byrnes, rested, and Simon Hogan who makes way for Milburn.

Field Umpires: TBA

CATS GO DOWN TO CROWS; CLUB DOCTOR GEOFF ALLEN IN FIGHT FOR LIFE
Ben Jensen 17 July 2010

GEELONG were defeated by 11 points at AAMI Stadium last night but it was the off-field dramas during the warmup that took precedence for many back in Geelong. Doctor Geoff Allen suffered a heart attack and after being worked on for a reported fifteen minutes on the ground he was rushed to hospital. The latest word is he should pull through but it was quite a shock for the team, who as you'd expect were quite anxious and upset. The Cats led at the first two changes but trailed by 11 points at three-quarter time, which was the final winning margin for the Crows. Next Saturday afternoon Geelong host Brisbane in a game to be telecast live on Fox Sports.

ADELAIDE 2.3 4.3 8.8 11.8 (74) DEFEATED
GEELONG 3.1 5.3 7.3 9.9 (63)

GOALS
ADELAIDE: T Walker 4 R Henderson 2 R Sloane 2 K Tippett N van Berlo P Dangerfield
GEELONG: C Mooney 2 M Stokes 2 B Ottens G Ablett P Chapman S Byrnes T Varcoe

BEST
ADELAIDE: S Stevens B Vince T Walker G Johncock S Thompson S Goodwin M Doughty
GEELONG: Selwood A Mackie C Ling P Chapman H Taylor C Enright J Kelly

INJURIES
ADELAIDE: NIL
GEELONG: NIL

UMPIRES: Wenn, Pannell, McInerney

CROWD: 41,195 at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide

AFL ROUND 16 2010: ADELAIDE V GEELONG, AAMI STADIUM
Ben Jensen 16 July 2010

By Ben Jensen (Lucerne, Switzerland) ADELAIDE CROWS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG play Adelaide at AAMI Stadium tonight, welcoming back Joel Corey and Cameron Mooney from injury and suspension. Corey has missed most of the season and made his comeback against North Melbourne but missed last week's win over Hawthorn with knee soreness. Cameron Mooney of course was suspended. For the Crows Andrew McLeod, who we assumed was retired, returns along with David Mackay.

Field Umpires: Wenn, Pannell, McInerney (only one change from last week)

CATS COME FROM BEHIND AND HOLD ON AGAINST HAWKS
Ben Jensen (From St Claude, Stage 7 Tour de France) 10 July 2010

GEELONG just held on against auld enemy Hawthorn at the MCG today, delighting this author and caravan who are awaiting to arrival of Cadel Evans and friends just outside St Claude, on Stage 7 of the Tour de France. From the reports we had texted in, the Cats struggled but just kept pace, and in the final quarter snatched the lead and led by 9 points with minutes to go. Hawthorn's dependable Brad Sewell gave us a scare as he reduced the margin to just three points but the Hawks' final shot of the game by Clinton Young only produced a behind, and the Cats hung on. Watch out for a Geelong jumper and Aussie/Scottish flags around 00:26 (Victorian time) tonight, and let us know if you see us. thecattery @ keldar.net (remove the spaces).

GEELONG: 3.3, 5.6, 8.8, 12.13 (85) DEFEATED
HAWTHORN: 4.4, 6.7, 8.14, 11.17 (83)

GOALS
GEELONG: Stokes 4, Chapman 2, Bartel, Podsiadly, Varcoe, Ablett, Byrnes, Podsiadly
HAWTHORN: Franklin 3, Lewis 2, Roughead 2, Ellis, Young, Hodge, Sewell

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Ablett, Bartel, Kelly, Ling, Stokes, Wojcinski, Chapman
HAWTHORN: Rioli, Sewell, Franklin, Bateman, Guerra, Birchall

INJURIES
GEELONG: NIL; Corey (knee) replaced in selected side by Hogan
HAWTHORN: NIL

UMPIRES: Chamberlain, 'Billy' Pannell, McInerney

CROWD: 69,220 at MCG, Melbourne

AFL ROUND 15 2010: GEELONG V HAWTHORN
Ben Jensen 8 July 2010

By Ben Jensen (From a tent in Germany near the border with Switzerland) GEELONG CATS V HAWTHORN HAWKS GEELONG has made three changes for their clash with Hawthorn at the MCG this Saturday afternoon, while the Hawks have made two changes. The Cats' changes are all to bring back first choice players, while the Hawks lost Sam Mitchell to a broken hand and dropped Beau Muston. Skipper Cameron Ling leads the returnees for Geelong, with Harry Taylor and Brad Ottens also making very welcomed returns. Geelong of course beat Hawthorn by 9 points on Easter Monday, on a day for big forwards with Cameron Mooney and Jarryd Roughead each kicking four goals. Link: LAST MATCH REVIEW

Field Umpires:Chamberlain, Pannell, McInerney

CATS DO BUSINESS AGAINST KANGAROOS, HOLD TOP SPOT
Ben Jensen 4 July 2010

GEELONG CATS V NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS GEELONG shrugged off last week's disappointment against St Kilda to defeat North Melbourne by 35 points in front of more than twenty-five thousand at Skilled Stadium today. For the Roos the match was marred by a broken leg to young Kangaroo Todd Ziebell. The man known variously as the J-Pod and Podfather continued his love affair with the ground, booting five goals in the absence of Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins. Mitch Duncan and Shannon Byrnes booted two goals apiece while the the Kangaroos Lauchlan Hansen kicked four.

GEELONG: 5.3 8.4 12.9 14.14 (98) DEFEATED
NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.2 4.5 5.6 9.9 (63)

GOALS
GEELONG: J Podsiadly 5 M Duncan 2 S Byrnes 2 A Mackie G Ablett J Bartel T Varcoe T West
NORTH MELBOURNE: L Hansen 4 B Warren D Wells H McIntosh L Thomas T Goldstein

BEST
GEELONG: P Chapman J Hunt J Podsiadly M Stokes G Ablett J Kelly C Enright
NORTH MELBOURNE: L Hansen B Rawlings D Wells C Garlett

INJURIES
GEELONG: Ling (back tightness) replaced in the selected side by Hogan
NORTH MELBOURNE: Ziebell (broken leg), Grima (ankle) replaced in the selected side by Adams

UMPIRES: Donlon, Sully, Wenn

CROWD: 25,159 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

REPORTS: Nil

AFL ROUND 14 2010: GEELONG V NORTH MELBOURNE; CATS RING IN THE CHANGES
Ben Jensen 2 July 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG CATS V NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS GEELONG have made four changes for Sunday afternoon's clash with North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium. The Cats were forced to make three changes due to the suspended Steve Johnson and Cameron Mooney, and injured Harry Taylor, all key players. Ryan Gamble was dropped. Coming back are three dual-premiership players Paul Chapman, Joel Corey, James Kelly, and new boy Mitch Duncan. Corey's return from long-term injury will be much welcomed, but the Kangas will be tough opponents on Sunday, and although not rated by many would be a chance to cause a serious upset.

Field Umpires:Donlon, Sully, Wenn

CATS SHUT DOWN IN SECOND HALF BY SAINTS; MATCH REVIEW PANEL WORKS OVERTIME TO CHARGE STEVEN BAKER FOUR TIMES, STEVE JOHNSON TWICE, MOONEY ONCE
Ben Jensen 28 June 2010

ST KILDA SAINTS V GEELONG CATS ST KILDA held Geelong goalless in the second half at the MCG on Friday night, kicking just ten goals but winning by four. The Cats led at half time by sixteen points but incredibly could not score at all in the third term and in the final quarter only managed three behinds, as the Saints booted six unanswered goals. It was feared Jimmy Bartel broke his left arm, but he now feels 'OK' and knowing Bartel, will likely play next week. However, Steve Johnson may have a broken hand and Harry Taylor suffered a lacerated foot, and both remain in doubt.

ST KILDA: 2.1, 4.3, 9.6, 10.10 (70) DEFEATED
GEELONG: 2.2, 6.7, 6.7, 6.10 (46)

GOALS
ST KILDA: Schneider 4, Steven 3, Milne 2, Dal Santo
GEELONG: Ablett 2, Ling, Mackie, Stokes, Johnson

BEST
ST KILDA: Schneider, Hayes, Gwilt, Steven
GEELONG: Selwood, Enright, Ablett, Bartel

INJURIES
ST KILDA: Gilbert (shoulder), Baker (concussion); Eddy replaced in selected side by Dempster
GEELONG: Taylor (lacerated foot), Bartel (arm), Johnson (hand); Kelly (illness) replaced in selected side by Gamble

UMPIRES: Rosebury, Ryan, Stevic

CROWD: 58,208 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

REPORTS: NIL during game; following Match Review Panel:

Charges Laid
Steven Baker, St Kilda, has been charged with a level three striking offence against Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, at the start of the first quarter of the round 13 match between St Kilda and the Geelong Cats, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

Steven Baker, St Kilda, has been charged with a level three striking offence against Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, during the first quarter of the round 13 match (Geelong Cats forward line) between St Kilda and the Geelong Cats, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

Steven Baker, St Kilda, has been charged with a level three striking offence against Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, during the first quarter of the round 13 match (centre of the ground) between St Kilda and the Geelong Cats, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

Steven Baker, St Kilda, has been charged with a level two misconduct offence in that he made unreasonable and unnecessary contact with an injured player, Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, during the first quarter of the round 13 match between St Kilda and the Geelong Cats, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

Cameron Mooney, Geelong Cats, has been charged with a level three striking offence against Jason Blake, St Kilda, at the start of the first quarter of the round 13 match between the Geelong Cats and St Kilda, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, has been charged with a level two striking offence against Steven Baker, St Kilda, during the first quarter of the round 13 match between the Geelong Cats and St Kilda, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

Steve Johnson, Geelong Cats, has been charged with a level three striking offence against Steven Baker, St Kilda, during the second quarter of the round 13 match between the Geelong Cats and St Kilda, played at the MCG on Friday June 25, 2010.

AFL ROUND 13 2010; ST KILDA V GEELONG; TEAM LISTS
Ben Jensen 24 June 2010

By Ben Jensen ST KILDA SAINTS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG have been boosted by the return of full back Matthew Scarlett and key forward Cameron Mooney for Friday night's blockbuster (for St Kilda at least) with the Saints. Channel Seven will show the match live in Melbourne, the game pushed back to 7:50PM to accomodate pre-match rituals from Bruce, Dennis and the likes.

CATS DOWN BOMBERS
Ben Jensen 12 June 2010

ESSENDON BOMBERS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG accounted for Essendon so easily in the end you wouldn't have thought it was fairly even in the first half. While usually a couple goals ahead, the Cats struggled to pull away completely until mid-way through the second term. From that point onwards the Cats weren't tested at all, instead treating their supporters to an avalanche of goals. Travis Varcoe announced himself as a player bordering on the elite, not only amassing 19 quality disposals but booted five goals. The 'J Pod' or 'Pod Father' James Podsiadly likewise booted five while Steve Johnson kicked four.

GEELONG: 6.3, 11.6, 16.11, 23.16 (154) DEFEATED
ESSENDON: 4.3, 8.6, 10.9, 12.11 (83)

GOALS
GEELONG: Varcoe 5, Podsiadly 5, Johnson 4, Bartel 3, Byrnes 3, Stokes, Kelly, Chapman
ESSENDON: Hurley 4, Davey 3, Stanton 2, Jetta, McVeigh, Zaharakis

BEST
GEELONG: Varcoe, Podsiadly, Bartel, Kelly, Ablett, Byrnes, Johnson
ESSENDON: Hurley, Davey, McVeigh, Dempsey

INJURIES: Cameron Mooney (Geelong, ankle)
REPORTS: David Wojcinski (Geelong) for striking Alwyn Davey (Essendon) by field umpire Wenn in the second quarter

UMPIRES: Vozzo, Hay, Wenn

CROWD: 46,358 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

MATCH STATS: http://livescores.afl.com.au/livestats-10281203.html

AFL ROUND 12 2010; ESSENDON V GEELONG; TEAM LISTS
Ben Jensen 10 June 2010

By Ben Jensen ESSENDON BOMBERS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG SKIPPER Cameron Ling returns from injury this week, while spearhead Cameron Mooney misses with an ankle injury. Youngster Dawson Simpson has been omitted, with Trent West making his first side of the year, named at full forward.

CATS WELL TESTED BY EAGLES
Ben Jensen 5 June 2010

WEST COAST EAGLES V GEELONG CATS GEELONG struggled to overcome West Coast at Subiaco Oval tonight, but after a tense opening five minutes pulled away to win by four goals. Taylor Hunt booted his first goal on debut while Shannon Byrnes kicked a goal in each quarter.

GEELONG: 4.2 8.3 15.8 18.14 (122) DEFEATED
WEST COAST EAGLES: 3.7 7.9 12.10 14.14 (98)

GOALS
GEELONG: Byrnes 4, Johnson 3, Ablett 2, Wojcinski 2, Enright, T. Hunt, Mackie, Podsiadly, Selwood, Stokes, Varcoe
WEST COAST EAGLES: Kennedy 3, McKinley 3, LeCras 2, Naitanui 2, Cox, Dalziell, Ebert, Embley

BEST
GEELONG: Chapman, Wojcinski, Byrnes, Bartel, Stokes, Enright
WEST COAST EAGLES: Waters, Priddis, Embley, Kennedy, McKinley

INJURIES: Cameron Mooney (Geelong, ankle)
REPORTS: Nil

UMPIRES: Chris Donlon, Luke Farmer, Jeff Dalgleish

CROWD: TBC at Subiaco Oval, Perth

AFL ROUND 11 2010; WEST COAST V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV DETAILS
Ben Jensen 5 June 2010

By Ben Jensen WEST COAST EAGLES V GEELONG CATS TOM HAWKINS misses through injury this week, giving Dawson Simpson his chance. West Coast, third-bottom on the ladder, are on a two-match losing streak and will be hoping against the odds to pull off the second defeat of Geelong in the West this year. Taylor Hunt will make his AFL debut, after skipper Cameron Ling was confirmed as an absentee on Friday afternoon through a shoulder injury. According to Cats coach Mark Thompson Ling will miss just the one match. 'Bomber' might like to swap notes with Arsène Wenger of Arsenal, who like Thompson is fighting a seemingly hopeless battle to hold onto his marquee player Cesc Fabregas, similar to Gary Ablett's situation, but arguably a more hopeless cause.

MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV INFO

GEELONG MAINTAINS SUPREMECY OVER MELBOURNE
Ben Jensen 30 May 2010

GEELONG CATS V MELBOURNE DEMONS GEELONG didn't really impress but did more than enough to see off any threat from Melbourne and to their hold onto top spot, with a fifty-four point victory. James Podsiadly maintained his love affair with the ground still usually known as Kardinia Park, booting five goals with fellow spearhead Tom Hawkins kicking four straight. The Big Hairy Cat, Cameron Mooney, barely troubled the scorers, registering just the one behind while Joel Selwood took care of things in the middle. The win made it twenty consecutive wins at Skilled Stadium for Geelong and eight for the season. After Sunday's games, the Cats are tied on points with the Dockers, but well ahead on percentage (156% to Freo's 128%). Next are Collingwood and St Kilda, each on seven wins, the Bulldogs and Carlton (six wins), while Sydney and Essendon round out the top eight with five wins out of ten games, ahead of Brisbane and Port Adelaide on percentage. Next Saturday night Geelong play West Coast at Subiaco, a game to be screened live on Channel Ten.

GEELONG: 5.5, 9.6, 14.8, 18.13 (121) DEFEATED
MELBOURNE: 2.1, 4.4, 7.6, 10.7 (67)

GOALS
GEELONG: Podsiadly 5, Hawkins 4, Stokes 3, Johnson 2, Ablett 2, Chapman, Selwood
MELBOURNE: Green 3, Davey 2, Bennell, Jetta, Miller, Morton, Wonaeamirri

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Podsiadly, Ablett, Enright, Ling, Chapman, Hawkins
MELBOURNE: Gysberts, Green, McDonald, Sylvia

INJURIES:
REPORTS: Geelong: Nil Melbourne: Garland (knee)

UMPIRES: Farmer, Jennings, McLaren

CROWD: 24,525 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

AFL ROUND 10 2010; GEELONG V MELBOURNE; MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV DETAILS
Ben Jensen 27 May 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG CATS V MELBOURNE DEMONS MATTHEW SCARLETT is out of Geelong's side to face Melbourne on Saturday afternoon at Skilled Stadium. Not listed in the official Injury List, Scarlett is to miss with a hamstring injury and according to the Cats is unlikely to play again until after the split round (round 13, 25 June). Simon Hogan takes Scarlett's place in the side for his fifth game of the season and fifteenth overall. Meanwhile the Demons have made three changes, Cameron 'the' Bruce the notable inclusion.

TEAM SHEETS INCLUDING TV/RADIO DETAILS

CATS TESTED IN THIRD TERM, BUT PUT MAGPIES FIRMLY BACK IN THEIR PLACE, REGAIN TOP SPOT
Ben Jensen 21 May 2010

COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES V GEELONG CATS GEELONG have smashed any designs Collingwood had of challenging them for immediate supremecy in the AFL, winning by six goals and snatching back top spot on the ladder, to celebrate Cameron Mooney's 200th game. He certainly performed on the big stage, booting three goals. A huge crowd of 88,115 packed into the MCG on a Friday night blockbuster, after pubs surrounding the ground emptied and the masses flocked to the cauldron decked out in their respective colours. At least that’s how I imagine it was, as I sat in my Edinburgh office with the window open on a fine Friday morning, where it was a balmy 20 degrees, which here feels more like a Melbourne 35. Decided to listen to the game via the 3G phone today rather than the work computer, whose bandwidth was limited and to keep off the IT police’s radar.

FINAL SCORE
GEELONG:1.3, 4.7, 9.12 12.14 (86) DEFEATED
COLLINGWOOD: 1.2, 4.2, 6.8 6.14 (50)

GOALS
GEELONG: Mooney 3, Stokes 3, Ablett, Hawkins, Johnson, Podsiadly, Varcoe, Wojcinski
COLLINGWOOD: Beams 4, O'Bree, Swan

BEST
GEELONG: Kelly, Bartel, Ling, Mooney, Ablett, Scarlett
COLLINGWOOD: Beams, Johnson, Swan, Shaw, Thomas

INJURIES:
REPORTS: Nil

UMPIRES: McBurney, Ryan, Pannell

CROWD: 88,115 at MCG, Melbourne

Geelong fans felt aggrieved when Travis Varcoe was denied a mark inside the first minute, the umpire instead giving a ballup. The Magpies rebounded within seconds, Dane Swan booting their opener to really bring the house down. Replays suggested the umpire had it correct.

Gary Ablett gave Geelong fans a reason to cheer a minute or so later though, matching Swan’s goal for skill, the roar not quite as deafening as the Collingwood rent-a-crowd one but still good to hear, Ablett’s first equalling the scores.

The remainder of the quarter was a bit of a fizzer in terms of the scoreboard; as I sat during an impromptu meeting I kept an eye on the scores but noticed just three behinds scored and figured it was wrong until I got to put the earphones back in to have the score confirmed by 3AW. The Cats finished the quarter ahead by a solitary behind, scored as it was by James Podsiadly.

AFL ROUND 9 2010; COLLINGWOOD V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW INCLUDING TEAM LISTS, TV DETAILS
Ben Jensen 21 May 2010

By Ben Jensen COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES V GEELONG CATS THE J-POD is back for Geelong's clash with ladder-leaders Collingwood (yes that's right) this Friday at the MCG. The two James', Podsiadly and Kelly, return from injury to add strength to a Cats side pumped for the title challenger Magpies. The Wobblers brought back midfielder Sharrod Wellington in place of forward Jack Anthony, who doesn't have a good record against the Cats. Geelong coach Mark Thompson dismissed talk his side has less motivation than Collingwood; "I think our guys love playing against good teams and Collingwood are a good team and we have had some great contests. So we will do everything we possibly can and I know our boys will be motivated on Friday night to play near to their best football they can." Joel Corey remains absent through injury, while young Mitch Brown likewise remains on the sidelines.

TEAM SHEETS INCLUDING TV/RADIO DETAILS

ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR THE CATS, THIS TIME THE LIONS FEEL THE PAIN
Ben Jensen 15 May 2010

BRISBANE LIONS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG EASILY accounted for the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday evening, the final winning margin an embarrassing eighty-one points. Steve Johnson kicked six goals, Tom Hawkins four and Cam Mooney and Shannon Byrnes three each as Paul Chapman, Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel enjoyed a night out while Gary Ablett had a quite one. The Cats jumped the Lions in the opening term with six goals to one and didn't take the foot off the accelerator pedal, outscoring the Lions in the final three quarters. Jonathan Brown and Justin Sherman booted three apiece for the Lions but it wasn't nearly enough for their side, with Brendan Fevola kicking just one goal, continuing his barren run against the Cats. Geelong face Collingwood next week in what will certainly be a hyped-up match, but hopefully one which leaves the 'wobbler' fans doing just that and contemplating how far off the pace they remain. For our part we couldn't watch the game live, but as of Sunday night Edinburgh time we are enjoying the replay.

GEELONG: 6.2, 11.4, 18.6, 24.11 (155) DEFEATED
BRISBANE: 1.6, 4.8, 8.12, 10.14 (74)

GOALS
GEELONG: Johnson 6, Hawkins 4, Mooney 3, Byrnes 3, Chapman 2, Bartel 2, Ablett, Hogan, Ling, Varcoe
BRISBANE: Brown 3, Sherman 3, Buchanan, Fevola, Power, Rockliff.

BEST
GEELONG: Johnson, Selwood, Bartel, Chapman, Byrnes, Hawkins, Enright, Mackie, Scarlett
BRISBANE: Black, Brown, Sherman, Polkinghorne, Maguire

INJURIES
GEELONG: Nil
BRISBANE: McGrath (elbow)

REPORTS: Nil

CHANGES GEELONG: James Kelly (calf) replaced by Mitch Duncan

CROWD: 33,629 at Gabba

UMPIRES: UMPIRES: Hayden Kennedy (7) Heath Ryan (14) Michael Avon (27) EM: Matthew McKenzie
(35)
UMPIRES: Aaron Deckys Mark Hill Luke O’Sullivan Mark Foster
UMPIRES: Troy Mavroudis Shaun Apted EM: Tristan Symes

Geelong came at Brisbane like the proverbial bull in the opening quarter, and had three goals to no score on the board with a full fifteen minutes to go. Hawkins goaled first, followed a couple minutes later by Chapman who converted a set shot that while a fair way out, he made look easy. Travis Varcoe kicked a classy goal seconds after the restart, the Geelong midfield working its wonders to get the ball to Varcoe well inside the centre square, from where he casually snuck his way forward to kick from right on the fifty metre line. Lion stalwart Jonathan Brown did bring up his side's first goal not long after but his hopes of a revival were dashed, though if they have of converted at least one of their next six behinds before quarter time, maybe the Cats would have felt under more pressure. Steve Johnson went on to boot three before quarter time, the third owing much to Paul Chapman's effort to shepherd the ball through and would certainly have earned a free kick from point blank range had the goal not have gone through.

The second half opened with Fevola's only goal - which happened to be his career 600th. Following this were three fairly soft goals, to Shannon Byrnes, Jonathan Brown (his 3rd) and then to Cameron Mooney.

VFL ROUND 6
GOLD COAST CLACKERS V GEELONG
SATURDAY 15 MAY 2010, 14:10 AEST
SOUTHPORT

GOLD COAST 2.1 3.3 7.4 10.8 (68) DEFEATED
GEELONG 0.3 2.7 5.8 5.10 (40)

GOALS
GOLD COAST: L. Russell 2, R. Thompson 2, R. Liddy, A. Magin, J. Daye, D. Harris, S. Susuve, M. Weller
GEELONG: A. Varcoe 2, T. West 2, D. Menzel

BEST
GOLD COAST: A. Magin, J. Hutchins, M. Gugliotta, D. SWALLOW, R. Ah Chee, D. Harris
GEELONG: T. Gillies, T. Hunt, B. Raidme, J. Simpkin, J. Laidler, M. Firman

AFL ROUND 8 2010; BRISBANE V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 13 May 2010

By Ben Jensen BRISBANE LIONS V GEELONG CATS JAMES PODSIADLY is out of the Geelong side to face Brisbane at the Gabba this Saturday night, replaced by Matthew Stokes who returns from club suspension after his off field issues. Podsiadly is out with a groin injury, so won't be making the trip up north to the tall forward-friendly GABBA. Meanwhile the Lions have made four changes, two of them compulsory with Josh Drummond and Jared Brennan out with injury. Fading star Travis Johnstone was dropped along with Pearce Hanley.

GEELONG COMPREHENSIVELY DEFEAT LADDER LEADER SYDNEY
Ben Jensen 9 May 2010

GEELONG CATS V SYDNEY SWANS GEELONG put paid to any suggestions they're on the way out, clinically disposing of the Sydney threat in front of a big crowd of 25,970. James Podsiadly kicked his third consecutive bag of five goals at Skilled Stadium, the Cats burying the Swans in the second half with twelve goals to four after leading by just 14 points at half time.

GEELONG: 4.0, 7.4, 12.8, 19.12 (126) DEFEATED
SYDNEY: 3.0, 5.2, 7.3, 9.5 (59)

GOALS
GEELONG: Podsiadly 5, Varcoe 3, Chapman 3, Ablett 2, Johnson 2, Blake, Hogan, Kelly, Byrnes
SYDNEY: Jack 2, Goodes, White, McVeigh, Barlow, Bradshaw, O'Keefe, Rohan.

BEST
GEELONG: Ablett, Podsiadly, Selwood, Chapman, Scarlett
SYDNEY: Goodes, Kennelly, Shaw

INJURIES
GEELONG: Nil
SYDNEY: Nil

REPORTS
GEELONG: James Kelly (Geelong) for rough conduct on Kieren Jack.

CHANGES SYDNEY: Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) replaced by Ed Barlow

CROWD: 25,970 at Skilled Stadium

UMPIRES: FIELD: Shane Stewart (10) Ray Chamberlain (18) Shaun Ryan (25) EM: Michael Jennings (24)
BOUNDARY: Mark Foster Chris Roberts Gerard Large Shane Jansen
GOAL: Jason Venkataya David Dixon EM: Daniel Wilson

AFL ROUND 7 2010; GEELONG V SYDNEY; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 8 May 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG CATS V SYDNEY SWANS GEELONG has recalled big guns Gary Ablett and Matthew Scarlett for their crucial clash with top of ladder Sydney at Skilled Stadium this Sunday. In a major blow however Brad Ottens is out, and will miss at least six weeks. The Cats brains trust has decided just to bring in Ablett and Scarlett, leaving Dawson Simpson as an emergency. In Ottens' place will be the likes of Cameron Mooney or Tom Hawkins in pinch-hitting roles. The 'real deal' Swans are also missing their first-choice ruckman Mark Seaby, so former Cat Shane Mumford will take the number one mantle against his former teammate Mark Blake.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

CATS EDGE OUT TIGERS
Ben Jensen 2 May 2010

GEELONG had no problem at all accounting for Richmond this afternoon, a seven goal to nil opening quarter setting the tone as they went on to win by 108 points. James Podsiadly, Steve Johnson and Cameron Mooney tormented the Tigers backline with five goals apiece, similar to their effort against Port Adelaide here a fortnight ago. Joel Selwood made sure nobody noticed Gary Ablett was missing, a lazy 36 touches in midfield. Everyone keeps mentioning that three years ago, with the Cats off to a shaky start with two wins three losses, the Tigers helped launch them onto a Premiership, the Cats winning that day by 157 points. Much has changed since then and the circumstances totally different, with Geelong the recognised premier side in the game now, but the impact may be similar. Much better opposition in the Sydney Swans travel down to Skilled Stadium next Sunday in another Fox Sports televised game; sure to be a sellout as former 'South' fans make their way down the highway.

GEELONG: 7.2 13.7 19.10 24.17 (161) DEFEATED
RICHMOND: 0.2 2.5 4.9 7.11 (53)

GOALS
GEELONG: Podsiadly 5, Mooney 5, Johnson 5, Byrnes 3, Chapman 2, Duncan 2, Hawkins, Varcoe
RICHMOND: Riewoldt 3, Nason 2, Farmer, Nahas

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Podsiadly, Johnson, Varcoe, Bartel, Chapman, Mooney, Ling
RICHMOND: Deledio, Tuck, Newman, Riewoldt

INJURIES
GEELONG: Nil
RICHMOND: Nil

CROWD: 24,106 at Skilled Stadium

UMPIRES: FIELD: Stefan Grun (13) Michael Jennings (24) Scott Jeffery (29) EM: Damien Sully (12)
BOUNDARY: Adam Coote Shane Jones Justin Bennison Gerard Large
GOAL: Mark Canning Chris Appleton EM: Adam Wojcik

AFL ROUND 6 2010; GEELONG V RICHMOND; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 30 April 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG V RICHMOND GARY ABLETT will miss Sunday's home clash with Richmond with a hamstring injury. Originally named in the side, the Cats confirmed Ablett will miss this afternoon and have added Nathan Djerrkura to the 25-man squad. When the final teams were announced, Travis Varcoe and Mitch Duncan were confirmed as the replacements in place of Ablett and star utility Max Rooke who shouldn't have played last week. Geelong had also named Ryan Gamble and new boy Allen Christensen on an expanded interchange. A wee bit more complicated for the Tigers; they named pretty much their entire list in their team sheet, with 25 in the provisional squad and settled for just than four omissions, all of them forced.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

RUDE AWAKENING FOR CATS FANS ALL OVER AS BLUES TROUNCE CATS
Ben Jensen 26 April 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG FANS including myself the world over received quite a shock upon waking up Monday morning, after Carlton easily accounted for Geelong on the ANZAC Day holiday. We made the decision not to watch the game on replay but from all reports it was an off day for the Cats and a good one for the Blues. Geelong now sit 7th on the ladder, just behind Carlton, each having three wins. Also on three wins, in order of ladder position, are the Bulldogs, Melbourne and Port Adelaide.

CARLTON: 4.3, 10.8, 12.13, 15.14 (104) DEFEATED
GEELONG: 3.4, 5.7, 7.10, 9.14 (68)

GOALS
CARLTON: Garlett 3, Murphy 2, Betts 2, Houlihan 2, Yarran 2, Judd, Kreuzer, Scotland, O'hAilpin
GEELONG: Ablett 2, Taylor, Kelly, Selwood, Johnson, Mooney, Hogan, Milburn

BEST
CARLTON: Judd, Jamison, Garlett, Gibbs, Scotland, Kreuzer, Russell, Armfield, Carazzo
GEELONG: Ablett, Taylor, Chapman, Kelly, Mackie

INJURIES
CARLTON: Walker (shoulder)
GEELONG: Corey (general soreness) replaced in selected side by Rooke

CROWD: 71,399 at MCG

UMPIRES: Chris Donlon, Stephen McBurney, Dean Margetts

AFL ROUND 5 2010; CARLTON V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 24 April 2010

By Ben Jensen CARLTON V GEELONG FINAL TEAMS GEELONG return to the MCG this ANZAC 'day off' Monday for the clash with Carlton. Mitch Duncan is out with general soreness, while Max Rooke again misses out, with Simon Hogan coming into the side. Carlton likewise made just the one change, bringing back Brock McLean for Mitch Robinson, Jarad Waite having to wait for his return.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

JAMES 'J-POD' PODSIADLY COMES OF AGE AS CATS BURY PORT BY 95 POINTS
Anthony Jensen 19 April 2010

By Anthony Jensen GEELONG treated a packed new-look Skilled Stadium to a scintillating display of football to comfortably defeat Port Adelaide by 95 points on a warm Sunday afternoon which included a third quarter that boasted 11 Geelong goals to Port's solitary major.

The victory is Geelong's 24th in a row at home which is the most ever for an AFL/VFL side. Ironically, Geelong's last home defeat was against Port Adelaide in round 21, 2007 thanks to a last minute Dominic Cassisi goal.

FULL MATCH REPORT

GEELONG: 5.3 8.7 19.14 23.21 (159) DEFEATED
PORT ADELAIDE: 3.2 7.3 8.3 10.4 (64)

GOALS
GEELONG: S Johnson 6 J Podsiadly 5 G Ablett 3 C Mooney 2 P Chapman 2 S Byrnes 2 J Bartel M Duncan T Hawkins
PORT ADELAIDE: J Davenport 2 R Gray 2 W Tredrea 2 C Hitchcock D Stewart J Westhoff K Cornes

BEST
GEELONG: Bartel, Ablett, Johnson, Blake, Ottens, Enright, Chapman
PORT ADELAIDE: K Cornes, D Pearce, S Salopek

INJURIES
GEELONG: Nil
PORT ADELAIDE: Chad Cornes (nose)

CROWD: 25,579 at Skilled Stadium

UMPIRES: Donlon, Chamberlain, Armstrong

VFL ROUND 2

BOX HILL 5.4 8.5 13.11 15.15 (105) DEFEATED
GEELONG 2.4 2.10 6.11 10.14 (74)

GOALS
BOX HILL: T. Duryea 3, J. Kayler-Thomson 3, S. Gibson 2, B. Smithwick 2, B. Neil 2, B. Dowler, S. Burgoyne, E. Curnow
GEELONG: J. Simpkin 4, D. Menzel 3, T. West 2, B. Johnson

BEST
BOX HILL: C. Pedersen, E. Curnow, S. Kenna, J. Kayler-Thomson, B. Muston, S. Savage
GEELONG: J. Simpkin, M. Firman, B. Raidme, D. Menzel, T. Gillies, D. Jull

AFL ROUND 4 2010; GEELONG V PORT ADELAIDE; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 17 April 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG V PORT ADELAIDE GEELONG has named Premiership stars Cameron Mooney, Brad Ottens and Darren Milburn, who return from injury or in Mooney's case suspension. Youngsters Dawson Simpson, Ryan Gamble and Nathan Djerrkura all made way while Port Adelaide made four changes. The Power brought back ruckman Dean Brogan and David Rodan and omitted Cameron Cloke and lost Jay Shulz to injury. James Podsiadly maintains his place in the side, named at centre-half forward, while fellow newbie Mitch Duncan also keeps his spot.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

CATS FALL TO DOCKERS
Ben Jensen 11 April 2010

By Ben Jensen (back in Edinburgh - back in Geelong by September) FREMANTLE DOCKERS stunned the Geelong Cats at Subiaco Oval this afternoon, winning by seven points in a tightly contested final quarter. Geelong struggled early in the game, behind at half time but taking control early in the third term. The Dockers wouldn't be downed however, going 20 points behind the Cats but never giving up. A six goal to three final quarter was enough to snuff out the Cats, who despite snatching the lead back through debutante James Podsiadly with just over three minutes to go, couldn't hold on. Undefeated (yes you read it correctly) Dockers sit second on the ladder behind St Kilda, while the Cats are down to 6th.

FREMANTLE: 3.6 9.8 12.12 18.17 (125) DEFEATED
GEELONG: 4.4 8.10 14.14 17.16 (118)

GOALS
FREMANTLE: Pavlich 5, Ballantyne 2, Headland 2, Hill 2, McPhee 2, Morabito 2, Barlow, Duffield, Hayden
GEELONG: Ablett 4, Chapman 3, Hawkins 3, Johnson 2, Podsiadly 2, Bartel, Duncan, Selwood

BEST
FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Duffield, Headland, Morabito, Hill, Johnson, Broughton
GEELONG: Chapman, Ablett, Ling, Corey

INJURIES
FREMANTLE: Suban (ankle)
GEELONG: Ling (ribs)

CROWD: 38,762 at Subiaco

UMPIRES: Avon, McInerney, Margetts

AFL ROUND 3 2010; FREMANTLE V GEELONG; MOONEY SUSPENDED, OTTENS SCARLETT, MOTLOP OUT INJURED
Ben Jensen 9 April 2010

By Ben Jensen FREMANTLE V GEELONG GEELONG will make at least FOUR changes for their clash with unbeaten Fremantle at Subiaco this Sunday lunchtime. Brad Ottens is the latest casualty, along with the previously announced changes: Cameron Mooney suspended and Matthew Scarlett (back) and Steven Motlop (shoulder) out injured. Max Rooke and Simon Hogan are reportedly no longer in the frame while James Podsiadly and Dawson Simpson are set to make their AFL debut. Ryan Gamble, Simon Hogan, Nathan Djerrkura and would-be debutante Taylor Hunt are the others named on a seven man bench, with final teams to be announced shortly. In the VFL the Bendigo Bank Cats open their season in an away fixture at Casey Fields against the Scorpions.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

GEELONG

B: Josh Hunt - Tom Lonergan - Corey Enright
HB: James Kelly - Harry Taylor - Andrew Mackie
C: Jimmy Bartel - Cameron Ling - Joel Selwood
HF: Mitch Duncan - Tom Hawkins - Gary Ablett
F: Steve Johnson - James Podsiadly - Shannon Byrnes
FOLL: Mark Blake - Joel Corey - Paul Chapman
INT: Dawson Simpson, Ryan Gamble, Nathan Djerrkura, David Wojcinski

FREMANTLE

B: Jay van Berlo, Chris Tarrant, Ryan Crowley
HB: Greg Broughton, Luke McPharlin, Roger Hayden
C: Anthony Morabito, David Mundy, Paul Hasleby
HF: Michael Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Stephen Hill
F: Des Headland, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne
FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, Michael Barlow, Paul Duffield
INT (FROM):, Matthew de Boer, Nick Suban, Steven Dodd, Nathan Fyfe, Kepler Bradley, Adam McPhee, Alex Silvagni

GEELONG TRIUMPH OVER HAWTHORN AGAIN IN ANOTHER MCG CLASSIC
Ben Jensen 5 April 2010

By Ben Jensen (from Dublin) GEELONG'S MIGHTY CATS overcame a shaky start and rejuvenated Hawthorn side in front of 68,628 punters at the MCG on Monday. Cameron Mooney and Shannon Byrnes again headed the goalkicking for the Cats with four and three goals while Jarryd Roughead bagged four for the Hawks. Steven Motlop made his debut but unfortunately did pick up a shoulder injury while All Australian full back Matthew Scarlett suffered from back seizures in the last quarter and may miss next week. The Hawks led by four goals early in the match but that deficit had been trimmed to just four points by three quarter time thanks to a five goal to two effort by the Cats. A four goal to one final term did the job for Geelong, Brad Ottens taking a screamer of a mark to give his side the lead for the first time. Buddy Franklin wowed his fans with his second from outside fifty but it was all Geelong thereafter, booting the last three goals.

GEELONG: 4.2 5.9 10.12 14.16 (100) DEFEATED
HAWTHORN: 6.4 9.9 11.10 13.13 (91)

GOALS
GEELONG: C Mooney 4 S Byrnes 3 M Duncan 2 B Ottens C Ling H Taylor P Chapman S Johnson.
HAWTHORN: J Roughead 4 J Morton 2 L Franklin 2 C Bateman C Rioli L Hodge M Osborne S Mitchell.

BEST
GEELONG: Bartel, Enright, Ablett, Mooney, Byrnes, Ottens, Taylor, Ling
HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Roughead, Murphy, Rioli, Gilham, Morton

INJURIES
GEELONG: Motlop (shoulder), Scarlett (back)
HAWTHORN: Hooper (hamstring), Lewis (ankle)

CROWD: 68,628 at MCG

AFL ROUND 2 2010; HAWTHORN V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 1 April 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG V HAWTHORN TWO OF MODERN FOOTBALL's greatest rivals the Cats and Hawks go at it this Easter Monday at the MCG. 2008 verses 2007/2009 Premier, the game is sure to be a popular one, though the bookies don't see it as a close one at all, favouring the Cats at around $1.50 while the Hawks should pay out around $2.50 on the nose. The last three times these sides have met have been absolute classics, the Cats winning both home & away games last season but of course messed up the one that really counted, the 2008 Grand Final. Hawthorn of course missed the finals last season with Geelong winning but they are tipped to bounce right back this season.

Geelong initially named four inclusions, all of whom on an expanded interchange in place of Darren Milburn who is out with a hamstring injury suffered in the win over Essendon in round one. On Friday Steven Motlop was named to debut, in place of Milburn. Hawthorn initially had no outs with Lance Franklin headlining the inclusions along with fellow premiership players Cyril Rioli and Chance Bateman. Rioli has been out with a groin injury while Franklin and Bateman were out with suspension. The Hawks ended up dropping Kayler-Thomson, Suckling and Moss.

FULL MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

VALE ALEX POPESCU
Ben Jensen 31 March 2010

By Ben Jensen THE CATTERY is saddened by the news that our greatest benefactor in recent history has passed away, aged 93. The successful owner of Belmont Timber was highly spoken of not only by those connected with the Geelong Football Club but by those who worked with and for him. His funeral will be held on Thursday April 1 at St Marys.

Past stories

Herald Sun, 25 September 2007

Geelong Addy, 29 March 2010

Geelong Football Club, 29 March 2010

CATS TESTED BY BOMBERS, WIN BY 31 POINTS
Ben Jensen 26 March 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG pumped ESSENDON in the final term to win by 31 points in front of a medium sized crowd at the MCG tonight. In the third quarter it was Essendon who held the trumps, running out to a four goal lead. But Geelong's superiority was finally asserted, the Cats going on a nine-goal spree to snuff out any hopes the Bomber faithful and anyone else who took the very generous $4+ odds may have had. The Bombers kicked two consolation goals in time on but it was all too late by then.

GEELONG: 2.5 (17) 8.7 (55) 11.8 (74) 19.11 (125) DEFEATED
ESSENDON: 2.3 (15) 7.9 (51) 11.14 (80) 13.16 (94)

GOALS
GEELONG: Byrnes, Mooney 3, Ablett, Bartel, Hawkins, Johnson, Kelly 2, Ling, Ottens, Selwood
ESSENDON: Davey, Monfries, Watson, Zaharakis 2, Fletcher, Neagle, Reimers, Stanton, Howlett

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Ling, Byrnes, Bartel, Ablett, Lonergan, Johnson
ESSENDON: Pears, Fletcher, Davey, Watson, Prismall, Howlett

INJURIES
GEELONG: None
ESSENDON: Neagle (knee)

CROWD: 57,772 at MCG

AFL ROUND ONE 2010; GEELONG V ESSENDON; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 26 March 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG V ESSENDON REIGNING AFL Premiers Geelong face Essendon at the MCG tonight. The Cats have included star midfielder Joel Corey while the Bombers have named two recruits, rookie Ben Howlett and former Hawk forward Mark Williams. Geelong are unbackable favourites with the bookies, paying tops of $1.24 with the Bombers paying upwards of $4. The Cats are pretty much at full strength, missing only Max Rooke, Travis Varcoe and retired Tom Harley from the Premiership side. Josh Hunt is welcomed back after missing last season, having done his knee in the winning NAB Cup final.

Tom Lonergan takes over from his retired namesake, Harley, in the key defensive position, a duty he will share with Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor. Mitch Duncan, the 18 year old from Joel Corey's club East Perth, takes advantage of Varcoe's absence to make his AFL debut while Steve Motlop and Nathan Djerrkura are the two emergencies eyeing off a place should Corey succumb to injury.

FULL MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

NEW: Mitch Duncan (East Perth)

B: Josh Hunt, Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor
HB: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Andrew Mackie
C: James Kelly, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey
HF: Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
F: Gary Ablett, Cameron Mooney, Shannon Byrnes
FOLL: Brad Ottens, Cameron Ling, Joel Selwood
INT: Mark Blake, Mitch Duncan, Darren Milburn, David Wojcinski
EMER: James Podsiadly, Steve Motlop, Nathan Djerrkura

CATS PRIMED FOR SEASON WITH WIN OVER DOCKERS
Ben Jensen 14 March 2010

By Ben Jensen THE CATS are pumped and ready for Round One against the Bombers after thumping the Fremantle Dockers at Fremantle Oval by thirty-one points yesterday. Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson and Jimmy Bartel each helped themselves to two goals, with eight others kicking singles. Ablett and Bartel look set to continue their dominance of the AFL while Mooney likewise dreams of bullying the Bomber backline in a fortnight's time. Geelong played a full strength side, Josh Hunt enjoying his comeback from knee injury while only Max Rooke and Joel Corey sat on the sidelines.

GEELONG: 1.1 4.2 12.7 14.12 (96) DEFEATED
FREMANTLE: 3.1 7.2 7.3 10.5 (65)

GOALS
GEELONG: Mooney, Bartel, Johnson 2; Byrnes, Mackie, Hawkins, Ablett, Chapman, Selwood, Podsiadly, Duncan
FREMANTLE: Bollenhagen 2, A Sandilands, J Crichton, B Schammer, M Johnson, M Barlow, D Headland, G Broughton, R Crowley

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Bartel, Ablett, Taylor, Ling, Enright, Mackie
FREMANTLE: Sandilands, Broughton, Hayden, Duffield, Johnson

INJURIES
GEELONG: TBA
FREMANTLE: TBA

CROWD: 9,136 at Fremantle Oval

YOUNG CATS COP A HIDING BY TIGERS
Ben Jensen 27 February 2010

By Ben Jensen RICHMOND handed an under-strength Geelong side a 51 point defeat at Yea today. For the Cats James Podsiadly, Jesse Stringer, Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen took their chances to impress in the absence of names like Ablett, Ling, Selwood, Johnson, Mooney, Mackie, Hawkins, Rooke and Corey. Bad news for the Cats however, with Tom Allwright proving anything but, and due to miss six weeks with a knee injury. Geelong Football boss Neil Balme confirmed Allwright suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury in the first half, but doesn't believe Jeremy Laidler, who rolled an ankle, is in serious trouble. The Cats play Brisbane Lions on the Gold Coast next week. It is not yet clear if Gary Ablett will make the trip.

RICHMOND: 3.1, 6.4, 11.8, 15.12 (102) DEFEATED
GEELONG: 2.1, 2.4, 2.8, 7.9 (51)

GOALS
RICHMOND: Riewoldt 4, Morton 3, Nahas 2, Taylor, Roberts, Jackson, Hislop, Polak, Newman.
GEELONG: Podsiadly 2, Varcoe, Chapman, Wojcinski, Varcoe, Stringer

BEST
RICHMOND: Deledio, Riewoldt, Tambling, Thomson, Edwards, Connors, McGuane.
GEELONG: Enright, Bartel, Chapman

CROWD: Approx 5,000 at Yea

INJURIES: GEELONG Laidler (ankle); Allwright (knee - 6 weeks)

DON'T GO GARY! STICK WITH THE CATS
Ben Jensen 22 February 2010

By Ben Jensen IS GARY ABLETT GOING TO LEAVE THE CATS FOR NEW AFL CLUB GOLD COAST? We sure hope not, but Geelong fanatic 'gruntlesnoot' fears this may be the case, and has made this video in a plea for him to stay:

CATS KNOCKED OUT OF NAB CUP BY KANGAROOS
Ben Jensen 21 February 2010

By Ben Jensen NORTH MELBOURNE surprised the Cats with a fourteen point win at Etihad Stadium this evening. The reigning NAB Cup and AFL Premiers were trailing by as much as 46 points in the third term before a run of seven unanswered goals slashed the deficit to just one behind. History will show however the Roos slammed home another goal to take an eight point lead into the final change, before outscoring the Cats by two goals to one in the final quarter to give rookie coach Brad Scott his first win in charge. The Kangaroos will place the winner of Fremantle and Melbourne while the Cats face Richmond in a practice game at Yea.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 0.2.2, 1.6.8, 2.9.10, 2.11.11 (95) DEFEATED
GEELONG: 1.2.1, 1.4.2, 2.9.2, 2.10.3 (81)

'SUPER GOALS'
NORTH MELBOURNE: Campbell, Warren
GEELONG: Hawkins, Selwood

GOALS
NORTH MELBOURNE: Warren 3, Harding 2, Petrie 2, Swallow, Jones, Adams, Goldstein
GEELONG: Mooney 3, Duncan 2, Hawkins, Bartel, Podsiadly, Varcoe, Johnson

BEST
NORTH MELBOURNE: Anthony, Warren, Wright, Greenwood, Ziebell, Campbell
GEELONG: Ablett, Selwood, Enright, Kelly, Ling, Bartel, Mooney

CROWD: 12,989 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Docklands

UMPIRES: McBurney, Wenn, McKenzie, Ryan

AFL NAB CUP ROUND ONE 2010; GEELONG V NORTH MELBOURNE; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 18 February 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG V NORTH MELBOURNE REIGNING AFL and NAB Cup Premiers Geelong face North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium this Sunday evening. Missing retired Tom Harley, and Brad Ottens, Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chapman and Max Rooke from the Premiership side, they will take as many as eight debutantes including James Podsiadly into the match. Meanwhile suspended forward Matthew Stokes is to train with GFL side Bell Park.

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS

STOKES OUT UNTIL AT LEAST ROUND 8
Ben Jensen 8 February 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG'S 2007 PREMIERSHIP FORWARD MATTHEW STOKES has been suspended until at least round 8, along with other penalties similar to that dished out to fellow forward Steve Johnson in early 2007. Stokes, who will face drug-related charges in coming months, has been banned from official training with the club until round 1 of the AFL season, after which he will only be able to train with VFL listed players. From round 5 onwards Stokes can join in with the main group and subject to other undertakings will be eligible for club selection in round 8. Stokes was also fined $5000, the maximum allowed, and ordered to find full time employment between now and round 4. Not sure how he'll go finding a job for such a short time but there you go.

Club Statement:

”The Geelong Football Club has concluded its internal investigation in relation to the decision by Victoria Police to arrest and charge Mathew Stokes with possessing and trafficking an amount of cocaine on 3 February 2010.

The following sanctions have been determined under the AFL player’s code of conduct. Matters relating to the AFL’s drug codes and the police charges are the responsibility of other authorities, namely the AFL and the legal system.

The club’s sanctions imposed on Mathew Stokes are:

Mathew Stokes has been suspended from consideration for selection in the club’s AFL team until round 8, 2010. The suspension will be served in the following manner:

From today until round 1 of the AFL season, Mathew Stokes can train at the club only when no other players are present.

From round 1 - round 4 of the AFL season, Mathew Stokes can train with the club’s VFL listed players only.

From round 5- round 7 of the AFL season, Mathew Stokes can train with the VFL squad and will be eligible to play in the VFL.

From round 8, Mathew Stokes will be eligible to train with the full squad and for selection in the club’s AFL team.

Mathew Stokes will be fined $5,000, the maximum sanction under the AFL player’s code of conduct.

Between now and round 4 of the AFL season, Mathew Stokes is to find full time employment and conduct any training out of working hours.

Mathew Stokes is to establish a relationship with a drug related community program and assist with that program on an on-going basis.

Mathew Stokes met with the club’s player leadership group (PLG) last Thursday. The PLG considered a variety of sanctions and recommended the foregoing to the CEO. Following discussion with the club’s board and the AFL, the club accepted the recommendation of the PLG and advised Mathew Stokes of the penalties.

These sanctions do not speak to Mathew Stokes guilt or innocence on the charges issued by the Victoria Police on Wednesday, and will stand regardless of the outcome of those charges.

The penalty does not take into account any possible action under the anti-doping code, as the club does not have jurisdiction in this area.

Mathew Stokes has personally retained Mark Dean SC to act on his behalf in relation to the legal proceedings and as the matter is before the courts, the Geelong Football Club will not be making any further comment about this subject until such time as it is concluded.”

 

STOKES ON DRUG CHARGES
Ben Jensen 3 February 2010

By Ben Jensen GEELONG'S 2007 PREMIERSHIP FORWARD MATTHEW STOKES has been charged with drugs charges, including possession of and trafficking cocaine. The shock news came as the club quickly announced Stokes, who was granted bail, has been banned from all activities with the Geelong Football Club. Stokes, who sported a Movember-esque appearance, is due to reappear in the Geelong Magistrate's Court on 12 March. It is alleged Stokes purchased one gram of cocaine for $500 on January 19 in Grovedale. Police detected the activities as part of a wider investigation.

The evidence given by police in court and statements made outside make quite graphic reading. According to Senior Constable Matthew Plunkett Stokes and a co-accused, Matthew Randall of Grovedale, exchanged phone calls and text messages, with the transaction taking place later the same day with follow up texts in days after.

While haggling over prices on 19 January 2010, Randall allegedly told Stokes ‘‘it would be 500 for straight up or 350 for not so high quality but still good’’. Senior Constable Matthew Plunkett said the 500 and 350 referred to one gram of cocaine.

Stokes allegedly responded that he would have "some of each" and would contact Randall when was finished at the footy club.

On 20 January, Randall allegedly texted Stokes, inquiring if he had "had a go".

Two days later Stokes allegedly replied, stating that a mate ‘‘had tested it and it was very good shit’’.

Acting Detective Inspector Michael Baker, speaking outside court, told the press pack no other Geelong players were under investigation. He explained Stokes was arrested this morning, after which his home and vehicle were searched, while no drugs were found. He said it was not alleged Stokes himself took the drugs. ‘‘We have nothing to suggest he had taken it himself. He was very helpful.’’

Club Statement:

“We are disappointed by the turn of events today,” Geelong CEO Brian Cook said.

“Given the gravity of the charges the club has decided that Mathew will be stood down from all club activity as we attempt to gather all the facts of this matter.

“This is not a rush to judgment but a reflection on the seriousness of the situation. It is important for Mathew that he deals with legal issues at hand as his first priority.

“As we have in the past, the club will not rush to formulate a long term determination of any penalty. Mathew is obviously very upset by what has happened and we will give him a little time to gather his thoughts and then we will sit down with him and work through the situation.

“The club has been in contact with the AFL throughout the day to ensure they have been kept informed.

“When there is any update to this situation the club will make further statement.”

CAMERON LING NAMED CAPTAIN
Ben Jensen 21 January 2010

By Ben Jensen CAMERON LING has been named as Tom Harley's successor as Captain of the AFL's reigning Premiers, edging out Joel Selwood for the position. In a slight departure in name but not in spirit of recent seasons, no formal vice or deputy-vice Captains will be named, with the eight other members of the 'Leadership Group' acting as deputies. The deputies are Selwood, Gary Ablett, Joel Corey, Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright who were in the 2009 group, and 2010 additions Harry Taylor and James Kelly.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Ben Jensen 23 December 2009

By Ben Jensen AS WE PREPARE to depart for a Christmas in the homeland of some of our ancestors in Poland, we must reflect upon what was a perfect year for Cat fans with the Premiership win over St Kilda at the MCG. It was one of the more gripping Grand Finals in years, one the Cats weren't expected by many to win but backed to the hilt by loyal fans. We didn't get just one but two flags - don't forget we also won the NAB Cup Pre-season 'Grand Final', over the old enemy Collingwood. We said farewell to Tom Harley, who collected two flags, one runner-up, two minor Premierships and one pre-season trophy in his three years as skipper.

Over the decade, with the two Premierships the Cats' record now looks fairly good; Mark Thompson took over in 2000 and made the finals in his first season, narrowly losing to Hawthorn in the first ever final played at the then-Colonial Stadium. We then spent a few years in the wilderness but won the VFL Premiership in 2002 with young guns such as Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly, Steve Johnson, Josh Hunt and Paul Chapman. In 2004 we were a couple goals off a Grand Final appearance and there was the 2005 heartache at the hands of the Sydney Swans. 2006 saw us miss out on the finals and Mark Thompson very nearly lose his job, before a change of leadership and arrival of GM of Footy, Neil Balme, heralded what is certainly one of the best eras the club has seen since its formation in 1859.

Stumped for a Christmas gift? It's not too late to get your hands on the perfect Christmas present for any Geelong fan, or perhaps a Saints supporter who deserves a stir; The Footy Almanac. Having been involved during the past two seasons we may be a bit biased but can assure you the write-ups of the Grand Final are second to none, by Geelong fanatics John Harms and Peter Flynn, neutral Tony Roberts, and unfortunate Saints fans Stephanie Holt and Kelly Muldoon. Contact the editors at footyalmanac@bigpond.com or j.t.h@bigpond.net.au visit www.footyalmanac.com.au

FULL GEELONG DRAW 2010

CATS DRAFT NEW BLOOD
Ben Jensen 30 November 2009

By Ben Jensen GEELONG has drafted five new recruits in last week's 2009 AFL National Draft. The Cats also used their sixth pick to elevate Jeremy Laidler from the rookie list. First pick with number 17 overall was Daniel Menzel of SANFL side Central Districts. Second (28 overall) was Mitchell Duncan of East Perth (WAFL) where Joel Corey hails from, and third (40) Allen Christensen of Lara and nephew of Marty and Damien. Ruckman Nathan Vardy of Gippsland Power was next with overall pick number 42, a direct replacement for Shane Mumford who moved to Sydney, and Joshua Cowan (pick 56) of North Ballarat rounded out Geelong's draftees.

AFL DRAW FOR 2009 RELEASED; SEVEN GAMES AT GEELONG
Ben Jensen 30 October 2009

By Ben Jensen THE AFL has released the official draw for 2010, the last fixtures to feature sixteen teams. 2010 DRAW SPREADSHEET. Geelong opens their season by playing Essendon in a home fixture at the MCG, and play the first game at Skilled Stadium in round four against Port Adelaide. Overall the Cats play seven games at the MCG including three home games, but controversially only seven at Skilled Stadium. Cats CEO Brian Cook confirmed he was aware there would be only seven 'proper home' games, and would be offering cheaper membership packages for 2010.

"We've had two or three discussions (since the draft draw was released) and none have been fruitful in relation to the changes we wanted. Our success has also come with some negatives and this is one of them because we'd like to have the eight games at Skilled Stadium, but the AFL couldn't accommodate that," Cook said. President Frank Costa though wasn't worried. "It (the draw) is great for our supporters, but also for our players as well".

AFL DRAW FOR 2009 RELEASED; SEVEN GAMES AT GEELONG

FULL GEELONG DRAW 2010

TOM HARLEY HANGS UP BOOTS
Ben Jensen 26 October 2009

By Ben Jensen GEELONG Skipper Geelong Tom Harley has officially called it quits from AFL football. Harley played 197 games for the club since joining from Port Adelaide in 1999, and skippered the club over their three most successful years in modern history, including the 2007 and 2009 Premierships. The key defender achieved All Australia selection in 2008 when he played all 25 games including the losing Grand Final.

Harley, 31, made his AFL debut in 1998 with the Power, his only appearance with the club, ironically against the Cats. Harley was then traded by the Power to Geelong for pick 37 (who Port used to draft Adam Morgan, who managed 17 games in his career). He soon established himself as a regular in the Geelong backline, himself and Matthew Scarlett one of the best backline pairings in the past decade. They both played their 100th games together in 2003. However he and Scarlett's careers took different paths from this season onwards, Harley often experiencing injuries that saw him play just 14 games in 2003, 13 in each of 2005 and 2006.

Despite this, after relieving Steven King of the captaincy in pre-season of 2007, the club too what turned out to be a visionary step of appointing Harley captain for 2007. His mettle was soon tested with the off-field troubles of Steve Johnson, which turned out to be a turning point for both Johnson and the club. Harley played the opening fixture, a loss against the Bulldogs, unfortunately suffering a finger injury that forced him to sit out the next eight games. He went on to play every game for the next two seasons, during which time he experienced just the three losses and won a Premiership. He experienced trouble with injury again in 2009, sitting out the first six games and missing another five. But along with Brad Ottens, Harley would return with success and help his side to a second flag in three seasons, the club's eight overall. Harley describes himself as Geelong through and through, and may take some time out of the game before rejoining the club in an off-field role. He married Felicity Percival two weeks after the Grand Final, and is believed to be relocating to Sydney for 2010.

LINKS Tom Harley career stats

TRADE WEEK AND DELISTINGS SUMMARY; DRUM ROLLS INTO GEELONG
Justin Kremmer & Ben Jensen 14 October 2009

By Justin Kremmer & Ben Jensen GEELONG easily faired one of the better teams to come out of this year’s trade week. Despite some nervy whispers of a deal reportedly under wraps that would send favourites David Wojcinski and Matty Stokes west, Geelong prevailed in the end by holding onto its entire premiership list, unlike in 2007 where Steven King was pushed out. However it hasn't been all rosey down at Cat land, with at least seven players having to leave if the Cats are to take all picks available in this month's draft. 2003 draft number 7 pick Kane Tenace has been delisted by the Cats, along with Dan McKenna, Scott Simpson and Adam Donohue. Rookie Bryn Weadon has also been given his marching orders, leaving room for at least two rookies to be drafted. 2007 All Australian defender Matthew Egan has also been officially delisted, but will remain involved with the club.

TRADE WEEK AND CLUB BY CLUB DELISTINGS SUMMARY; DRUM ROLLS INTO GEELONG

BOMBER DECLARES 2011 WILL BE THE END
Justin Kremmer 14 October 2009

By Justin Kremmer GEELONG premiership coach Mark Thompson has publicly spoken in an interview with the Herald Sun about his future with Geelong, saying his current two year contract is likely to see him out. Thompson seemed confident that his time at the Cats will finish at the end of 2011 admitting he was keen to pursue a “few other business interests” outside of football and to “live a bit more”.

FULL STORY - BOMBER DECLARES 2011 WILL BE THE END

MUMFORD MOVES TO SYDNEY, JIMMY'S JUMPER STILL MISSING
Justin Kremmer 9 October 2009

By Justin Kremmer SHANE MUMFORD AND GEELONG have parted ways after the ruckman has accepted an offer to join the Sydney Swans during AFL trade week.

Mumford’s progression as a player in a short space of time has been significant. After starting as a fill-in player for the Cats' VFL side Mumford worked his way onto the Geelong rookie list and managed three games last year.

Mumford was called up again to fill in, this time for Brad Ottens who had succumbed to a serious knee injury, and played 18 games in 2009. Geelong coaching staff were so impressed with the development of Mumford that they tried to convince him not to leave. The Cats are most likely to replace Mumford with up-and-coming star Trent West, who has played with the senior side.

Geelong has had a problem dealing with topped up ruck stocks in recent years when club favourite Steven King was forced into a trade shortly after participating in Geelong's 2007 premiership. He joined St Kilda and has played a key player for them. FULL STORY

ENRIGHT, ABLETT SHARE 2009 CARJI GREEVES MEDAL
Justin Kremmer 9 October 2009

AFL GEELONG BEST AND FAIREST By Justin Kremmer GARY ABLETT AND COREY ENRIGHT have both been honored for their standout seasons by sharing the 2009 Carji Greeves medal in a remarkable vote count finish that produced the first tie in the award’s history.

Geelong favourite Corey Enright was rewarded for consistency after withstanding a freakish surge of high votes from Brownlow medal winner Gary Ablett, who missed three matches yet polled in 21 of 22 of his games, to triumphantly finish equal winner, alongside Ablett, to claim his first Carji Greeves medal. Enright played in every one of the 25 games and polled in 23 of them, he also lead by one vote ahead of Ablett approaching the Grand Final against St Kilda. The results came right down to the wire, with Ablett polling 30 votes to Enright’s 29 in the last game. The pair remarkably each finished on 740 votes.

FULL STORY

CATS WIN 2009 AFL PREMIERSHIP
Ben Jensen in Edinburgh 26 September 2009

By Ben Jensen GEELONG has defeated St Kilda by twelve points to win the 2009 AFL Premiership. On a damp day the Cats will be considered lucky to have overcome the Saints, who for several periods early in the game were dominant but failed to score goals. But Geelong rebounded strongly in the second half, after unluckily trailing by a goal at half-time, conceding three goals inside a minute. They held St Kilda to just two goals in the second half and none at all in the final term, booted five themselves including three in the last quarter, to snatch their second flag in three seasons. Paul Chapman edged out Max Rooke and the excellent Harry Taylor for best afield to grab the Norm Smith Medal. Geelong legend Bob Davis, 1963 Premiership coach and 1951-52 Premiership player, presented the Premiership cup, setting off wild scenes of celebration and a touching moment as Mark Thompson helped Davis from the podium. VIDEO CATS WIN 2009 AFL PREMIERSHIP

GEELONG: 3.0 7.1 9.4 12.8 (80) DEFEATED
ST KILDA: 3.2 7.7 9.11 9.14 (68)

GOALS
GEELONG: Chapman 3, Mooney 2, Hawkins 2, Rooke 2, Selwood, Byrnes, Ablett
ST KILDA: Schneider 2,Goddard, Hayes, Dempster, Jones, Koschitzke, Riewoldt, Montagna

BEST
GEELONG: Chapman, Enright, Ablett, Milburn, Corey, Selwood, Taylor, Rooke
ST KILDA: Gram, Goddard, Hayes, Ball, Montagna

INJURIES
GEELONG: Chapman (hamstring), Harley (soreness)
ST KILDA: Goddard (broken nose, shoulder)

CROWD: 99,251 at MCG, Melbourne

UMPIRES
FIELD: Stephen McBurney, Brett Rosebury, Shaun Ryan
BOUNDARY: Darren Wilson, Adam Coote, Mark Foster, Mark Thomson (4 of them!)
GOAL: David Dixon, Mark Canning

Tom Harley won the toss and chose to kick to the Ponsford Stand end, same as 2007 if memory serves me correct. We aren't at the game but will be bringing you updates from the Cattery residence in Edinburgh, host to possibly the city's only Grand Final house party. So far the entertainment has included Mark Seymoor or Hunters and Collectors fame; Jimmy Barnes; Johnny Farnham and even James Morrisson (the trumpet guy). It's going to be a wet Grand Final, conditions Jimmy Bartel will be lapping up but may dampen some other more skillful players in either side. Stay tuned.

Geelong dominated play early in the first quarter but didn't capitalise on the scoreboard when kicking to the favourable Ponsford Stand end, whereas St Kilda finished off the quarter strong to lead by two points at half time and were unlucky not to be further in front. The Saints went on with it in the second quarter but again kicked more behinds than goals, while the Cats made hay, with goals to Byrnes, Ablett, Hawkins and Chapman giving them a handy two goal lead. Then with less than a minute to go, Clint Jones made something out of nothing, squeezing a stolen ball from a stoppage through a crowded pack of players for a team lifting goal. When Justin Koschitzke booted his first from the goal square thirty seconds later to equalise, it was all too much for Darren Milburn, who characteristically mouthed off at the umpire who had no hesitation in awarding an unprecedented free kick right on the goal-line before play restarted in the centre. The Saints went into half time with a six point lead.

The third quarter was a tough one with little scoring actually occurring despite many opportunities. Geelong managed to level the scores with 5 minutes remaining and should have at least taken the lead but could not manage even a behind in several plays in front of goal. The Saints again came up with a late quarter goal, Leigh Montagna breaking the deadlock to put his side up by a goal. Another behind next play gave the Saints a seven point lead at the final break.

Tom Hawkins' goal in the third minute, converting a strong contested mark from 35m out on an angle, put the Cats right back into it from a spiritual basis and had the crowd (especially in this house) pumping. Tense moments ensued as the Saints went close but could not manage an actual goal the entire quarter. The Cats did though, Paul Chapman's 3rd putting the Cats up by six points and a behind the next play making the margin a seemingly unassailable seven points. Matthew Scarlett conceded a behind in the dying moments of the game before Max Rooke marked inside fifty in the final seconds of the match. When the siren sounded the Cats were six points up, Rooke's 2nd goal stretching the margin to the equal biggest of the day, twelve points.

AFL GRAND FINAL 2009; ST KILDA V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 24 September 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL GRAND FINAL 2009 ST KILDA SAINTS V GEELONG CATS ONE THING stands between an unchanged Geelong and a second Premiership inside three season; a sizeable one in St Kilda, a side who dominated season 2009, dropping just the two games, towards the end of the season. Geelong are the overwhelming favourites with the betting public, paying out an average of $1.60 for a win comparred with the Saints at $2.40 generally. Still, most punters still work for a living so you can't always take that as an accurate judgement. Geelong thrashed Collingwood by 73 points in the second Preliminary Final last Saturday night at the MCG, while the Saints got the job done over the Bulldogs at the same venue the previous night by just 7 points. FIELD UMPIRES ANNOUNCED

MATCH PREVIEW AND TEAM LISTS INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST DETAILS, UMPIRES, BETTING

UMPIRES:

FIELD: Stephen McBurney, Brett Rosebury, Shaun Ryan
BOUNDARY: Darren Wilson, Adam Coote, Mark Foster, Mark Thomson (4 of them!)
GOAL: David Dixon, Mark Canning

GARY ABLETT WINS 2009 BROWNLOW MEDAL
Ben Jensen 22 September 2009

By Ben Jensen GEELONG'S GARY ABLETT has won the 2009 Brownlow Medal, stunning everyone by winning by a massive eight votes from Carlton's Chris Judd. Ablett stormed into the lead from round one, scoring six votes in the opening three rounds before two more best on grounds in rounds four and five. After eleven rounds Lenny Hayes was Ablett's principal rival, trailing on 16 votes to Ablett's 19. But despite playing in almost all winning sides since that point, Hayes' teammates took votes from him in all but rounds 17 (3 votes) and 22 (1 vote), to finish with 20 votes. Jonathan Brown, likewise, had a hot streak after being on just 8 votes at the halfway point, polled 11 votes in the next seven rounds to move into second place on 19 votes by round 18, but didn't poll again. Chris Judd averaged a vote a round, having a total of 11 votes by round 11, and finishing on 22. Watch Ablett's Acceptance Speech

TOP FIVE

GEELONG TOTALS

1	Gary Ablett	30
2	Joel Selwood	16
3	Jimmy Bartel	13
4	Paul Chapman	12
5	Joel Corey	7
6	Steve Johnson	6
7	Shannon Byrnes	3
7	Matthew Scarlett	3
9	Cameron Ling	2
9	Darren Milburn	2
9	Cameron Mooney	2
12	Brad Ottens	1
			GARY ABLETT WITH GIRLFRIEND LAUREN PHILLIPS BEFORE THE COUNT

CATS THRASH MAGPIES, INTO THIRD CONSECUTIVE AFL GRAND FINAL
Ben Jensen 19 September 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 2ND PRELIMINARY FINAL GEELONG CATS V COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES GEELONG are into their third AFL Grand Final in a row, defeating Collingwood at the MCG by a massive margin of seventy-three points in front of a decent crowd of 87,258 at the MCG. The Cats will play St Kilda next Saturday afternoon, aiming for two Premierships inside three years.

GEELONG : 3.6, 7.7, 11.13, 17.18 (120) DEFEATED
COLLINGWOOD : 2.2, 5.8, 6.9, 6.11 (47)

MATCH REPORT AND DETAILS

GOALS
GEELONG: Chapman 5, Byrnes 2, Hawkins 2, Ablett 2, Varcoe 2, Ottens, Mooney, Johnson, Corey
COLLINGWOOD: Brown, Didak, Johnson, Lockyer, O'Brien, Macaffer

BEST
GEELONG: Scarlett, Enright, Ablett, Milburn, Bartel, Chapman, Mackie
COLLINGWOOD: Gilbee, Cooney, Boyd, Higgins, Lake, Akermanis

INJURIES
GEELONG: TBA
COLLINGWOOD: TBA

UMPIRES: Shaun Ryan, Scott McLaren, Brett Rosebury

CROWD: 87,258 at the MCG

Collingwood had the early play in the match, leading for half the opening term before the Cats got cracking, booting three unanswered goals. Both sides went pretty much goal for goal in the second quarter but as described earlier, Geelong should have pushed to a thirty point-plus lead. The Cats led Collingwood by fourteen points at half time, but should have led by over 30, Brad Ottens missing an easy chance and the Magpies taking advantage, kicking another two goals before the main break. At half time Chapman and Hawkins had two goals each for the Cats, Ablett, Byrnes and Ottens the other goal-kickers. For the Magpies Brown, Didak, Johnson, Lockyer and O'Brien had one goal each.

The Cats started the second half out of the blocks however, booting three early goals and missing a third to push to a thirty-one point lead eight minutes into the third term. Mooney, Johnson and Corey kicked their first goals of the match, Johnson missing two other shots that would have really put the foot on the Magpies' throat. Macaffer kicked a goal for the Pies a second or so before the three quarter time siren; the Cats going into the final break thirty-six points ahead, and hoping to take things easy in the last quarter ahead of next Saturday afternoon's Grand Final against St Kilda at the MCG. But, Collingwood being what they are, Geelong will have to be on their guard this final thirty minutes, and keep attacking until the end.

Two minutes into the final term, Travis Varcoe got on the end of a turnover by Collingwood veteran Simon Prestigiacomo to boot his first goal and give the Cats a forty point lead. Paul Chapman's third goal a couple minutes later, created by Joel Corey and Jimmy Bartel's tenacity, was the genuine sealer that sent the Wobbler fans packing back home; the margin out to an unassailable forty six points. Gary Ablett was next to sneak one through and it was party time in all corners of the world as Geelong fans rejoiced in the knowledge they would be watching their side in another Grand Final next week. Unfortunately for this 'viewer' the person streaming the match at this point decided to play the Geelong, Collingwood and finally St Kilda theme songs over the top of the match audio, but it's free so we can't complain. We can complain, however, about ESPN's decision to show Rangers v Kilmarnock from the Scottish Premier League, a game sure to attract far fewer UK viewers than Geelong-Collingwood.

Paul Chapman slammed on three goals in the last ten minutes, his fifth of the game pushing the margin out to a massive 74 points.

GEELONG COACH MARK THOMPSON SPEAKS TO CHANNEL TEN'S
KELLY UNDERWOOD AFTER THE GAME

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