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 ast 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 honoured 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

AFL 2009 2ND PRELIMINARY FINAL; GEELONG V COLLINGWOOD; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 17 September 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 2ND PRELIMINARY FINAL GEELONG CATS V COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES GEELONG plays Collingwood at the MCG Saturday night in a bid to play off in their third Grand Final in a row. Steve Johnson and Max Rooke are back for the Cats, at the expense of the injured Matthew Stokes and omitted Simon Hogan. The Magpies recalled Scott Pendlebury and dropped Paul Medhurst.

MATCH PREVIEW AND FULL TEAM LISTING

CATS CONQUER BULLDOGS BY 14 POINTS TO CAPTURE PRELIMINARY FINALS BERTH
Anthony Jensen 6 September 2009

By Anthony Jensen AFL 2009 FINALS 2ND QUALIFYING FINAL WESTERN BULLDOGS V GEELONG CATS MATTHEW SCARLETT was best on ground on Saturday afternoon in a game that displayed the dominance of Geelong’s backline when it’s settled. Two 6-goal terms, the first and the third, set up the 14-point win and a much needed week off for the Cats. A thumbs up again goes to Vline for getting many happy trainloads of fans up to the G and back again. A big thumbs down to the madwoman fiend who attempted to “save” the seat I was about to sit in. It’s a train; you cant save seats.

FULL MATCH REPORT

GEELONG : 6.5, 7.5, 13.9, 14.12 (96) DEFEATED
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.1, 4.3, 8.4, 12.10 (82)

GOALS
GEELONG: Bartel 3, Mooney 2, Stokes 2, Chapman 2, Mackie, Taylor, Ling, Ottens, Enright
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Akermanis 3, Johnson 2, Higgins 2, Welsh, Hill, Hudson, Griffen, Gilbee

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

INJURIES
GEELONG: Max Rooke (quad) replaced by Simon Hogan
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Nil

UMPIRES: Vozzo, Kennedy, Meredith

CROWD: 74,007 at the MCG

AFL 2009 SECOND QUALIFYING FINAL; GEELONG V WESTERN BULLDOGS; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen

By Ben Jensen

GEELONG : 5.1, 9.3, 11.6, 14.10 (94) DEFEATED
FREMANTLE: 1.2, 2.2, 5.4, 8.6 (54)

GOALS
GEELONG: Hawkins 3, Hogan 2, Mooney 2, Gamble 2, Rooke, Ablett, Byrnes, Wojcinski, Corey
FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Hill, Broughton, Mayne, Headland, Bradley, Ballantyne

BEST
GEELONG: Scarlett, Milburn, Ablett, Hawkins, Enright, Hogan, Kelly
FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Sandilands, Hasleby, Bradley, Dodd

INJURIES
GEELONG: Wojcinski (ankle), Rooke (quad tightness), Blake (cut head)
FREMANTLE: Nil

UMPIRES: Nicholls, Schmitt, Findlay

CROWD: 18,196 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

AFL 2009 ROUND 22; GEELONG V FREMANTLE; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 27 August 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 22 GEELONG CATS V FREMANTLE DOCKERS IN A FINAL effort to regain the momentum they lost after the round 14 loss to St Kilda, Geelong host Fremantle at Skilled Stadium this Saturday afternoon in a Fox Sports only game. Interestingly, Geelong has only lost 'away' fixtures this season, and hope to keep that record going against a Dockers side with nothing but pride to play for. Brad Ottens is back, along with skipper Tom Harley and Premiership midfielder James Kelly. Shane Mumford makes way, Mark Blake winning the battle of the ruckmen; second-string defenders David Johnson and Tom Gillies the other two to make way.

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

BULLDOGS TOO GOOD FOR CATS
Ben Jensen 22 August 2009

By Ben Jensen. THE WESTERN BULLDOGS held off a determined but ultimately despondent Geelong side by fourteen points at Etihad Stadium last night. The Bulldogs led for most of the game but the Cats, thanks to Ablett, Corey, Bartel, Mooney and Selwood, overcame a 30 point margin in the third quarter to get their noses in front by the final change. The Bulldogs regained the lead a few minutes into the final term, but the Cats soon struck back through Mooney. However the Bullies weren't done yet and jumped out to what would be a match-winning lead, kicking four of the last five goals to temporarily grab fourth spot and bragging rights over their west of Melbourne rivals.

By rights the Bulldogs probably should've been leading by fifty points and not thirty in the third quarter so perhaps the Cats got off lightly; they just weren't efficient enough, a story Geelong fans would be familiar with. In contrast Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins again combined well at the former Phone Dome, seven goals between them telling the story.

The Cats will now hope for a confidence-boosting win over Fremantle at home next weekend before what appears to be a certain first up final against in form Collingwood at the MCG. The Bulldogs though could change that script, a win over the Wobblers at Etihad next Sunday by more than a couple goals would most likely put them into third spot.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.5 7.12 10.12 16.14 (110) DEFEATED
GEELONG: 3.2 5.5 11.9 14.12 (96)

GOALS
WESTERN BULLDOGS: J Hill 3 A Cooney 2 B Johnson 2 M Boyd 2 C Ward J Akermanis L Gilbee M Hahn R Murphy S Higgins S Welsh
GEELONG: C Mooney 4 T Hawkins 3 S Byrnes 2 H Taylor J Selwood M Stokes R Gamble S Mumford

BEST
WESTERN BULLDOGS: M Boyd J Harbrow A Cooney B Lake B Johnson C Ward R Murphy
GEELONG: J Selwood J Corey G Ablett M Scarlett S Byrnes C Mooney

CROWD: 46,818 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Docklands

AFL 2009 ROUND 21; WESTERN BULLDOGS V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 20 August 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 21 WESTERN BULLDOGS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium this Friday night in a perfect test just two weekends from finals. Brad Ottens will not return, despite three weeks in the VFL, though the Cats have made five changes from last week's side. Travis Varcoe is one out for the Cats, set to miss three to four weeks with a shoulder injury sustained in Saturday night's thriller with the Swans at ANZ Stadium. Steve Johnson misses again with his hip injury, Tom Harley with a knee while Simon Hogan and Tom Lonergan are dropped. Darren Milburn, David Wojcinski, Max Rooke, Paul Chapman and Ryan Gamble all return however. Meanwhile the Bulldogs have their own issues, 2001 Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis facing the chop or a pay cut should he want to continue into 2010. Again the game's being broadcast on ESPN in the UK, that's three out of three.

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

CATS HOLD OFF SWANS, JUST
Ben Jensen 16 August 2009

By Ben Jensen. GEELONG limped to a five point win over Sydney at ANZ Stadium last night in front of 40,261 punters who made the trip to Homebush. A five goal final quarter from the Cats was barely enough to hold off a fast finishing Swans side. The Cats kicked the first goal of the final term to jump to a sixteen point buffer, however the Swans struck back with the next two goals. Geelong kicked two more to really stamp their authority on the match however Sydney weren't about to give up and roll over, and looked like they were going to nick a win after trailing all day. Cameron Mooney, who along with Shannon Byrnes kicked three, was dominant up forward in the last quarter but missed a chance to put the match beyond doubt, kicking the final behind of the match.

GEELONG: 3.4, 6.5, 9.11, 13.14 (92) DEFEATED
SYDNEY: 2.3, 5.5, 8.7, 13.9 (87)

GOALS
GEELONG: C Mooney 3 S Byrnes 3 T Hawkins 2 G Ablett J Corey J Selwood S Johnson T Lonergan
SYDNEY: M O'Loughlin 3 A Goodes 2 M Mattner 2 B Kirk D Hannebery J Bolton J Moore J White R O'Keefe

BEST
GEELONG: G Ablett J Bartel J Corey C Mooney S Byrnes C Enright C Ling
SYDNEY: M O'Loughlin A Goodes R Shaw R O'Keefe J Bolton B Kirk

CROWD: 40,261 at ANZ Stadium, Homebush, Sydney

AFL 2009 ROUND 20; SYDNEY SWANS V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 13 August 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 20 SYDNEY SWANS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG, desperately want to get their season back on track after last week's loss to the Blues, have recalled Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor, Mark Blake and David Johnson. Sydney, who confirmed John Longmire will takeover from Paul Roos in 2011 ala Collingwood and Malthouse-Bucley Kirribilli Agreement, likewise wish to push on with their season. A win over the Cats keeps them within reach of the finals, after their thrashing of Richmond at the MCG last weekend. Making way for the Cats are the injured trio David Wojcinski, David Milburn (both ankle), Max Rooke (knee) and Kane Tenace (dropped).

Good and bad news for folk in the UK; good if you want to watch / record it on proper TV, bad if you didn't want to pay for it and would rather watch the free stream. It is as yet unclear if this arrangement will continue for another week or not. For the second week running the game's live on ESPN, now available not only via Sky but Virgin, BT and TopUpTV.

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

CARLTON GIVE GEELONG THE BLUES
Ben Jensen 8 August 2009

By Ben Jensen. I WAS TORN on whether to wait until I got home or to listen to this one from work. After a hasty meeting was called and then dropping my 3G phone in a cup of coffee the decision was made for me. It was already going to be one of those 'too much sport is barely enough' days with the 4th Ashes test kicking off at around the same time, so I now went on a media ban and waited until I got home to watch the game on the telly. You see, this was the first day of ESPN's Aussie Rules coverage, having picked up the pieces from Setanta Sports' demise. At twelve quid a month it was 99P cheaper than the old but unfortunately no Blue Square Premier coverage. So after seeing Melbourne's 'Sammy J' perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival it was upstairs to the mezzanine level to watch the Cats hopefully beat my other half's Blues..

FULL MATCH REPORT

CARLTON 3.5, 7.7, 10.10, 14.13 (97) DEFEATED
GEELONG 2.4, 5.6, 8.11, 8.14 (62)

GOALS
CARLTON: Mooney 2, Stokes, Hogan, Harley, Rooke, Ling, Stokes
GEELONG: Fevola 4, Simpson 3, Murphy 2, Kreuzer, Stevens, Houlihan, Scotland, Joseph

BEST
CARLTON: Gibbs, Thornton, Judd, Russell, Bower, Murphy
GEELONG: Corey, Enright, Selwood, Harley

INJURIES
CARLTON: Nil on night; Mark Austin replaced by Simon Wiggins
GEELONG: Wojcinski (ankle), Milburn (ankle)

CROWD: 55,047 at MCG, Melbourne

AFL 2009 ROUND 19; CARLTON V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 6 August 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 19 GEELONG CATS V CARLTON BLUES GEELONG plays Carlton for the first time in over a year at the MCG Friday night. Andrew Mackie will play his 100th game since debuting in Geelong's awakening season 2004. Six goal hero Paul Chapman is out while Tom Lonergan, a late withdrawal last round, returns as his replacement Tom Gillies holds his position.

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

CATS NUDGE PAST CROWS
Ben Jensen 1 August 2009

By Ben Jensen GEELONG scraped past Adelaide at Skilled Stadium today, the Cats appearing in control in the third quarter but surrendering the lead to the Crows early in the final term. Paul Chapman's two goals pretty much snapped the match back for the Cats, who hung on by two points. Brad Ottens resumed earlier on in the VFL, and got through unscathed while Steve Johnson appears not to have fully shaken off his hip injury just yet.

GEELONG 3.3, 7.7, 11.7, 14.9 (93) DEFEATED
ADELAIDE 3.2, 4.7, 9.11, 13.13 (91)

GOALS
GEELONG: Chapman 6, Ablett 2, Mooney 2, S.Johnson, Stokes, Bartel, Selwood
ADELAIDE: Tippett 4, Burton 4, Johncock, Reilly, Doughty, Knights, Stevens

BEST
GEELONG: Chapman, Bartel, S.Johnson, Ablett, Enright, Mackie
ADELAIDE: Reilly, Bock, Doughty, van Berlo, Goodwin, Maric

INJURIES
GEELONG:
ADELAIDE: Bock (leg), Dangerfield (possible concussion)

CROWD: 21,686 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

GREAT NEW WEBSITE - FOOTYALMANAC.COM.AU

VFL

GEELONG 4.4 7.6 11.9 15.10 (100) DEFEATED
CASEY SCORPIONS 3.4 8.5 9.10 14.12 (96)

GOALS
GEELONG: Podsiadly 6 Westwood 3 Moles Tutungi West Carson Sheringham Smith

BEST
GEELONG: West Podsiadly Moles Tutungi Firman Laidler

AFL 2009 ROUND 18; GEELONG V ADELAIDE; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 30 July 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 18 GEELONG CATS V ADELAIDE CROWS A DEPLETED GEELONG side, minus All Australian full back Matthew Scarlett takes on Adelaide at Skilled Stadium this Saturday arvo, boosted by the return of Steve Johnson and skipper Tom Harley.

The match is to be broadcast on Channel Ten in Victoria on an hour's delay; viewers in all other states except WA will get it live on Ten and affiliates. UK based Geelong fans, in the absence of Setanta, will be able to watch the game live thanks to the AFL / Telstra: http://bigpondtv.com/aflliveuk

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

CATS WIN CLASSIC ENCOUNTER WITH HAWKS AT THE G
Anthony Jensen 26 July 2009

By Anthony Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 17 GEELONG CATS V HAWTHORN HAWKS YESTERDAY afternoon I had the privilege of squeezing onto an atmospheric V-Line train, surrounded by the Geelong faithful, and joined them to watch the team I love host the reigning premiers on a clear winter's day at the home of footy, the MCG, and get home by the barest margin that this great game allows us.

The behind kicked by Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel after the siren capped off a stunning comeback by Geelong who went into the final quarter 22 points down and kicked the last 5 goals. Jimmy's minor score was the only difference between a resurgent Hawks and a backs-to-the-wall Cats after they engaged in 120 minutes of finals-like football. FULL MATCH REPORT - CATS WIN CLASS ENCOUNTER WITH HAWKS AT THE G

GEELONG 4.2, 6.5, 10.6, 15.9 (99) DEFEATED
HAWTHORN 3.3, 8.7, 13.10, 14.14 (98)

GOALS
GEELONG: Rooke 3, Mooney 2, Hawkins 2, Ablett, Chapman, Ling, Selwood, Varcoe, Corey, Hogan, Stokes
HAWTHORN: Franklin 5, Roughead 2, Brown 2, Osborne, Lewis, Rioli, Bateman, Guerra

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Ablett, Ling, Mumford, Corey, Mackie, Enright
HAWTHORN: Franklin, Guerra, Mitchell, Lewis, Sewell

INJURIES
GEELONG: Scarlett (groin), Taylor (groin), Bartel (hip)
HAWTHORN: Osborne (foot)

CROWD: 64,803 at MCG

UMPIRES: FIELD: Ray Chamberlain (18) Scott Jeffery (29) Shane McInerney (30) EM: Troy Pannell (28)
BOUNDARY: John Morris Gerard Large Shane Jones Adam Coote
GOAL: Jason Venkataya Chelsea Roffey EM: Luke Walker

GREAT NEW WEBSITE - FOOTYALMANAC.COM.AU

AFL 2009 ROUND 17; GEELONG V HAWTHORN; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 23 July 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 17 GEELONG CATS V HAWTHORN HAWKS GEELONG host Hawthorn at the MCG in the match of the round. The Hawks, who had a rough trot over May-June but are starting to come good, with two wins over the trot including Premiership pretenders Collingwood. Geelong has recalled 2007 Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel in place of Tom Gillies while Hawthorn have made no changes. Mark Blake remains on the sidelines, and with no VFL action this weekend won't have an opportunity to impress selectors on the field.

Geelong skipper Tom Harley remains out injured, as do fellow Premiership pair Steve Johnson and James Kelly. Johnson's absence will hurt the Cats more than anything however, their most potent forward of the season thus far will now miss his fourth game in a row with a hip injury.

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

GEELONG BACK ON TRACK WITH EASY WIN OVER MELBOURNE
Anthony Jensen 18 July 2009

By Anthony Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 16 GEELONG CATS V MELBOURNE DEMONS GEELONG SAFELY RE-JOINED the winners circle on a windy Saturday afternoon down at Skilled Stadium in front of 21,160, fading away a little in the last but finishing 46-point winners over a somewhat respectable Melbourne.

In what was the launch of four weeks of celebrating the Cats' 150th anniversary, 21,160 fans were urged by big Billy Brownless to don white "collectors item" ponchos and pose for a helicopter fly-over commemorative photograph of the stadium. Not to be outdone, the Geelong players also had a different get-up for the special occasion; their traditional blue hoops were made up of the names of the more than 1000 past and present Geelong players. Mark Blake played in the VFL side who beat Coburg Tigers, their fourth win in a row (see VFL Results).

FULL MACH REPORT - GEELONG BACK ON TRACK WITH EASY WIN OVER MELBOURNE

GEELONG 7.4, 9.9, 14.13, 17.15 (117) DEFEATED
MELBOURNE 0.2, 3.2, 7.3, 11.5 (71)

GOALS
GEELONG: Stokes 3, Mackie 2, Ablett 2, Varcoe 2, Hogan 2, Selwood, Taylor, Chapman, Hawkins, Tenace, Byrnes
MELBOURNE: Bate 3, Morton 3, Jurrah 2, Petterd, Dunn, Moloney

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Ablett, Scarlett, Ling, Chapman, Milburn, Enright
MELBOURNE: Green, Moloney, Petterd, Grimes, Rivers

INJURIES
GEELONG: Tom Harley, replaced in selected side by Tom Gillies with knee injury
MELBOURNE: Russell Robertson (); Paul Wheatley, replaced in selected side by Jamie Bennell

CROWD: 21,160 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

UMPIRES: FIELD: Hayden Kennedy (7) Shane Stewart (10) Chris Kamolins (19) EM: Robert Findlay (23)
BOUNDARY: Gerard Large Mark Foster Shane Jones Mitch Lefevre
GOAL: Chelsea Roffey David Dixon EM: Jason Venkataya

GREAT NEW WEBSITE - FOOTYALMANAC.COM.AU

AFL 2009 ROUND 16; GEELONG V MELBOURNE; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 16 July 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 16 GEELONG CATS V MELBOURNE DEMONS THE CATS have been licking their wounds this week, and should be looking forward to another game at home. Melbourne, with two wins in a row to Geelong's two losses, will be feeling more confident than they did a month ago but don't expect too many punters to be engaging in any serious bets against the Cats this weekend.

The Cats have rung in a lazy six changes from last week; the biggest news being the omission of Mark Blake. Gary Ablett, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie and Cameron Ling are amoung the inclusions; Jimmy Bartel and Nathan Djerrkura out with injuries with Ryan Gamble and last week's debutantes Jeremy Laidler and Tom Gillies the other omissions. For the Dees former Leopold junior Clint Bartram has been recalled in place of Daniel Bell who is out for the season with an AC joint injury.

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

CATS SUFFER HEAVY LOSS AGAINST LIONS
Ben Jensen 11 July 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 15 BRISBANE LIONS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG are struggling against Brisbane at the Gabba tonight, trailing by 26 points at half time and 31 points at the final break. The Lions midfield are tearing apart the Cats, while the skill level from the Cats was often woeful, displaying almost a lack of interest. Debutante Tom Gillies acquainted himself well, while other rookies Nathan Djerrkura and Simon Hogan had little impact, the former playing out the game despite an obvious injury impeding his ability to run while Hogan booted a conciliatory goal in the final minutes to bring the Lions' margin back from 50 points. Twin forward towers Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw toweled up the the Cats' defence, Brown booting four goals from fifteen marks. Jeremy Laidlaw made his AFL debut for the Cats, coming into the side in place of Andrew Mackie, to make it eight 'first-choice' players out injured from the last winning Geelong side.

BRISBANE LIONS 3.4, 10.7, 12.10, 16.12 (108) DEFEATED
GEELONG 3.2, 6.5, 7.9, 9.11 (65)

GOALS
BRISBANE: Brown 4, Bradshaw 3, Black, Polkinghorne, Clark, Notting 2 , Redden
GEELONG: Rooke 2, Blake, Byrnes, Gamble, Hawkins, Mooney, Mumford, Hogan

BEST
BRISBANE: J Brown A McGrath C Stiller S Black J Polkinghorne
GEELONG: P Chapman J Corey S Byrnes C Enright S Hogan

INJURIES
BRISBANE: Jed Adcock (serious knee injury - season ending)
GEELONG: Mackie (thigh) replaced in side by Laidler

CROWD: 34,274 at the Gabba, Brisbane

UMPIRES: Justin Schmitt, Stephen McBurney, Mathew Nicholls.

GREAT NEW WEBSITE - FOOTYALMANAC.COM.AU

AFL 2009 ROUND 15; BRISBANE LIONS V GEELONG; MATCH PREVIEW PLUS TV / RADIO BROADCAST DETAILS
Ben Jensen 11 July 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 15 BRISBANE LIONS V GEELONG CATS GARY ABLETT and Travis Varcoe are out of this Saturday night's clash with the Lions at the Gabba. GEELONG selectors already lost four Premiership stars before even taking their seats at the selection table, this making six changes from last week's loss to St Kilda and seven first-choice regulars out overall. Initially missing from the side that lost the bruising encounter with the Saints are Cameron Ling (knee), Matthew Scarlett (back), Darren Milburn (ankle) and James Kelly (hamstring). 2007 Norm Smith medallist Steve Johnson will again miss with the hip injury that kept him out of the match with the Saints. Under-fire duo Tom Hawkins and Mark Blake retain their positions in the side to face the Lions, led by another former Geelong Falcon in Jonathan Brown. Coming into the side were Tom Hawkins, David Wojcinski, Ryan Gamble and debutante Tom Gillies. They will now be joined by Kane Tenace and Nathan Djerrkura.

Viewers in New South Wales and the ACT will not be able to see the game unless they tune into Foxtel's 'Main Event' channel, while those in SA and WA won't get coverage at all. UK based Geelong fans, in the absence of Setanta, will be able to watch the game live thanks to the AFL / Telstra: http://bigpondtv.com/aflliveuk

MATCH PREVIEW AND BROADCAST DETAILS

SAINTS WIN FIRST BLOOD
Ben Jensen 7 July 2009

By Ben Jensen (from Leipzig, Germany) AFL 2009 ROUND 14 ST KILDA SAINTS V GEELONG CATS ST KILDA have won the first major battle over Geelong for 2009, winning by one goal over a fast finishing Geelong side who leveled scores after being 23 points down with just minutes to spare. Former Eagle Michael Gardiner was the hero for the Saints, marking with just over a minute to go and converting to give his new side the four points and outright top spot on the ladder, and much needed confidence over the Cats. St Kilda led by as much as five goals at one point, the Cats never holding the ascendancy. Geelong key backman Harry Taylor suffered a major injury in the huge pack that proceeded Gardinerīs mark and winning goal, being knocked unconscious. Darren Milburn injured an ankle while Steve Johnson, a late withdrawal, may again miss with a hip injury.

ST KILDA 5.3, 8.4, 10.5, 14.7 (91) DEFEATED
GEELONG 2.2, 5.5, 8.7, 13.7 (85)

GOALS
ST KILDA: Gardiner 4, Riewoldt 3, Koschitzke 2, Schneider, S Fisher, McQualter, Jones, Milne
GEELONG:Ablett 2, Mooney 2, Milburn 2, Mackie, Varcoe, Corey, Selwood, Rooke, Chapman, Stokes

BEST
ST KILDA: Gardiner, Gilbert, Blake, Hayes, Riewoldt, Goddard, S Fisher
GEELONG: Chapman, Bartel, Selwood, Ablett, Mackie, Corey, Enright

INJURIES
ST KILDA: Nil
GEELONG: Harry Taylor (concussion)

CROWD: 54,444 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Docklands

CATS EASE PAST POWER
Ben Jensen 28 June 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 13 GEELONG CATS V PORT ADELAIDE POWER GEELONG eased their way past Port Adelaide by thirty-four points in a dominant but not awesome display at Skilled Stadium today. The attention of the football world is now focused on next Sunday's hyped up clash with ladder leaders St Kilda at Telstra Dome. Shannon Byrnes again 'Byrned off the opposition', booting four goals amoung his 21 possessions. Gary Ablett and Paul Chapman were Geelong's best again, touching the ball thirty-odd times and kicking two goals apiece, while Joel Corey also managed 30 possessions and the one goal.

GEELONG 7.5, 10.9, 16.13, 18.14 (122) DEFEATED
PORT ADELAIDE 1.1, 6.3, 7.4, 13.10 (88)

GOALS
GEELONG: Byrnes 4, Ablett 2, Bartel 2, Chapman 2, Varcoe, Kelly, Corey, S Johnson, Mooney, Hawkins, Ling, Milburn
PORT ADELAIDE:Tredrea 3, Carr 2, Davenport 2, Ebert 2, Logan 2, Gray, Westhoff

BEST
GEELONG: Ablett, Corey, Chapman, Scarlett, Byrnes, Milburn, Mackie, Kelly
PORT ADELAIDE: Chaplin, Carlile, Rodan, Thurstans, Cornes, Davenport

INJURIES
GEELONG: David Johnson (calf)
PORT ADELAIDE:

CROWD: 21,142 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

VFL - CATS HAVE ANOTHER WIN

According to the chatter on Cats Claw, Kane Tenace was best on ground while Matthew Stokes played fairly poor, and David Wojcinski fairly quiet.

GEELONG 1.5 7.9 13.11 17.12 (114) DEFEATED
NORTHERN BULLANTS 1.4 5.5 9.8 11.15 (81)

GOALS:
GEELONG: Podsiadly 6 McKenna 3 Stokes 2 Tenace 2 Hunt Allwright Varcoe Djerrkura
NORTHERN BULLANTS : Saddington 3 Cloke 3 Bentley 2 Gianfagna Bannister Morgan

BEST:
GEELONG: Djerrkura Hogan Tenace Gamble Lonergan McKenna
NORTHERN BULLANTS: Ellard Russell Saddington Bentley Bannister Cloke

CATS SCRAPE PAST DOCKERS
Ben Jensen 22 June 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 12 FREMANTLE DOCKERS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG rode out their second 20-something point win at Subiaco oval in three weeks yesterday in a game that at one stage looked like being the Cats' first loss in just under nine months. Shannon Byrnes (five goals) was the star for the Cats and Cameron Mooney (none) very nearly the villain, Byrnes' two final term goals coming at crucial times to snuff out Fremantle's gallant challenge.

GEELONG 1.3 6.6 8.13 13.16 (94) DEFEATED
FREMANTLE 2.4 4.5 9.7 11.9 (75)

GOALS
GEELONG: S Byrnes 5 S Johnson 3 T Hawkins 2 C Enright P Chapman R Gamble
FREMANTLE: M Pavlich 2 A Sandilands G Ibbotson M De Boer M Walters N Suban P Duffield P Hasleby S Dodd S Hill

BEST
GEELONG: S Byrnes G Ablett C Ling J Corey S Johnson P Chapman
FREMANTLE: C Tarrant M Pavlich S Hill P Duffield M De Boer G Broughton A Sandilands

INJURIES
GEELONG:
FREMANTLE:

CROWD: 33,213 at Subiaco Oval, Perth

CATS DO JOB OVER EAGLES BY 22 POINTS
Ben Jensen 8 June 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 11 WEST COAST V GEELONG CATS GEELONG did enough to get the four points over West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Sunday, winning by 22 points to earn a week's break before returning to the same venue in a fortnight to play Fremantle. Paul Chapman and Tom Hawkins kicked four goals each but the big talking point was, again, Gary Ablett and his forty-plus possessions.

GEELONG 5.1 7.5 12.7 15.9 (99) DEFEATED
WEST COAST 1.3 5.6 8.9 11.11 (77)

GOALS
GEELONG: Chapman 3, Hawkins 3, Ablett 2, Byrnes 2, Mooney, Stokes, Gamble, S Johnson, T Varcoe
WEST COAST: McKinley 2, Brown 2, Lynch 2, Cox, Kennedy, LeCras, Rosa, S Selwood

BEST
GEELONG: Ablett, Chapman, Ling, Scarlett, J Selwood
WEST COAST: Cox, Stenglein, Hunter, A Selwood, Hurn, Glass

INJURIES
GEELONG: Nil reports
WEST COAST: Andrew Embley (ankle)

CROWD: 35,355 at Subiaco Oval, Perth

CATS GIVE BOMBERS A HIDING
Ben Jensen 31 May 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 10 ESSENDON V GEELONG CATS GEELONG thumped Essendon by sixty-four points at Etihad Stadium this afternoon in front of just under 49,000 punters. Steve Johnson went one better than last week with six goals, while Cameron Mooney enjoyed his first game back from suspension bagging four. While the Bombers opened the goal scoring on the night, the Cats booted the next six to build a thirty-three point lead at quarter time and were never challenged from that point onwards, although the Bombers did outscore them six goals to three in the final term. Joel Corey was a late withdrawal with a footy injury, replaced by Shannon Byrnes who himself missed last week. Geelong skipper Tom Harley is another injury concern, having left the field clutching his right hamstring and set to miss at least the next two games.

GEELONG 6.4, 12.7, 17.13, 20.14 (134) DEFEATED
ESSENDON 1.1, 3.1, 5.3, 11.4 (70)

GOALS
GEELONG: S.Johnson 6, Mooney 4, Selwood 2, Byrnes 2, Ablett 2, Ling 2, Rooke, Varcoe
ESSENDON: Neagle 3, Hocking 2, Lloyd, Dyson, McVeigh, Lonergan, Lovett, Stanton

BEST
GEELONG: S.Johnson, Selwood, Scarlett, Mackie, Ablett, Enright, Mooney, Byrnes, Ling
ESSENDON: Houli, Hooker, Hocking, Lovett

INJURIES
GEELONG: Harley (hamstring); Corey (foot - 'plantar fasciitis'), replaced in selected side by Byrnes; Rooke / Selwood - clash of heads
ESSENDON: Bellchambers (knee)

CROWD: 48,852 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Docklands

CATS SCRAPE PAST DOGS IN NAIL BITER
Ben Jensen 23 May 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 9 GEELONG CATS V WESTERN BULLDOGS GEELONG just got over the line against the Bulldogs in the best game of the season thus far a few hours ago at Etihad Stadium. Bulldog Brad Johnson had a chance to be a hero after the siren but could only manage a behind, after marking right on the goal line but between the goal and behind posts. The Cats led by 36 points at one stage in the third term but the Bulldogs, led by Jason Akermanis in his 300th game, would not let the matter rest and pushed Geelong all the way and at one stage looked likelier winners.

CATS SCRAPE PAST DOGS IN NAIL BITER

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT, BUT GOOD TEST FOR CATS

GEELONG 6.4, 9.10, 14.12, 17.14 (116) DEFEATED
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.2, 8.3, 11.8, 17.12 (114)

GOALS
GEELONG: S Johnson 5, Stokes 4, Chapman 3, Bartel, Gamble, Rooke, Selwood, Varcoe
WESTERN BULLDOGS: Akermanis, Johnson 4, Giansiracusa, Griffen 2, Cooney, Eagleton, Hill, Minson, Picken

BEST
GEELONG: G Ablett J Selwood S Johnson M Scarlett C Ling J Corey
WESTERN BULLDOGS: J Akermanis N Eagleton B Johnson R Griffen M Boyd D Cross

CATS TAKE CARE OF ROOS BY 70
Ben Jensen 16 May 2009

By Ben Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 8 GEELONG CATS V NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS ANOTHER change to watch the Cats on Setanta this weekend, that's two in a row now! Unfortunately we had a prior engagement so had to 'tape' the game on our Sky+ box and watch it the next morning. Due to an idiot neighbour hooking into our sat dish we'd had a few problems of late, so we were dismayed to see 'partial recording only' when we got up to watch the game. It appeared most of the game had recorded, possibly without Channel Ten's post-match coverage (we hoped). Most predictions were for the Cats to easily win this one ahead of their higher-stakes clash with the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium next weekend, and that's pretty much what happened, the Cats running out winners by 70 points.

FULL MATCH REPORT, SCORES BREAKDOWN INCLUDING VFL

REPORT 2 - CATS CULL YOUNG ROOS IN 70 POINT WIN

GEELONG 5.3, 12.5, 15.9, 18.11 (119) DEFEATED
NORTH MELBOURNE 1.2, 3.3, 6.6, 7.7 (49)

GOALS
GEELONG: J Bartel 3, S Byrnes 3, A Mackie 2, T Varcoe 2, C Mooney 2, M Stokes 2, T Hawkins, C Ling, M Rooke, D Wojcinski
NORTH MELBOURNE: D Hale 2, H McIntosh 2, A Swallow, L Thomas, S Wright

BEST
GEELONG: (Cattery's best) Mackie, Johnson, Kelly, Bartel, Taylor, Byrnes; (Official) Johnson, Bartel, Kelly, Mackie, Selwood, Byrnes, Scarlett, Taylor, Blake
NORTH MELBOURNE: Hale, McIntosh, Harding, Petrie, Ross, Gibson

CROWD: 20,873 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

CATS TOO GOOD FOR SWANS IN WORKMANLIKE 51 POINT WIN
Anthony Jensen 5 May 2009

By Anthony Jensen AFL 2009 ROUND 7 GEELONG CATS V SYDNEY SWANS KARDINIA PARK experienced relatively tropical conditions on Saturday afternoon compared to a couple of weeks ago, the better weather drawing a healthy crowd of a touch over 22,000 to see the Ablettless Cats post a solid win over the Sydney Swans who haven't won down here this millennium, a trend that looks set to continue for another couple of years at least.

MATCH REPORT, FULL SCORES BREAKDOWN

GEELONG 1.5, 8.7, 12.10, 17.14 (116) DEFEATED
SYDNEY 1.2, 4.3, 7.4,10.5 (65)

GOALS
GEELONG: S Johnson 4, Stokes 3, Mooney 3, Hawkins 3, Bartel, Rooke, Byrnes, Kelly
SYDNEY: O'Loughlin 3, Goodes 2, Grundy 2, Moore, J Bolton, Meredith

BEST
GEELONG: Selwood, Corey, S Johnson, Scarlett, Stokes, Kelly, Mooney
SYDNEY: Goodes, O'Loughlin, O'Keefe, Buchanan, J Bolton

CROWD: 22,050 at Skilled Stadium, Geelong

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