CATS' CHANCES INCREASE WHILE PRESSURE MOUNTS ON SWANS WITHOUT BARRY HALL
Justin Kremmer 27 June 2007

By Justin Kremmer GEELONG coach Mark Thompson will be put under some pressure when he selects this week's team, but it is a different sort of pressure he is used to and contrary to the problem Swan's coach Paul Roos faces. Cats fans will agree with Bomber's decision to axe two, as there are two very worthy inclusions. But making two omissions is hardly a bad thing for a football club, it means there are two fit players to come in. Unlike the Swans, there problem is the opposite, because of injuries they are unable to play their best 22. Therefore pressure is on the Premiership coach as a must-win game for them is now seeing Sydney's chances slimmer. Sydney - about bloody time - are finally suffering some big-name blows!

Thompson will have to make a cut of at least two players for this week's home clash against Sydney. Kane Tenace and Travis Varcoe are the likely options to be sent to the reserves but it is not what they have done wrong that has forced the coach to make cuts. They were instrumental in Geelong's 50-point defeat against Brisbane. Max Rooke is back from suspension while call-ups for defender David Johnson and classy onballer Brent Prismall could be made due to their consistent form in the VFL. Thompson has said that two is the likely number of axes to be made this week. "It's hard to drop players who really deserve to be in the team," Thompson said. "They'll be two unlucky players."

However, gun young recruit Joel Selwood will also be a chance to be dropped due to his youth and inexperience but as Geelong supporters would be aware, it hasn't been a problem for the 18 year old just yet. In fact after his 27 touches display in only playing marginally over 70% ground time, his performance has been exceptional. Two weeks ago Selwood played in the VFL team and again was outstanding, probably best on ground for Geelong. There is no doubting this kid can play and if he does miss the opportunity to play against last year's Grand Finalist's Sydney, the Cats' performance and No. 1 on the AFL ladder is to blame.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Swans have made the decision to rest star forward and skipper Barry Hall from a groin injury he has been suffering and have other injuries of star players who are in doubt for this week's clash against Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday giving Roos limited opportunity.

The struggling co-captain, Hall, has not missed a match since round 20, 2002, and has not missed a game through injury during his time at the Swans.

Although out of form, Hall is hopeful he can return in a few weeks and get back to the way he was playing when Mike Sheahan named him the player of the year. Hall's absence will make the trip to Skilled Stadium all the more challenging giving Geelong added boost and a high chance of further extending their lead in the ladder.

The Swans are teetering at 6-6 for the season and face the ladder-leading Cats in predicted wet and windy conditions. Cat fan's most hated player, Nick Davis, who, in a much unhappier time for the town of Geelong, is renowned for sealing a victory in a heartbreaking semi-final in 2005 at the SCG, and key forward Michael O'Louglin are also uncertainties for the game, due to injury doubts.

The Swans will most-likely be missing Irishman Tadhg Kennelly.

One man who won'[t get the chance to tackle the Swans is former captain Steven King, who is still a week away from resuming in the VFL.

The Cats' form must be good signs on the club's view of how things are going, they have chosen not to have a mid-season review. This is a positive in the right direction for supporters in the past have been critical of the way Geelong have looked back when they have been on a roll, when really they should have looked forward.