Geelong

[GVGjr]

They're a ruthless bunch down at the Cattery and people wonder why they are competitive most years

Geelong delist father-son Oscar Brownless after one season

Geelong has made the shock decision to delist father-son recruit Oscar Brownless, son of Billy Brownless, after just one season with the club — and it’s all part of the Cats’ grand plan.

Geelong’s determination to use four selections in the national draft has consigned first-year midfielder Oscar Brownless to a precarious existence on the rookie list.

The Cats officially delisted key position swingman Lachie Henderson after several weeks of speculation despite a strong AFL preliminary final.

They believed Harry Taylor was more suited in a role as a key back, meaning 29-year-old Henderson will now try to reignite his career at a fourth club.

Brownless is the son of club cult figure Billy Brownless, and had been taken at pick 74 on an initial two-year contract last November.

But despite finishing top-10 in the Geelong VFL best-and-fairest he and ruckman Ryan Abbott will be officially delisted.

The club will then use November’s rookie draft to put them back on the rookie list.

It is by no means a career-ending decision but the Cats could have made the decision on another first-year draftee like Ben Jarvis, Jacob Kennerley or Jake Tarca.

The Cats will take selections 14, 17, 24 and 36 at the national draft, after securing Josh Jenkins and Jack Steven in the trade period.

Brownless is seen as one of the most impressive characters at the club and was happy to make the sacrifice in consultation with his family and management.

It means he must make every post a winner next year after 18 VFL games averaging 58 ranking points and 12.9 possessions as a hard-running midfielder.

The Cats on Wednesday elevated Zach Guthrie and Sam Simpson onto the senior list after the maximum three years on the rookie list.

Former Melbourne star Brad Green threw up Melbourne as a potential landing spot for Henderson on Twitter after the Demons let Sam Frost go.

ats list manager Stephen Wells thanked Henderson after four years at the Cats playing 54 games after 117 games with Brisbane and Carlton.

“Lachie filled a number of roles with us and we wish him well in his future,” Wells said.

“Lachie has shown himself to be a selfless clubman and a great teammate over his time with the Cats. He helped us win a lot of games and always took up whatever role we needed him to do.”

[westdog54]

I'd be staggered if Henderson doesn't get a chance somewhere else.

[GVGjr]

I'd be staggered if Henderson doesn't get a chance somewhere else.

While I rate him it's late for him now to get on the radar of clubs

[jeemak]

While I rate him it's late for him now to get on the radar of clubs

He surely finds a home if he wants one.

Interesting they chose Taylor over him given the four year age difference.

[Axe Man]

Surely Henderson would have been more value to us as key position depth than Gardner?

[GVGjr]

Surely Henderson would have been more value to us as key position depth than Gardner?

I don't think anyone could disagree but depth isn't our issue for 2020. I think we see Gardner as a mobile key defender for 2020 and a replacement for Roberts.

[bornadog]

I don't think anyone could disagree but depth isn't our issue for 2020. I think we see Gardner as a mobile key defender for 2020 and a replacement for Roberts.

Just the rucks ;)

[comrade]

“Looking forward to playing at their ****hole again in 2020” said no Bulldogs fan ever.

[Testekill]

Surprising that they're only going in with two ruckmen on the list especially when Stanley isn't exactly the sturdiest player.

[divvydan]

Surprising that they're only going in with two ruckmen on the list especially when Stanley isn't exactly the sturdiest player.

I don't see anyone else taking Abbot and Geelong have said they'll rookie list him if he's still available, so that adds another. Also some talk that they want to change Esava from a fwd to a ruck next year with Jenkins coming in.

[GVGjr]

Just the rucks ;)

English, Trengove, Sweet, Schache, Dunks and Bont have it covered
Just need some faith

[GVGjr]

“Looking forward to playing at their ****hole again in 2020” said no Bulldogs fan ever.

I've been there just twice when we have won. It's a great feeling

[bornadog]

English, Trengove, Sweet, Schache, Dunks and Bont have it covered
Just need some faith

and Bruce :D

[mjp]

English, Trengove, Sweet, Schache, Dunks and Bont have it covered
Just need some faith

Very few teams have adequate cover if ruck option #1a goes down...we are ok.

[Twodogs]

English, Trengove, Sweet, Schache, Dunks and Bont have it covered
Just need some faith

Who is this Faith bloke? How tall is he?

[Twodogs]

I've been there just twice when we have won. It's a great feeling

We had a decent run there in the Wallace years.

[jeemak]

Very few teams have adequate cover if ruck option #1a goes down...we are ok.

There's been a lot of heartburn around our ruck stocks rising up through the chests of Woofers in recent times. We clearly think you're better off having footballers who can play footy in the side rather than rucks who can only help in the ruck when in the side (and now it seems on the list), so if you're not going to play them why have them?

This coming year we've got plenty of cover for English in Trengove, Bruce and Sweet, it's the last position I'd be worrying about now.

[soupman]

Yep. Also with the inclusion of the mid season draft i think clubs are happier to risk it a bit and draft one there should they need.

[LostDoggy]

Who is this Faith bloke? How tall is he?

First name Christian, former Saint. 😂

[Twodogs]

First name Christian, former Saint. ��

Burn the heretic!

[SonofScray]

Burn the heretic!

He's been delisted. Faith no more.

[Remi Moses]

Talk about Dad’s Army their list !!
Is anyone under 30 ?
They’ll get that false economy going again winning there , and being decidedly average away from there

[ratsmac]

Talk about Dad’s Army their list !!
Is anyone under 30 ?
They’ll get that false economy going again winning there , and being decidedly average away from there

It's good isn't it. They are blinded by their new light towers!!

[LostDoggy]

Epic response SOS

[Twodogs]

Talk about Dad’s Army their list !!
Is anyone under 30 ?
They’ll get that false economy going again winning there , and being decidedly average away from there

I've told you guys before. Don't get me started on Dad's Army.

[GVGjr]

From the Hun,

Geelongs last role of the dice to get a flag?
As much as I despise some of their players (Read Harry Taylor :) ) they're incredibly successful at not only focusing on the next season or two with their trading but also developing the younger players. Three nominations for Rising Stars is an excellent achievement for a team that was primarily focused on trying to win a flag

They'll be around the mark again in 2020

1. PRIME TIME

It would seem 2020 is the year that Geelong must go all the way if they are to win a premiership with their current playing group. The Cats have the fourth-oldest playing list in the competition, set to start next season with an average age of 24.22. Gary Ablett is 35, Harry Taylor is 33, Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood are both 31, Zach Tuohy is 30 and Patrick Dangerfield will be 30 in April. Taylor has said the reason he decided to play on for a 13th season was to “help the team win a premiership in 2020” and Ablett has spoken along similar lines. The Cats need to capitalise while their experienced stars remain, and the belief is clearly there that they can.

2. MASTER ABLETT

He has been the one of the greatest players in a generation and Gary Ablett is set to continue adding to his already impressive resume in his 19th season in 2020. Ablett is on track to play his 350th AFL game against St Kilda in Round 5 and will climb into the top-10 on the all-time games played list if he is able to line up in every game of the home-and-away season. The milestones will be more feathers in the cap of The Little Master, who is already a two-time Brownlow Medal winner, two-time premiership player, eight-time All-Australian and six-time club best-and-fairest. One of the most celebrated players in the Cats’ history is sure to be celebrated even more in his final year.

3. MIDFIELD STRENGTH

The Cats were devastated to lose 2019 All-Australian Tim Kelly, but fulfilled his wish to return home to Western Australia for family reasons and join West Coast during the trade period. Kelly was Geelong’s second-ranked player last season, averaging 25.4 disposals and 104 SuperCoach ranking points. However, despite his loss the Cats’ midfield remains well stocked and Champion Data ranks it the fourth-best engine room in the competition in terms of individual talent. Dangerfield leads the charge and was the third-ranked midfielder in the competition for total SuperCoach ranking points last season, while Mitch Duncan and Selwood made for three Cats among the top 43 on-ballers in the competition. The Cats also have some strong second-strings in Cameron Guthrie, Brandon Parfitt and Jordan Clark – the latter two of whom they will be hoping can further grow their games in 2020.

4. STEVEN ARRIVAL

Geelong might have snagged what could prove the steal of the 2019 trade period by securing Jack Steven from St Kilda in exchange for pick 58. Steven is a four-time Saints best-and-fairest with 183 games of AFL experience behind him who has been part of leadership groups in the past. While personal issues restricted Steven to just seven games last season, the midfielder averaged 27 disposals, 4.7 inside-50s, 5.5 clearances and 95 SuperCoach ranking points in 2018. At 29 years old, the Cats will be hoping he can return to health and play a leading role through the midfield in 2020.

5. JENKINS ARRIVAL

Former Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins is a polarising player and spent a large chunk of last season running around in the reserves at the Crows. However, the Cats would not have snapped him up during the trade period if they did not believe he could play a significant part in their forward line. Consistency of performance has not been a strength of Jenkins, particularly in recent years, but his best football does dazzle. Jenkins kicked four goals twice from 11 games last season and across his 147-game career he has booted a bag of eight majors as well as two hauls of seven goals. The 30-year-old was one of just 16 players to average two goals or more a game last season — something he has done for the past six years. If the Cats can get 40 goals out of him they will be thrilled.

6. FIT COCKATOO

He has played two games in two years due to a raft of injuries but Geelong fans are still holding out hope exciting midfielder-forward Nakia Cockatoo can get his body right and live up to his potential. The 23-year-old was given a one-year contract extension in August in a major show of faith from the Cats, who are hoping it pays off. He started pre-season training well, making an impression in the opening weeks, and coach Chris Scott has indicated he is very keen to see Cockatoo become a strong contested midfielder and will not be afraid to give him an early opportunity at senior level next season if he completes the majority of his summer program.

7. THE UNDER-23s

While they have a strong crop of experienced heads, the Cats also have some of the best under-23 players in the competition. Midfielder Charlie Constable (20), forward Gryan Miers (20) and wingman Jordan Clark (19) were all Rising Star nominees last season. Defenders Jack Henry (21) and Mark O’Connor (22), midfielder Brandan Parfitt (21) and forward Esava Ratugolea (21) have all got some good senior experience under their belts in recent years and similarly have plenty of upside which bodes well for the Cats not only in 2020 but for many years to come.

8. TWO TOP-20s

The national draft normally delivers some excitement for fans about the following season and Geelong had not one but two top-20 selections in November. The Cats secured local boy Cooper Stephens at No. 16, a composed Geelong Falcons midfielder who broke his leg after just three games in the NAB League last season but had still done enough to stay high on the draft boards of many clubs. At No. 19 they got developing key defender Sam De Koning, the brother of Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning. While De Koning would be unlikely to make a Round 1 debut, Stephens could certainly feature early in 2020 if he gets a full pre-season behind him.

CHAMPION DATA SAYS

The Cats have the seventh highest rated list with the biggest concern around their defence, who is rated 16th, with only Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson ranked in the top-35% of the competition. Don’t underestimate the Cats forward line – rated as the fourth best in the competition.

[Go_Dogs]

I can't see them improving but they will (as always) be around the mark for finals.

Another side that has a big home ground advantage that almost gets them enough wins in itself, however reliance on aging stars who are still the majority of their best 10 players makes it tough.

[bornadog]

As Champion Data mentioned, defense will be their biggest issue in 2020. They will be competitive once more, and it is always amazing how they are challenging year after year.

[GVGjr]

Anyone else surprised that Stephen Wells has been stood down by Geelong?

Pay cut for sure but I would imagine a list manager would be a required position with the pay cuts, a likely substantial cull of the playing list and a reduced salary cap.

They've opened the door for some other club to chase after Wells

[azabob]

I was under the impression all list and recruiting staff have been stood down. I’d be surprised if Wells left, but these uncertain times he may be tempted.

A club like Essendon or Gold Coast should be sounding him out.

[Ozza]

Anyone else surprised that Stephen Wells has been stood down by Geelong?

Pay cut for sure but I would imagine a list manager would be a required position with the pay cuts, a likely substantial cull of the playing list and a reduced salary cap.

They've opened the door for some other club to chase after Wells

What I found surprising also is that they are NOT one of the clubs self funding during the pandemic. Staggering to me that Geelong, with all of the state and federal government support with their stadium and the huge numbers they make at each and every home game at Kardinia Park, and the huge success they've had in the last 15 years - are not absolutely flush with cash.

[bornadog]

What I found surprising also is that they are NOT one of the clubs self funding during the pandemic. Staggering to me that Geelong, with all of the state and federal government support with their stadium and the huge numbers they make at each and every home game at Kardinia Park, and the huge success they've had in the last 15 years - are not absolutely flush with cash.

I think they still had to pay something for the Stadium, so are in debt.

[GVGjr]

It's been reported that Jack Steven went to hospital early this morning with a stab wound

Geelong star Jack Steven remains in hospital after being admitted overnight after receiving a wound to his chest region.

Victoria Police are investigating the matter with the club releasing a statement on Sunday morning.

“The club is aware that Jack Steven was injured in an incident last night,” the statement read.

“Jack is in hospital and recovering. The club’s concern is for Jack’s health and well being.

“The matter has been referred to police and until their investigations are completed the club will not be in position to offer further comment.”

AFL newsbreaker Damian Barrett provided further information surrounding the incident on Channel 9’s Sunday Footy Show when news of the incident came to light.

“Jack Steven presented himself to hospital at 1am this morning (Sunday) in Melbourne,” Barrett said.

“He did so on the back of receiving a wound to his chest region which we believe was inflicted by a sharp instrument. The club is aware of it, the police are investigating.”

[Happy Days]

Wow. I feel like you really have to go out of your way to get stabbed at the moment too.

[GVGjr]

Wow. I feel like you really have to go out of your way to get stabbed at the moment too.

Yes, it seems out of the boundaries of the new normal
Did I hear he was in a Melbourne hospital?

[jeemak]

Wow. I feel like you really have to go out of your way to get stabbed at the moment too.

I wonder if it was self inflicted or whether someone else has done it to him.

[GVGjr]

I wonder if it was self inflicted or whether someone else has done it to him.

The initial reports said he had been assaulted but they don't seem to have progressed from there
He has had a rough trot of late with his mental health challenges so hopefully he will pull though this safely

[GVGjr]

It's being report that Jack Steven isn't cooperating with Police inquiries adding further intrigue to this story

[SonofScray]

I wonder if it was self inflicted or whether someone else has done it to him.

Likely. Reads very similar to a handful of instances I've been involved with over the years.

[Topdog]

If I read between the lines here .....
From Gary Lyon

“He’s got issues, Jack, obviously that he’s still dealing with. The issues have been documented. He’s had mental health issues as well.

“He’s wanted to get back to family for all the reasons that have been spoken about. I don’t think his move to Geelong has just wiped out all those things that have been challenging him.

“I don’t think you can apply ‘flawless’ to his lifestyle outside (of the football club). Clearly the challenges are there, and clearly Geelong will continue to support him.”

[Mofra]

"The issues have been documented. He’s had mental health issues as well."

Very intriuging that the issues are not just being included with the 'mental health' card.

[GVGjr]

From 9 news

The circumstances surrounding the stabbing of Geelong midfielder Jack Steven remain murky after the star's admission to hospital with a stab wound to the chest.

The club confirmed Steven was recovering in hospital on Sunday but officials still haven't been able to ascertain what led to the shock incident.

According to The Herald Sun, an intoxicated Steven was unable to shed any light on the matter when visited by police.

It's understood Steven twice refused to tell investigators who was responsible for the stabbing.

Even though the injury isn't believed to be serious, Geelong is concerned about the star because of a serious battle with mental illness over recent years.

The incident on Saturday night was referred to police by hospital staff after the Cats player checked-in for medical attention.

"Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a 30-year-old Lorne man presented at a Melbourne hospital overnight with a non-life-threatening injury," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

"Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and hope to speak to the victim again later today."

The Cats earlier on Sunday released a statement confirming an incident had taken place.

"Jack is in hospital and recovering. The club's concern is for Jack's health and well being," a Geelong spokesman said.

"The matter has been referred to police and until their investigations are completed the club will not be in position to offer further comment."

Former Geelong captain Cameron Ling, who skippered the club to the 2011 premiership, told ABC Radio: "The injury is certainly serious but not life threatening which is good news.

"But a really serious incident that Jack's been involved in and we hope he's OK.

"At his best he is a wonderful footballer, and he came to the Cats looking for a change of scenery to reinvigorate his love of the game.

"He was excited about what the season held for him. We don't know many details other than that footy is the furthest thing from his and his family's mind."

The 30-year-old Steven was traded to the Cats last October after a decorated 183-game career with St Kilda, where he won four best-and-fairest awards.

[comrade]

Lachie Hunter now rapidly falling down the leaderboard for footy related iso ****ups.

[bornadog]

Lachie Hunter now rapidly falling down the leaderboard for footy related iso ****ups.

Lachie has been hard at work training together with Easton. Woody has taken him under his wing.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EYGdhU7UwAEeOYN?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EYGd6LrUMAMT1RD?format=jpg&name=4096x4096