Geelong great Jimmy Bartel believes the Cats will still make the top four next year, but need to “adjust” if they are to win a premiership.
The Cats were pumped in this year’s Preliminary Final against Melbourne by 83-points, continuing a dismal run of form in recent finals under Chris Scott.
Geelong have lost in the first week of finals seven out of eight times while he’s been at the helm and haven’t won a flag since 2011, despite missing the top eight just once in that period.
Many have forecasted widespread change at Kardinia Park over the offseason to fix their finals footy patterns, and Bartel believes they can go one of two ways.
“If Geelong roll out the exact same list and play the exact same way, they will still be a top four, top six team,” he told Sportsday.
“I don’t think it’s as dramatic or as drastic as people think. They’re systematic, they’re methodical, they’re well coached and well drilled and they get the advantage of playing down at Kardinia Park.”
However, the question comes down to whether Geelong are willing to sacrifice their brand of football for another tilt at a premiership, according to Bartel
“How do you define success?” he said.
“It can be a successful year, they finish top four, another Preliminary Final. But going back to 2016, there’s a pattern of performance in big finals and this style of football under Chris Scott that’s not going to win you a premiership.
“I’m not going out on a limb by saying that, they just can’t score (in finals).
“Yeah, they don’t need a rebuild, but they do need an adjustment… There needs to be a shift in mentality to how they play\ their football.”
Scott has been head coach for 11 seasons at the Cats and is set to be joined by a new team of assistants in 2022.