The Geelong Cats are soaring in 2024, knocking over the Brisbane Lions by 26 points in a wet weather affair at the Gabba last night.
The hard-fought win means the Cats sit comfortably atop the AFL ladder, undefeated through their first six fixtures. Following GWS’ loss to Carlton on Saturday afternoon, Geelong are now the only side without a loss on the season.
It is safe to say Geelong entered the 2024 season with relatively low expectations following their disappointing campaign last year, seeing the Cattery missing the finals for just the third time since 2004.
But in typical Geelong fashion, they have answered in the most emphatic manner possible, going flawless through six games and only looking stronger with each week.
It begs the question; are the Cats already destined for a top four finish in 2024?
Cam Luke and Josh Gabelich certainly believe so, showering the Cats with praise on SEN’s Crunch Time.
Luke: “We underrated them.
“They’re just so smart, and that goes from the coaching staff to everyone on the team.
“When you’ve got Dangerfield, you’ve got Hawkins, you’ve got Cameron, you’ve got such incredibly veteran-like players who have done everything in the game, it clearly gives you a big advantage.
“The conditions; Tom Stewart goes out, so much is geared towards the way they defend, around the way that Tom Stewart plays his game, but they’re just as incredibly smart as a football club on and off the football oval.
“We sit here somewhat surprised that they are where they are, but we probably shouldn’t be.”
Gabelich: “We shouldn’t be.
“Chris Scott is proving again to be the best coach.
“In the 13 completed seasons he’s led them to September 11 times, two premierships in that time of course.
“Coming off the 10-win season last year, I don’t think many had (Geelong) in their eight, and all of a sudden, they are the only undefeated side exiting Round 6, it’s quite remarkable.
“I think we can almost lock them in right now for top four at this point, and even start contemplating a final at GMHBA stadium because they have elevated the capacity at that ground to 41,000.
“Could they play a final at that ground?”
Luke: “I do like you going early on this ‘Gabbo’, it’s a resounding yes for me.”
While the Cats have passed every test thrown at them thus far, wins against North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Adelaide are to be expected. The true test for the Cats commences in the following rounds, with Carlton at the MCG to come, followed by Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Gold Coast up north and GWS back in Geelong.