Geelong’s finals temperature check: Run home, wildcard player, why they can win it and more

SEN’s The Run Home team of Andy Maher, Josh Jenkins and Julian De Stoop have undertaken a finals temperature check on the teams still in contention.

They have taken a close look at some varying categories which could decide whether they qualify for finals in some cases or even contend for the premiership.

The categories are: The Run Home, Recent Signature Win, Wildcard Player, Medical Room (key outs), Why They Can (make it/win it) and Why They Can’t (make it/win it).

Next up are the Geelong Cats, who are currently sixth on the ladder with a 11-7 record after beginning their season with a red-hot 7-0 start.

The Run Home

Round 20: v North Melbourne (BA)
Round 21: v Adelaide (GMHBA)
Round 22: v Fremantle (OS)
Round 23: v St Kilda (MS)
Round 24: v West Coast (GMHBA)

Jenkins’ prediction: 3-2

Recent Signature Win

De Stoop: “The 51-point win over Hawthorn in Geelong who have been in good form, at the time most people thought Geelong would win but it was a pretty good performance.”

Wildcard Player

Sam De Koning

Jenkins: “I think if Sam De Koning can have a big pre-finals campaign and then finals campaign as a ruckman, maybe he can give them something.”

Gary Rohan

De Stoop: “He’s had a poor year with injury, nine games and eight goals, I think Gary if he can find some of his good form.”

Medical Room (key outs)

Tom Atkins (back, test)
Cameron Guthrie (achilles, 3 weeks)
Tom Hawkins (foot, 3-4 weeks)
Tanner Bruhn (now available)

De Stoop: “A couple of good players are still out and I'm not sure they are going to get back.

“Cam Guthrie is still a couple weeks away.

“Tanner Bruhn, they need him in the midfield, Tom Atkins missed last week as well and he is a vital player.”

Why They Can

De Stoop: “I think it’s just their experience, a lot of their guys were there two years ago, and a lot of their guys have played finals footy.”

Why They Can’t

De Stoop: “It’s the same old issue we have spoken about all year, which is their midfield which is too thin.

“They are still too reliant on Patrick Dangerfield, if he plays well they are a massive chance.”