Word from the Big Movers

The turmoil of the Cats' off season has thankfully breathed some life into (a competitive group of) aging legs.

There must be something about coaching Geelong; Bomber Thompson always looked calm and relaxed (OK those bags under his eyes grew substantially towards the end) but what a composed young man Chris Scott is, or is it Brad, maybe there-in lies the secret. There are definitely adjustments to the game plan. There are signs of patience, and temperance as the Cats now use the outer margins of the field when in doubt. There are still daring raids through the centre, but there is an understanding that maintaining possession is as important as scoring.

Bomber's darlings, have been forced back into the reserves, or resting old injuries, of course - until really needed. If the honey moon continues for Scott, I believe there is no room to risk Mooney - out to pasture. Some young talent has been blooded, with exciting results. Menzel, Duncan and very recently Vardy look promising. The playing stock of Geelong's on-ballers has been rich for a number of years, and there was an over reliance on Ablett, but of course no one complained. As he disappeared into the Suns_et, the player rotations give freshness and fluency to a midfield or forward line that I believe is challenging to adjust to. Johnson, Kelly, Selwood, Chapman are being switched about, as now has Stokes and Varco.

The backline looks sound too. Once again it is variety that has been their strength. Lonegan has found himself a place in this team as a solid key defender. Both he and Taylor are beatable, but on such occasions to date, they swap roles and manage. Scarlett provides further reinforcement when things are tight, but well, that hasn't been required now for a little while. Hope he remembers to man up when things tighten up. Again the Cats boast talent they are able to shift through the backline in a crisis, Jimmy Bartel has had a cathartic season, and ol' partner in crime Joel Corey looks very fit again.

So far we have no injuries. There are some old legs out there. Ling - China's finest AFL export to date - has managed to keep up with the speed of the game this season, but his legs in particular looked very worn late last year. Beating the Hawks twice in a season is cause for celebration for me. Beating the Pies is always good for the soul. I hope they aren't going to be really pissed that we (well the umps) managed to trump them back in round 8.

It feels like a fast break in the Tour de France. The Cats have made a solid break from the pack, but are now peeping over their shoulder as another break out from the Peloton seeks to chase them down. (Collingwood & Carlton)

The Cats have been a great side to follow over the last few seasons, as a fan there is much to savour in the remaining weeks of 2011.

Lyndon of the Snouthlings