Geelong re-cast defence for Sydney
Geelong’s speedy utility Mark Blicavs is set to be handed the toughest assignment in the AFL in tonight’s clash at the SCG.
A marking job on Lance Franklin.
Key injuries to Geelong backmen Tom Lonergan and Corey Enright have forced the club into a defensive restructure for their crunch match against Sydney.
With Kurt Tippett and Franklin headlining a giant forward-line, ably assisted by Sam Reid and Adam Goodes, it’s fair to say the Cats haven’t timed their run well.
Lonergan has failed to come up from a concussion last week, while Enright has an ankle injury which worsened during the week.
The omission of Lonergan is particularly tough, considering his great track record subduing Franklin during his Hawthorn days.
Step forward Mark Blicavs.
Blicavs last played as a defender in under-age footy a decade ago, but filled in for Lonergan after he left the field against the Kangaroos and impressed marking North Melbourne tyro Majak Daw.
Geelong football manager Neil Balme suggested that showing and pure “dumb hope” gave him confidence to hand the former athletics star the huge job.
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“He was pretty good last week,” Balme said.
“We’re pretty confident he has the tools to do that.”
Confirming he would slot into the Cats defence, Balme said the club was still on a journey to discover Blicavs’ capabilities after 31 games at the club.
“Can he play a running midfielder? Probably,” Balme mused.
“Can he play a key defender… we think we should give him some time doing that.”
“Can he play a key attacker, probably as well.”
Either way, the clubs will know a great deal more about Blicavs’ defensive capabilities after Thursday night.
Geelong have recalled Billy Smedts and Steve Johnson in the pair’s absence.
Balme admitted Geelong were “a little bit skinny at the moment” but said his side would relish the contest between two finals-bound sides.
“We are confident but they’re as good as you’re going to come up against aren’t they?”
“It’ll be a challenge, it will be fantastic to see.”
The Swans have made just one change, with Ben McGlynn replacing Brandon Jack.
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Coach John Longmire said he was pleased to have McGlynn, who leads the club’s tackle count, back in the side after illness.
“He’s hard at the ball, he’s quick and those are the sorts of players you need against Geelong in particular,” he said.
Balme said the returning Steve Johnson “won’t have been hurt” by the week’s rest his suspension served him.
“If you win and the bloke gets a week’s rest, you convince yourself it was probably not a bad thing,” he said.
Geelong could end up as low as sixth by the end of the round with a loss.
Preview
Sydney v Geelong at the SCG Thursday 6.40pm
Head to Head: Swans 95 Cats 119
Last clash: Round 22 2013 – Cats 13.14 (92) bt Swans 7.6 (48) at Simonds Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Swans $1.55 Cats $2.45
Sportingbet: Swans $1.57 Cats $2.40
Geelong have picked a bad week to be without two of their key defenders, with Sydney’s sensational forward line beginning to click into gear. Lance Franklin’s nemesis Tom Lonergan (concussion) and Corey Enright (ankle) have not travelled north due to injury and could tip the contest Sydney’s way. The Swans, who have brought back pocket dynamo Ben McGlynn, seem primed to make it six wins in a row on Thursday night. Steve Johnson is back for the Cats and will help stop the flow of ball to Sydney’s attackers, in the contest of the AFL’s two top tacklers.
Key: Geelong have a good record in Sydney, winning two of their last three at the SCG, but if Sydney’s tall forwards fire it’s hard to see Geelong winning.
Tip: Sydney by 18 points
