Geelong will play against the best forward pairing in the competition without the best defender in the competition. It’s not ideal.

The impact of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow was never more apparent than on Saturday afternoon. But later that night in the wet showed the Cats have a system to cover the headache-for-all of Tom Stewart’s concussion.

The weather in Brisbane mitigated the loss of Stewart because it became less of an aerial, marking game, but regardless it was the method of Geelong’s defence more than the individual defenders that was critical.

Tom Stewart is helped from the field on Saturday night.Credit: AFL Photos

Carlton’s attack feels like the opposite – it is the regular feats of individual brilliance more than the offensive system that is devastating. That is not a criticism of the Blues, but rather a recognition.

When Carlton launched their first comeback against the Giants in the second quarter, Charlie Curnow had been sent behind the ball. They were just trying to hang on.

When Carlton launched their second comeback in the third, Curnow kicked the first of their goals. He had missed four shots prior. A minute later Harry McKay kicked one, also his first of the day. An avalanche followed.

The Giants’ aggressive style of game keeps opportunities alive for other teams and on Saturday, the Blues took them. Geelong, however, are the hardest team to score against so far this year.

QOSHE - Chaotic Collingwood rediscover their 2023 spark - Michael Gleeson
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Chaotic Collingwood rediscover their 2023 spark

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21.04.2024

Geelong will play against the best forward pairing in the competition without the best defender in the competition. It’s not ideal.

The impact of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow was never more apparent than on Saturday afternoon. But later that night in the wet showed the Cats have a system to cover the headache-for-all of Tom Stewart’s........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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