I wrote about the Cats last week, and as we head into Round 11, I feel compelled to do it again.
While the AFL Media is consumed by an individual achievement, it is the team that comes together best that is likely to fly under the radar… as much as a team that is a perennial contender can fly under the radar, I suppose.
And yet, here we are, with Geelong once again assuming a spot in the top four with a marquee challenge on the horizon.
After knocking over both Collingwood and Brisbane in big games (yes, the Collingwood game WAS a big game, irrespective of whether you like them, or not) Geelong faces perhaps their toughest test.
Is it on Friday night in a standalone blockbuster?
Nope.
Is it at least on prime time on Saturday, as they head home to face the top of the ladder Swans?
Nope again.
The game is buried on Saturday twilight as the footy world awaits the Scott Pendlebury manufactured glory game. But all eyes of footy lovers will be on what happens at Kardinia Park, for it is there that we may see on display a team that has the right stuff to win a flag.
A big part of the Sydney success this season has been the form of their running half-back, Nick Blakey.
The Lizard has been in rare form, averaging a career-high 26.3 disposals and seven rebound fifties per game. Considering that Blakey earned an All-Australian Blazer with less impact than this in 2024, his value to the current incarnation of the Swans cannot be stated.
And it is for that reason that Geelong has to stop him.
This is just the introduction – the remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
