The VFL Cats are primed to attack the final fortnight of the season, as the competition’s finals draw near in a close race for September action.
The VFL has adopted a top ten finals series for the second straight season, with seventh to tenth on the ladder competing in a wildcard round, before the traditional finals format commences.
With their win over North Melbourne on Saturday, the Cats can not finish lower than eighth on the ladder meaning they have at the very least secured a place in the wildcard round.
Geelong VFL coach Mark Corrigan believes it is an exciting position to be in, sitting in the thick of the action heading towards September.
“It is a good position to be in because of how even the competition is,” Corrigan said.
“It is pretty cliché, but we can’t look too far ahead because of quickly things fluctuate.
“Every week we go in wanting to be a better version of ourselves, but we also want guys to keep performing to put their name up for AFL selection.
“Then in the midst is hopefully a VFL finals campaign and our guys are excited by that, that keeps the VFL group going.
“We are playing in a lot of close games at the moment, which is great education and great learning, so hopefully every week we are better prepared.”
The VFL Cats have put together an excellent 2024 campaign after missing finals last year, stringing together eight straight wins through the middle of the season.
Corrigan touched on a number of important additions this season, helping to take the Cats to the next level.
“We have benefitted from a healthier AFL list, then it is also getting some new players in, whether AFL- or VFL-listed; their impact at VFL level can be quite significant early,” Corrigan said.
“Guys like Emerson Jeka, who is a bit older, came in and he has played some AFL footy, he is a really solid and consistent VFL performer.
Jhye Clark in action for VFL Cats v Footscray. Credit Arj Giese.
“Lawson Humphries was the same, Connor O’Sullivan coming in, George Stevens as well, those guys have hit the ground running at VFL level.
“I think within our VFL program we have had some good young players like Paddy Hughes, Tobyn Murray and Joe Pike who have been able to take that next step to VFL footy.
“Then leaders like Dan Capiron and Marcus Herbert are playing really strong and consistent footy.”
Geelong’s VFL team has the bye this weekend before taking on Carlton and Sandringham to round out the home and away season.
