Big V Preview Round 12

Martin De Lange

Division One Men (1st 8-3): vs. Werribee (9th 4-7) @ Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre, Saturday 8.30pm

 Geelong heads into the last third of the season in top spot, but well aware there’s a chasing pack wanting to dethrone them. First is Werribee on Saturday night. The Devils win/loss record suggests the Cats should have no problems. However, Geelong’s northern rivals always seem to lift for this clash, including back in round one when Werribee pushed the Cats to four points. Jason Reardon is again expected to miss through injury. “(It’s) always a tough one,” coach Shayne Bow said of the meetings with the Devils. “(We’re) looking for the boys to all step up and bring their best.” Veteran duo Paul Hutchison and Marty De Lange, star forward Chris Brown and talented big man Ben McCawley will be needed to provide the offensive output if the Cats are to retain top spot.

 

State Youth Championship One Men (9th 4-8): vs. Sherboorke (8th 4-8) @ Belgrave Heights Christian School, Saturday 8.00pm

 Saturday night’s clash with Sherbrooke is last-chance saloon for Geelong and its final hopes. The Cats will be unable to cash-in on the confidence boost Emerson Varley received from his debut with the Supercats. The star guard will miss the next three weeks while overseas, leaving a hole at the one spot that is not easily filled. Despite being on a three-match losing streak, coach Luke Beauglehall is confident Geelong’s season remains alive. “The boys look fresh after the weekend off,” Beauglehall said. “We have set new goals for the run home and are looking forward to it.” Beauglehall is hoping to have close to a full squad for the clash with the Suns, as they look to emulate the one-point result from when the two teams’ met back in round five. The availability of Supercats’ trio Michael Rebula, Lachie Headlam and Nathan Freind will be a key.

 

State Youth Championship Women (5th Watson Conference 6-5): vs. Altona (6th Terrill Conference 4-8) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday 12.00pm

Geelong will be looking to return to the winner’s list after successive losses to Hawthorn and Warrandyte. Supercats’ pair Ellie Stevens and Jess Watson will be available for the clash with the Gators, while the versatile Ebony Tannouri is also expected to return after missing the clashes with the Magic and the Venom. A win puts the Cats right back in finals contention, however a third-straight loss could be harmful. “A win is needed this week to keep finals hopes alive,” coach Kat Clancy conceded. With their best combination on the floor, Geelong is clearly the second best team in the Watson Conference. However a combination of injury and unavailability means coach Clancy has had to scramble to put a competitive line-up on the floor in the first 11 rounds.




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