Big V Geelong Preview (Finals Week One)
Geelong Lady Cats (3-15)
Big V Championship
Finished 6th of 7.
A frustrating season has ended exactly how it started, with a comprehensive loss to Melbourne. In between the Lady Cats won just three games, two of those against the hapless Eltham. The highlight of the season was the 93-68 smashing of Diamond Valley in round 14, which eventually cost the Eagles a play-off berth. Geelong was competitive in patches throughout the season, losing five matches by 6 points or less. However, one of those was to the previously winless Eltham. Coach Darren Busuttil won’t be back in 2010, stepping down after two years in charge. Next year’s roster will have a different look to it. Confirmed departures are college-bound twins Katherine and Chantelle Brockett. American Audrey Muse is believed to be keen to return, a deal which could be sweetened by good friend, and former Geelong junior Kylie Morrissy being back in the country.
Geelong Cats (13-9)
Big V Division One
Finished 7th of 12
It was a heartbreaking weekend for the Cats, who kept up their end of the bargain with a win over Whittlesea, but walked off the court to hear that Werribee had upset Sherbrooke. The Devils win snatched back sixth place from Greg Smith’s squad on head-to-head. Season 2009 was a frustrating one for last year’s runners-up, never gathering any great momentum. Injuries to key personnel, including veteran centre Seb Loader and shooting guard Keith Harrison, hurt the Cats’ chances of taking the next step. Positives from the season include Pat Phillips, who returned from Western Australia and filled the void left by Ben Suchanek’s absence at the point, and Chris Brown’s continued development as an all-round player.
Geelong Cats (13-7)
Big V Youth League Two
vs. Whittlesea (12-8) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday, 1.00pm
The Cats will meet Whittlesea for the second time in as many weeks, after defeating the Pacers on Sunday 95-83 to ensure a home final. It could have been so much better for Dave Brown’s squad, losing to Altona in overtime on Saturday night, which cost them the double-chance and first crack at Hawthorn in the play-offs. Whittlesea have the head-to-head on the Cats in 2009, winning two of the three encounters, but Geelong will take plenty of confidence from Sunday’s win. Lachie Headlam showed his value on the weekend finishing with 18 points and 17 rebounds, after being left out of the squad for Saturday night’s loss to the Gators. If the Cats are to progress to the second week of the play-offs, they again need to curb the influence of Mark Linnett. He torched the Cats for 30 points earlier in the season, but was held to 16 on 4-of-10 shooting on Sunday.
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