Big V Geelong Preview (Finals Week 1)

Lachlan Headlam

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.




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Create A Team App Account.

Stack Team App is a platform that allows teams and social groups to improve communication by creating their own smartphone app.

Create A Team/Club