Cats stay in finals race with fourth straight win
Geelong has moved to seventh on the ladder with a 32 point win over Sydney at Simonds Stadium.
Against the backdrop of Adam Goodes’ return to the AFL after a week off in the wake of the ‘booing’ controversy the game ebbed and flowed throughout the first two and a half quarters before Geelong took over. Led by Joel Selwood in his 200th game the home side kicked six goals to one in the second half to win comfortably.
Selwood was the leading possession getter on the ground with 35. Tom Hawkins kicked four goals. Josh Kennedy was Sydney’s leading ball-winner with 32 but at times looked like he was playing a lone-hand during the second quarter.
With the focus firmly on his comeback, and the crowd’s reaction, Goodes started slowly before having 12 touches and a goal.
Ted Richards was reported for a bump to the head of Tom Hawkins.
Geelong - 3.4, 6.4, 9.9, 14.11.95
Sydney - 4.1, 8.5, 8.7, 9.9.63
Goalkickers:
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Duncan 2, Lang 2, Caddy 2, Mackie, Gregson, Stokes, Motlop
Sydney Swans: Jetta 2, B.Jack, Mitchell, Heeney, Goodes, Tippett, Parker, Hannebery
As for the Goodes controversy the AFL would be breathing a sigh of relief that there were no major outbreaks of vitriol at him. That doesn’t excuse isolated outbreaks of abuse amongst the crowd but I think many of us feared what would happen if he was treated particularly poorly.
Geelong’s champion got the win and will surely pocket the Brownlow votes, but on the whole the crowd at Geelong should be commended for reading the mood of the wider community and paying respect to a champion of the game.
Anyway, that’s it for me tonight. We’re certainly set up for an exciting last month of the season as the top four and top eight spots are decided.
As Joel Selwood is chaired from the ground the Cats leap back into the top eight. If all goes as I expect it to they’ll be back out at 4.40pm tomorrow when North continue their hoodoo over the Demons but they’ve managed to stay very much in the race.
The result is great news for the Bulldogs who move into fourth, but terrible for Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney who now find themselves a game and a half adrift. You’d expect GWS to beat Essendon tomorrow but that game now becomes crucial for their hopes of a first finals appearance.
Selwood carried out for his 200th. pic.twitter.com/GQ8FVOJHGP
— Melissa Davey (@MelissaLDavey) August 8, 2015
Updated
Final siren - Geelong defeat Sydney 13.10.88 to Sydney 9.8.62
That’s it. Fireworks erupt and Geelong’s finals campaign is well and truly back on track. They’ve been written off so many times, and while they might be out of the conversation for premierships their amazing run looks like continuing. With Hawthorn currently playing a thriller against West Coast their game against the Cats is shaping as another in the long series of blockbusters between the sides.
It’s been a great night for Joel Selwood in his 200th, he’s been his side’s best but they’ve had plenty of contributors across the second half when the game was there to be won.
Goal! Geelong 14.10.94, Sydney 9.8.62 (4.36 remaining)
Steven Motlop marks and goals around the corner to further heap misery on John Longmire.
The Swans play Collingwood, GWS, St Kilda and Gold Coast in the last few weeks so they’re not out of the top four race yet but even if they do make it they’ll probably travel back to Perth in the first week
Goal! Geelong 13.10.88, Sydney 9.8.62 (6.55 remaining)
And that will be game, set and match sports fans. The ball is immediately shot forward from the centre and Matthew Stokes converts after a mark.
Sydney goes forward from the bounce for a last roll of the dice. Goodes is caught holding the ball, before Heeney intercepts the free kick but misses his crucial set shot.
Updated
Goal! Geelong 12.10.82, Sydney 9.8.62 (7.53 remaining)
There it is. Steven Motlop ended up on the end of a chain of handballs, burst away inside 50 and found Josh Caddy in the square. He almost juggles it over the line but manages to put the brakes on just in time then converts with a kick around the corner to finish off the Swans. It will be a well deserved win because they have been the dominant side since half-time.
We’ve got 10 minutes of playing time left, and the difference between the sides is that Geelong are happy to kick long inside 50 and hope for the best while the Swans are trying to work the ball in towards a non-existent forward line.
There’s still time for Sydney but you feel one more Geelong goal and it’s over.
Updated
Made my way to the Swannies fans. This sign right behind the goals: 'SAY NO TO RACISM'! #Goodes pic.twitter.com/DEk0oSFzn7
— Melissa Davey (@MelissaLDavey) August 8, 2015
Substitution
George Horlin-Smith sheds the hi-vis and replaces Nakia Cockatoo for the Cats.
Goal! Geelong 11.10.76, Sydney 9.8.62 (14.06 remaining)
Important goal for the Swans to keep them alive, Lewis Jetta has been well held in the second half but manages to get free and set up Daniel Hannebery. He marks just inside 50 but plays on, runs away from the traffic and converts.
Hannebery is averaging 30 disposals this year, and is currently on 15 but that goal could be crucial.
Updated
Goal! Geelong 11.9.75, Sydney 8.7.55 (17.21 remaining)
It’s the Hawkins show. Selwood wins a free for Josh Kennedy brushing an arm across his shoulder, and he passes to Tom who rams home a fourth to all but finish off the Swans.
Darcy Lang nearly delivers the final blow seconds later but his attempt at a running banana Goal of the Week contender misses.
Updated
Goal! Geelong 10.9.69, Sydney 8.7.55 (18.49 remaining)
It’s Hawkins again. After 10 minutes of wasted dominance at the end of the third quarter he does his best argument for Ted Richard’s defence by going back and calmly finishing a crucial set-shot.
Western Bulldogs fans, your chances of ending the evening in the top four are increasing every minute. Apologies for picking you to finish last, but you’re going to have the last laugh.
More from Mel who is chatting to the crowd at Simonds Stadium
As the third quarter ends it’s clear there’s a lot of love out there for Goodes. When there has been booing from the Cats side - not directed at Goodes that I’ve heard - some of their fellow supporters have told them to shoosh regardless.
But wandering around the ground and speaking to members of the crowd, it can’t go unnoticed that there is still an unreasonable level of angst towards him from some. A few people use derogatory language to describe him, and reject any association with racism.
When I press them about their reasoning for their dislike, the general response is Goodes is an attention seeker, which seems odd since it was the crowd and their booing, not Goodes, that ensured all attention was on him.
There have been a couple of ‘I’m not racist but...’ type comments. Despite all the insightful commentary from the past few weeks [though admittedly, Goodes has also been lambasted by some members of the press, adding fuel to the fire] there are people in the crowd tonight who still don’t get it. It’s a shame, but hopefully they’re in the minority.
Three-quarter time - Geelong lead Sydney 9.9.63 to 8.7.55
Geelong were dominant but missed the opportunity to push their advantage home in the last 10 minutes.
Sydney’s forward structure crumbled and they never really looked likely to score a goal. Nevertheless they find themselves well and truly in the game, and the way the game has swung back and forth all night you wouldn’t write them off. Dare I say the door is open for a certain dual Brownlow Medal winner to do something remarkable in the last quarter...
I’m sticking with the Cats from here, but in a season where clubs have been throwing away leads for fun anything could happen.
Report!
Ted Richards booked for front-on contact with Tom Hawkins. The Tomahawk was bending over to pick up the ball when he was bumped with a hip to the head. He didn’t suffer any ill-effects from the collision but you’d think even though Hawkins turned around and ended up in the line of fire Ted will need to adjust his weekly budget to include a fine.
One minute left, Sydney have scored just two behinds this quarter and Geelong have all the numbers when the ball goes forward.
Updated
Geelong are blazing away but can’t find a fourth goal. We’ve got four minutes left in the third quarter and Sydney appear to have temporarily run out of ideas. One late goal would change everything but on the odd occasions they’ve been inside 50 their delivery has been diabolical.
Substitution
John Longmire senses the need for speed and replaces the tall Nankervis (three touches) with midfielder Zak Jones.
Goal! Geelong 9.6.60, Sydney 8.7.55 (10.47 remaining)
Cory Gregson burns off his opponent with pace to mark on his chest. He converts the set shot for Geelong’s third in a row and they’re back in front. Ted Richards is forced to call his fellow Sydney defenders in for a chat and some reorganisation.
The Ted talk had no effect as the Cats went straight forward again courtesy of a free kick in the middle, and the ball was lasered to Tom Hawkins. Tomahawk misses the shot, and Kelly another opportunity shortly after but in this topsy-turvy game the home side are back on top.
Updated
Sydney go forward and after a dropped mark by Jackson Thurlow the ball falls to Goodes, who wheels around with enough time for us to get a bit of adverse crowd noise but misses to rapturous applause. Swans in front by a point.
Goal! Geelong 8.6.54, Sydney 8.6.54 (13.03 remaining)
Scores level! And this one didn’t hit the post so it counts as a goal. Former Cat Jeremy Laidler missed at the other end after Selwood gave away a 50-metre-penalty and Geelong go down the other end for Josh Caddy to convert from a set shot. Game well and truly on.
I know club accounts are meant to be parochial, but claiming you’ve had a goal taken off you because it hit the post is going too far.
Selwood snaps a goal but it hits the post. 11 pts the diff. Our boys are having a red hot go. #AFLCatsSwans
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 8, 2015
Goal! Geelong 7.6.48, Sydney 8.5.53 (14.57 remaining)
Much like the second quarter Geelong are on top early in the third - they’ve had 81% time in forward half to now - and Mitch Duncan converts to bring the margin back to under one straight kick.
Selwood nearly brings the house down with a snap from the pocket which just faded away and hit the post at the last minute.
Meanwhile talented Sydney youngster Isaac Heeney is forced to go off for a breather after being involved in two big hits within a minute. Had he not suffered injury earlier in the year he would be more than welcome in the battle royale for the most competitive Rising Star award ever.
At the risk of creating my own Accidental Partridge moment, can I ask if there’s anyone who wears a long sleeve footy jumper better than Jimmy Bartel? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.
The players are back on the ground and the third quarter is go.
For those of you just joining us after Australia’s gone back to being no good at cricket, Sydney weathered a storm at the start of the second quarter to take a handy lead into half time. The response from the crowd towards Adam Goodes has on the whole been respectful. Fortunately we just might be able to get back to talking about footy next week.
Important half time numbers:
Joel Selwood leads all comers for possessions with 19 - including 10 contested - while for the Swans Lewis Jetta and Tom Mitchell both have 15. Inside 50’s are almost the most useless stat in footy, but in this case I’m willing to admit most of Jetta’s five have been quality.
Other than free kicks (Geelong leads 13-6) most of the team stats are similar. Sydney have had marginally more tackles, hit-outs and marks inside 50 while Geelong are winning the contested ball but there’s no particular dominance leaping off the page.
I wouldn’t go writing off the Cats yet but at the moment it looks like as long as the Swans can keep getting the ball forward they’re going to manufacture enough scores to win. Don’t turn over to the cricket yet (surely it’s over by now anyway), there’s plenty of life in this one yet.
Half time - Sydney lead Geelong 8.5.53 to 6.4.40
Considering the way they looked early in the quarter it’s been a huge effort by the Swans to open up a 13 point lead at half time. In a neat touch considering the lead-up to the game the tide certainly turned after Goodes’ electric run through the middle of the ground, and while there was plenty more to their comeback he became far more prominent in the second term.
One of the key factors in Sydney settling and taking the lead back was Geelong’s turnovers, which cost them all four goals the Swans kicked during the term.
Updated
Goal! Geelong 6.4.40, Sydney 8.4.52 (0.47 remaining)
With just over a minute remaining and Sam Reid does his best to drop a pass from Goodes inside 50. He fumbles before holding onto it but only manages a point.
From the kick-in Luke Parker causes a turnover and Lewis Jetta manages to kick a 50 metre goal off one step to extend the margin to 13 points.
The latest from Mel in Geelong,
The second quarter begins and I’ve found the Melbourne-based branch of the official Sydney Swans cheer squad.
“It’s subdued out there, it’s tense,” Debbie Budge says. “You can tell the Swans are nervous.”
Her cheer buddy, Steve Pola, agrees, saying the Swans seem nervous and are passing to Goodes too much.
“They’re starting to calm down now but it’s a strange atmosphere,” he said, “but Geelong are a polite crowd, a respectful crowd. I’m hopeful tonight will go well for Goodes.”
Brett Mollison was at the game against West Coast a couple of weeks back when the saga began. He says it was awful.
“The booing was unlike anything I’ve heard. I wanted it to be over”.
I've found the Melb based cheer squad for the Swans. There's a nervous feel to the game so far they say. pic.twitter.com/vdXpROkgSm
— Melissa Davey (@MelissaLDavey) August 8, 2015
Goal! Geelong 6.4.40, Sydney 7.3.45 (5.17 remaining)
Quick reply as the Cats go forward immediately from the bounce and Harry Taylor finds the Tomahawk for a chest mark almost directly in front. He kicks his second to at least briefly put the brakes on Sydney’s momentum.
Goal! Geelong 5.4.34, Sydney 7.3.45 (6.20 remaining)
All of a sudden everything’s coming up Sydney. The International Festival of Crumb continues with Luke Parker getting boot to ball in the square and surviving one of the quickest video reviews you’ll ever see.
Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons, the idea of an International Crumb Festival is all yours.
Another touch for Goodes, and the longest he’s had ball in hand tonight. His kick is poor, which causes the crowd to erupt in celebration...
... but only because the pass hit local hero Joel Selwood on the chest.
Goal! Geelong 5.4.34, Sydney 6.3.39 (7.57 remaining)
Just like the Swans are back in front. Kurt Tippett wins an arguable free kick from Harry Taylor for holding on in the marking contest and has no problems in converting before moving back into the ruck.
Goal! Geelong 5.4.34, Sydney 5.2.32 (10.37 remaining)
Against the run of play Sydney drag the margin back to two as Jetta takes a tap from Tippett and snaps truly. It’s been a great night for fans of crumb.
Jetta then burns out of the centre from the bounce but only manages a point from the long kick.
Goodes nearly goals again, storming through the middle of the ground (possibly running too far but who are we to rain on a near-fairytale?) and narrowly falling short of kicking the goal. It was the longest he’s had the ball in hand all night and there was no audible angst.
A goal would have come at just the right time for the Swans who have been ragged in first 10 minutes of the second term.
Goal! Geelong 5.4.34, Sydney 4.1.25 (14.52 remaining)
A contentious downfield free after a McVeigh tackle on Matthew Stokes sees Tom Hawkins playing on then being called back to take the set shot instead. He missed an opportunity in the first quarter and was visibly upset for the next few minutes but makes no mistake this time. And there’s that furious cat soundbyte again.
Goal! Geelong 4.4.28, Sydney 4.1.25 (17.55 remaining)
Blicavs, patched up and no longer wearing the crimson mask, uses his pace to gather the ball inside 50 and square it to Mitch Duncan standing at the top of the square to put the Cats in front. The first two minutes have been all Geelong.
The goal you’re likely to be seeing a lot of in the next few days.
There's speed left in the veteran's legs! Goodes picks off the pass and goals! #ohwhatafeeling #AFLCatsSwans http://t.co/DlW17r6Pj5
— AFL (@AFL) August 8, 2015
Quarter time - Sydney lead Geelong 4.1.25 to 3.4.22
The Swans have dominated in the midfield and spent much of the quarter going forward, but when Geelong got free and moved the ball the other way they were generally unhindered. We’re no closer to knowing who’s going to win this game, but it is shaping up as a tight one.
For Geelong the key possession winners in the first quarter were Selwood with nine, Mackie and Motlop with eight each. The Swans chief ball winners were Lewis Jetta, Jake Lloyd and Josh Kennedy with nine apiece.
Goal! Geelong 3.4.22, Sydney 4.1.25 (1.18 remaining)
It’s a great moment for fans of classic crumb as Darcy Lang brings the ball to ground at the top of the square and turns around to kick his side’s third goal of the evening.
Melissa managed to beat the sell out and make it inside. She reports a generally civil atmosphere so far.
Fireworks erupted as together, the Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats ran through the banner emblazoned with the words #Fairness #Unity and #Respect. There’s only a smattering of Sydney supporters among the crowd, so chants of Geelong are dominating the game so far. There have been a few boos, but not while Goodes has had the ball so far as I can tell.
Updated
Goodes goals!
Goal! Geelong 2.1.13, Sydney 4.1.25 (4.38 remaining)
The Cats mess around with it in defence and Goodes gets a fist in to a marking contest, gathers the loose ball and snaps a goal. The crowd reaction seemed reasonable, more dissatisfaction with a defensive blunder rather than the identity of the man who took advantage.
Just in case you were looking for something different in your footy commentary this evening.
You can stream #AFLCatsSwans in Spanish to celebrate #MulticulturalRound. #AFLinSpanish http://t.co/o2kPhD9Aeu
— AFL (@AFL) August 8, 2015
Goal! Geelong 2.1.13, Sydney 3.1.19 (6.15 remaining)
The Swans were fortunate not to concede when a loose ball off hands in the goalsquare just beat Darcy Lang over the line. Had it sat up for him he’d have walked into an open goal but had to settle for a behind. Each side then had their chances, with Goodes prominent in the Sydney forward line but still unable to win a clear possession.
Eventually Sydney find Isaac Heeney one-on-one with Nakia Cockatoo just outside the goalsquare, and the Swan neatly works his fellow rookie under the ball for the mark before kicking truly.
Goal! Geelong 2.1.13, Sydney 2.1.13 (10.52 remaining)
Just as I say Sydney haven’t got any marking targets Toby Nankervis bobs up with one. After a wait for Mark Blicavs to leave the field with a heavily bleeding mouth his set shot floats out to the right where it lands in the waiting arms of Tom Mitchell to snap home through a crowd and level the scores.
Geelong 2.1.13, Sydney 1.1.7 (11.54 remaining)
Sydney have certainly had the better of the play so far, but haven’t been able to create any real goalscoring opportunities. They’ve had the ball inside 50 eight times but at least for now are sorely lacking a dangerous marking option.
Updated
Goal! Geelong 2.0.12, Sydney 1.0.6 (14.17 remaining)
It’s a shootout! Darcy Lang converts a tough set shot from the pocket and whoever’s on the buttons at Simonds Stadium plays snarlingcat.mp3
Goal! Geelong 1.0.6, Sydney 1.0.6 (15.49 remaining)
Just like that the Swans are level. Brandon Jack picks the pocket of Jake Kolodjashnij just outside the square and gets boot to ball as he falls to the ground. It rolls through and after a cautious start that’s two goals in a minute.
Goal! Geelong 1.0.6, Sydney 0.0.0 (16.27 remaining)
Geelong survive an early attack and scramble in the goalsquare, but handed the ball back immediately and were lucky not to concede in the first minute. Goodes was heavily involved early in the Sydney forward line but didn’t manage a clear possession yet before Geelong’s first forward thrust of the game ended in Andrew Mackie taking a handball from Selwood and just carrying the Sydney defenders from outside 50.
A look at the joint banner, which handled both milestones and the wider issues of the week perfectly reasonably. And we’re ready for the first bounce..
Sydney and Geelong run through 'Respect, Unity and Fairness' banner together with @adamroy37 @FOXFOOTY #AFLCatsSwans pic.twitter.com/PbWn2gezSE
— tom (@tomwoodau) August 8, 2015
The sides have emerged, and run through the joint banner. Congratulations to Joel Selwood for his 200th game and Luke Parker on his 100th.
Selwood has played in wins 78% of the time, and Parker 68%. As a Melbourne supporters may I use this space to tell fans of both sides just how jealous I am of them.
We’re about five minutes away from the first bounce of what should be a fascinating clash on a number of levels.
As the sides emerge to run through the joint banner we can see several homemade signs in the crowd supporting Goodes. Whether that represents the wider view of the audience we’re yet to see, but if I can make a suggestion don’t do a Twitter search for any mention of the joint banner if you want to retain faith in humanity.
Melissa Davey is in Geelong for Guardian Australia, and reports that the stadium will be near to a full house for this important match.
Simmonds Stadium, Geelong, has sold out for the first time in two years. #Goodes pic.twitter.com/OhxigbJt4i
— Melissa Davey (@MelissaLDavey) August 8, 2015
Updated
Warning: If you look into the cat’s eyes long enough you’ll be convinced to buy three 2016 memberships.
And it is #InternationalCatDay today! Surely a good omen! #AFLCatsSwans pic.twitter.com/1GesLXRS2L
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 8, 2015
Updated
Don’t be entirely distracted by off-field events, this is a crucial game. Results elsewhere this weekend have significantly raised the heat on both sides.
Sydney will make the finals, but by virtue of the Western Bulldogs easily dispatching Port Adelaide this afternoon they have temporarily been shuffled down to fifth. Remember early in the season when the Dogs pulled off a gutsy win at the SCG and it seemed like David toppling Goliath? How quickly things change. The Swans are not only now a full win behind them, but also carry a marginally lower percentage.
Geelong too find themselves under pressure in the battle for 5th to 8th courtesy of Adelaide’s win over Richmond last night. If as expected North Melbourne defeat the Demons tomorrow a loss this evening will see the Cats a full game and percentage outside the eight with time rapidly running out. Not only will they lose ground on the sides above them they’ll also have Collingwood and GWS breathing down their neck.
It’s hardly curtains (or cat flaps) for the locals if they lose tonight, but they don’t have an easy run home. Their game against Hawthorn next week could go anywhere, then they play the unpredictable Saints - and even if they take one win out of two there they’ll need to get past Collingwood and Adelaide in the final fortnight of the home and away season so a fourth in a row tonight would provide valuable insurance.
Tonight’s teams:
Geelong
Bartel, Blicavs, Caddy, Cockatoo, Duncan, Enright, Gregson, Guthrie, Hawkins, Horlin-Smith, Kelly, Kolodjashnij, Lang, Lonergan, Mackie, Motlop, Murdoch, Selwood, Stokes, Taylor, Thurlow, Walker
IN: Stokes, Gregson, Horlin-Smith
OUT: Kersten (toe), Smedts (omitted), Johnson (suspended)
Sydney
In a change to the selected side Zak Jones has replaced Ben McGlynn.
IN: Goodes, Jones
OUT: Franklin (back), McGlynn (as yet undisclosed reasons)
Cunningham, Goodes, Grundy, Hannebery, Heeney, B. Jack, K. Jack, Jetta, Jones, Kennedy, Laidler, Lloyd, McVeigh, Mitchell, Nankervis, Parker, Rampe, Reid, Richards, Shaw, Smith andTippett
In these glorious last few weeks before the substitute rule is abolished (the views expressed represent that of the author and not necessary that of Guardian Australia) the men wearing high-visibility vests and riding exercise bikes for much of the evening will be Jones for the Swans and Horlin-Smith for Geelong.
For what’s it’s worth I’m tipping the home side to win by 20 points, which all but ensures a Swans victory.
First bounce is at 7.20. Feel free to get in touch with your thoughts via email or Twitter.
Updated
Introduction
Good evening all, and welcome to the Round 19 clash between Geelong and Sydney from Simonds Stadium (née Kardinia Park). It’s a rare late season clash where not only is there plenty at stake for the participating teams, but also for the industry itself.
Most of the footy world (e.g. practically everyone not emotionally or physically involved with tonight’s West Coast/Hawthorn game) will be waiting anxiously to see how dual Brownlow Medal winner Adam Goodes is received.
The saga surrounding the treatment dished out to the Sydney champion by segments of the AFL community reared its head again after the Swans travelled to Perth a fortnight ago. Since then the debate has become all-consuming, spilling from the sports pages to mainstream media both national and international. It’s fair to say that eyes across the country will be on this game, and many of them will not be concerned with the final score.
After taking a week to gather his thoughts after the initial storm, Goodes returns to Sydney’s side tonight. His side are desperate for the four points - as are the Cats - but you suspect that the big hitters at the AFL will be huddled around a television somewhere hoping that we can see this game through in the right spirit and that in the lead-up to finals focus will turn back to footyand turn the focus back to footy in the lead up to finals.
In the lead up to the first bounce at 7.20pm AEST, here’s a recap of some of the key events of the week:
- Last Sunday the Swans beat Adelaide without Goodes. Sydney fans responded to the week of controversy with an outpouring of support.
- On Tuesday AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan denied reports that the AFL Commission were divided on the league’s firm stance against booing of Goodes.
- The Swans welcomed Goodes back to training the same day. He confirmed he’d play this week and said he was “humbled” by the support he’d received from the club, Sydney fans and from across the league.
- As expected Goodes was named in the Sydney side on Thursday night, replacing Lance Franklin who has once again succumbed to a back complaint.
As mentioned below Jonathan Horn made a plea in The Guardian for his fellow Geelong fans to show decency towards Goodes. Tonight the two clubs will run through a joint banner to show respect, but what happens next is largely up to the 25,000 or so people at the ground.
Now, for as long as possible, on to the game.
Updated
Adam (not that one, the other, less talked about one) will be with shortly to bring you up to speed with what’s happening in Geelong, but before he gets into his seat, here’s a teaser of Jonathan Horn’s brilliant piece on tonight’s game.
Four years ago, Adam Goodes walked from Geelong’s Kardinia Park in tears. It had been an emotional afternoon. His captain’s baby daughter had died during the week and the Swans devoted their win to her memory. Geelong hadn’t been beaten on their home ground for eons but Sydney played out of their skins. Goodes pretty much won it off his own boot in the final term.
The Geelong fans clapped him off, just as Essendon supporters had applauded him a few weeks earlier, after he narrowly missed a set shot after the siren. Later, on the night of his 300th game, he was clapped off again. He was not yet an affront to the mainstream. It was all very polite and respectful.
Read the full article here.
