Geelong Cats keen to make a statement - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Geelong Cats keen to make a statement

By Leonard Siragusa 23/08/2008 10:50:24 AM Comments (0)

Having seen off two premiership threats in the past month, Geelong are keen to make a statement against a third when they take on North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

The all-conquering Cats disposed of the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn in consecutive weeks from rounds 16-17 and now face the in-form `Roos.

While Geelong defender Corey Enright said North, who have won their last six games, would provide a good test to his team ahead of the finals, he said the match gave them the chance to again bring down a challenger in their quest for back-to-back flags.

"Every time we run out on the field and put on the Geelong jumper you'd like to think you could make a statement not only to the opposition but to your teammates," Enright said.

"Our form has been good but we've just got to keep continuing it on because there's two games left before finals."

Last time the two sides met in round 11 this year, North Melbourne pushed Geelong for the entire game despite a 39-possession, two-goal, best-on-ground performance from Gary Ablett.

In one of the highest-standard games of the year, the Roos looked dangerous in attack, with ruckman/forward David Hale kicking four goals and live-wire Matt Campbell pitching in with three.

North's score of 117 points was just the second time Geelong had conceded more than 100 points for the year.

Enright said the Cats backline, who are the best performed in the past two seasons conceding on average 75 points a game, were determined to return to their strangling ways.

"We don't want to concede to many sides 100 points," Enright said.

"This time around we'll be obviously trying to restrict their entries as well as their end goals."

Enright was given the job on North midfielder Brent Harvey in the second half of that round-11 match.

He was unsure if he would again be called upon to stop the in-form on-baller along with the side's No.1 stopper Cameron Ling, but said the Cats planned to restrict Harvey's influence.

"We'll spend a bit more time on him because he's been in red hot form and whoever goes to him will have a tough job to do for the team on the day to try and quell his influence," he said.

"He's kicking goals, setting up goals and getting possessions so he's obviously one we've got to try and stop."

Cats ruckman Brad Ottens will play his 200th AFL match.

"He's a great team player, a workhorse he's invaluable to our side so I'm sure our boys will try to get over the line as we try to do for most milestone games," added Enright.

"You only have to look at his preliminary final - his effort got us into the grand final."

The Cats welcome back some big names this weekend, with star defenders Matthew Scarlett and Darren Milburn and forward Paul Chapman back from injury.

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