Geelongs new game plan:
It's time to start taking notice.
Since 2011, Chris Scott has been trying to develop a different approach to winning games.
The one stat that I noticed that is the most surprising to me is the clearances. Geelong sits 18th so far this year on clearance averages per game and having an average of approx. 8 clearances less than there opposition despite winning every single game this year.
Last year paints a similar picture with the cats having an average 4 less clearances than their opponent.
In there premiership year in 2011 only averaging 36 clearances per game.
The one stat they've dominated in their premiership year was their inside 50 entries averaging 14 more entries per game and this year averaging 8 more than their opposition sitting equal 1st with an average of 60 entries per game.
What is it that Geelong has discovered that other teams haven't?
As well as youth, the cats have recruited Speed.
Cats have some of the quickest players in the league which is working to great advantage with run and spread.
Players pushing super hard at the second contest to create turnovers whilst not so fussed with the initial clearance they're hunting in numbers beyond the clearance. With numbers at the secondary contest, they can handball their way out of trouble and being so well drilled, their run, spread and with players streaming forward inside 50 for multiple scoring options. All this, mostly straight down the center corridor.
Its no coincidence then they are the team with the greatest uncontested possession stats and dominating the handballs stats as well. Also dominating scores from turnovers as they did so effectively against Richmond scoring a staggering 15 goals 3 from turnovers.
It's important to note that Geelong have always maintained a reserves team, lead by reigning VFL premiership coach Matthew Knights, also currently sitting undefeated this season, they continue to boast a development regime that other teams only dream about replicating having a wealth of talented youngsters that can join the senior group and play the role required for the team.
The standards are very high at Geelong. A level thats expected by any person that walks through the doors and the onus is on the leaders to help maintain the standard required.
Geelong is truly a well oiled machine.
