2016 Season Preview: New Era Under Scott

The 2016 AFL season represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Geelong Cats. Following a period of transition and retooling, the club enters a new chapter under the continued leadership of Coach Scott, with a reconfigured list and renewed premiership aspirations. This season preview provides a comprehensive checklist for understanding the key narratives, personnel changes, and strategic developments that will define the Cats’ campaign. By the end of this article, you will have a structured framework to evaluate the team’s prospects, track critical milestones, and assess the factors that could determine whether Geelong returns to contention for the AFL Premiership.

Prerequisites / What You Need

Before engaging with this season preview, ensure you have:

• A working knowledge of the Australian Football League’s competition structure, including the AFL Finals Series and the significance of the Brownlow Medal.
• Familiarity with the Geelong Cats’ recent history, particularly the period following the 2011 AFL Premiership and the subsequent list management decisions.
• Access to the club’s official fixture and player statistics for the 2016 season.
• An understanding of the ongoing Kardinia Park Redevelopment and its implications for home-ground advantage at GMHBA Stadium.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Assess the Off-Season List Changes

The 2015–2016 off-season represented one of the most significant roster overhauls in recent Geelong history. The acquisition of Patrick Dangerfield via free agency was the headline move, but it was accompanied by several other targeted additions. Begin your preview by cataloguing all incoming and outgoing players.

Key arrivals included:

• Patrick Dangerfield (via free agency from Adelaide)
• Lachie Henderson (via trade from Carlton)
• Zac Smith (via trade from Gold Coast)
• Scott Selwood (via free agency from West Coast)

Departures included experienced figures such as James Kelly, Mathew Stokes, and Josh Hunt, alongside younger players who sought opportunities elsewhere. This turnover fundamentally altered the midfield and key-position dynamics. The Cats invested heavily in established talent rather than relying solely on the AFL Draft, signalling an immediate push for premiership contention.

Step 2: Evaluate the Midfield Configuration

With Dangerfield joining Joel Selwood and the developing Patrick Dangerfield partnership, the Cats’ midfield becomes the focal point of the 2016 season. Assess how the new-look engine room will function:

• Inside dominance: Dangerfield and Selwood provide elite contested-ball winning capability. Their ability to extract the ball from stoppages and drive the ball forward will be critical.
• Outside run: The addition of Scott Selwood adds defensive pressure and two-way running, while players like Mitch Duncan and Steven Motlop provide attacking flair.
• Rotations: Coach Scott has historically favoured a deep midfield rotation. Evaluate how the new arrivals integrate with existing players, and whether the midfield can maintain high intensity across four quarters.

The midfield’s performance will directly influence the Cats’ ability to control games and transition efficiently into attack.

Step 3: Analyse the Forward Line Structure

Tom Hawkins remains the primary target in attack, but the supporting cast has undergone significant change. Consider the following elements:

• Key forward pairing: Hawkins is complemented by the arrival of Lachie Henderson, who can play both forward and back. If Henderson settles as a permanent forward, the Cats gain a second marking target capable of drawing defensive attention.
• Small forward pressure: The Cats have historically relied on pressure from small forwards to create scoring opportunities. Assess whether players like Jordan Murdoch, Lincoln McCarthy, or Steven Motlop can apply consistent defensive pressure inside forward 50.
• Goal-kicking midfielders: Dangerfield’s arrival adds a significant goal-scoring threat from the midfield. His ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard will be a crucial element of the Cats’ attacking strategy.

The forward line’s effectiveness will hinge on both supply from the midfield and the structural cohesion of the group.

Step 4: Review the Defensive Unit

Geelong’s defence has been a hallmark of their success under Coach Scott. The 2016 backline retains key pillars but introduces new options:

• Key defenders: Harry Taylor remains the anchor, capable of playing on both tall and small opponents. Tom Lonergan provides experience, while the development of Jake Kolodjashnij adds athleticism.
• Rebounding defenders: Corey Enright, despite his age, continues to provide elite decision-making and intercept marking. Andrew Mackie and Cameron Guthrie offer run and carry from the defensive half.
• Structural flexibility: Lachie Henderson’s ability to play in defence provides Coach Scott with tactical options. The Cats can shift Henderson back to counter opposition tall forwards or maintain a taller forward line.

The defence’s capacity to absorb pressure and generate rebound will be tested, particularly against elite offensive units.

Step 5: Understand the Home-Ground Advantage and Stadium Upgrade

The ongoing Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed GMHBA Stadium into a modern venue capable of hosting larger crowds and providing a genuine home-ground advantage. For the 2016 season:

• Capacity and atmosphere: The stadium upgrade has increased seating capacity and improved facilities, enhancing the match-day experience for members and supporters.
• Familiarity and travel: The Cats play a significant portion of their home games at GMHBA Stadium, reducing travel demands and allowing the team to train on the same surface.
• Opposition challenges: Visiting teams must adapt to the unique dimensions of the ground, which can favour the Cats’ disciplined defensive structures and precise ball movement.

The stadium upgrade reinforces Geelong’s commitment to maintaining a fortress-like environment at Kardinia Park.

Step 6: Track the VFL Team’s Development

The Geelong VFL team serves as a critical development pathway for future stars and depth players. Monitor the following:

• Young talent: Players drafted in recent years, such as Darcy Lang, Nakia Cockatoo, and Jake Kolodjashnij, will gain valuable experience in the VFL before transitioning to senior football.
• Injury rehabilitation: Returning players often use VFL matches to regain match fitness. The VFL team’s performance can indicate the readiness of key personnel.
• Form and consistency: The VFL team’s results provide insight into the depth of the list. Strong performances from reserves players can pressure senior players to maintain standards.

The VFL program is integral to the Cats’ long-term sustainability and immediate injury cover.

Step 7: Examine the Fixture and Key Matches

The 2016 fixture presents both opportunities and challenges. Identify critical periods:

• Early-season tests: Opening rounds against Hawthorn and Adelaide will immediately gauge the Cats’ competitiveness against premiership contenders.
• Mid-season blocks: A stretch of games against interstate teams will test the squad’s resilience and travel management.
• Finals preparation: The final month of the home-and-away season often determines ladder position and momentum heading into the AFL Finals Series.

Understanding the fixture’s rhythm allows for informed predictions about the Cats’ trajectory.

Step 8: Assess Premiership Credentials

With the list overhaul complete, the question becomes whether Geelong can genuinely contend for the AFL Premiership. Evaluate:

• Top-four potential: The Cats must finish inside the top four to secure a double chance in the AFL Finals Series. This requires consistent performance across the home-and-away season.
• Head-to-head record: Results against fellow contenders—Hawthorn, Sydney, Fremantle, and West Coast—will indicate whether Geelong can match the competition’s elite.
• Injury management: The Cats’ depth will be tested if key players like Dangerfield, Selwood, or Hawkins miss significant time. The ability to cover injuries is a hallmark of premiership teams.

Coach Scott’s game plan and tactical adaptability will be under scrutiny as the season progresses.

Step 9: Monitor Individual Milestones and Awards

The 2016 season offers opportunities for individual recognition:

• Brownlow Medal: Patrick Dangerfield enters the season as a leading contender for the league MVP award. His midfield partnership with Joel Selwood could split votes, but Dangerfield’s explosive style often attracts umpire attention.
• Club records: Joel Selwood continues to climb the club’s all-time games and goals lists. Tom Hawkins approaches significant milestones in goals and games.
• All-Australian selection: Several Cats are strong candidates for All-Australian honours, including Dangerfield, Selwood, and Harry Taylor.

Tracking these achievements adds depth to the season narrative.

Step 10: Prepare for the Finals Series

Assuming the Cats qualify for the AFL Finals Series, the following factors will determine their success:

• Form and momentum: Entering the finals with a winning streak is preferable to limping in with inconsistent performances.
• Home final potential: A top-four finish could secure a home qualifying final at GMHBA Stadium, providing a significant advantage.
• Experience: The Cats’ playing group contains multiple premiership players from 2011. This experience is invaluable in high-pressure finals environments.

The ultimate goal remains the AFL Premiership, and every step of the season builds toward that objective.

Pro Tips / Common Mistakes

Pro Tips:

• Focus on the midfield battle in each game. The Dangerfield-Selwood combination will often determine the outcome.
• Pay attention to the Cats’ efficiency inside forward 50. High-quality entries are more important than volume.
• Monitor the development of younger players in the VFL team, as they may become crucial depth options later in the season.

Common Mistakes:

• Overestimating the immediate impact of new recruits. Chemistry and cohesion take time to develop.
• Underestimating the importance of the Kardinia Park Redevelopment. The upgraded stadium enhances home-ground advantage significantly.
• Ignoring the fixture’s travel demands. The Cats play multiple interstate games, which can affect performance and recovery.
• Assuming the forward line will function seamlessly without structural refinement. The loss of experienced forwards requires tactical adjustment.

Checklist Summary

• Assess off-season list changes, including the arrival of Patrick Dangerfield and Lachie Henderson.
• Evaluate the midfield configuration and the Dangerfield-Selwood partnership.
• Analyse the forward line structure, focusing on Tom Hawkins and supporting options.
• Review the defensive unit and its ability to generate rebound.
• Understand the home-ground advantage provided by the Kardinia Park Redevelopment at GMHBA Stadium.
• Track the Geelong VFL team’s development and depth contributions.
• Examine the fixture and identify critical matches against premiership contenders.
• Assess the Cats’ premiership credentials and top-four potential.
• Monitor individual milestones and Brownlow Medal prospects.
• Prepare for the AFL Finals Series by evaluating form, momentum, and experience.

By following this checklist, you will have a thorough understanding of the Geelong Cats’ 2016 season under Coach Scott. The new era is defined by ambition, strategic list management, and the pursuit of the AFL Premiership. Whether the Cats can reclaim the flag remains to be seen, but the foundation for success is firmly in place.