Dad’s Army are oiling up their joints ready for another crack at the flag but how much longer can this show go on for? That’s a tough question to answer but the Cats are quietly putting together a squad of very talented youngsters right under our noses. Whether they get a crack or not this year is the big question.
Geelong Cats Best 22
It’s hard to see too much changing at the Cattery this season in terms of their Best 22.
There’s a lot of experience in their backline, even despite the departure of Lachie Henderson. Mark Blicavs will likely have to take more permanent place in the backline this season to help out guys like Jake Kolodjashnij and Jack Henry. Mark O’Connor is likely to start in defence when not carrying out the occasional run with role in the midfield.
Nothing exciting to report with the midfield with tried and true names like Dangerfield, Selwood and Duncan in there. I do however see Jon Ceglar fully replace Rhys Stanley as the number one ruckman. With Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Esava Ratugolea in the forward line they can’t carry two rucks in that side, which means Ratugolea will continue his chop out ruck duties.
Brad Close was sensational last year up forward and has now superseded Gryan Miers as the best small forward in the side, although Miers holds his spot for now, just keeping out new recruit Tyson Stengle.
Max Holmes had a fantastic debut season last year and looks the most likely of the Cats youngsters to start in their best side. He’s keeping out guys like Quentin Narkle, Sam Simpson and Zach Guthrie. Unless there are major injuries, I don’t like the chances of Shaun Higgins or Luke Dahlhaus playing much footy in 2022.
If their season goes downhill quickly, don’t be shocked to see kids like Cooper Stephens, James Willis, Nick Stevens or Mitch Knevitt get a crack.
CBA prediction
2021 CBA leaders (by average):
- Rhys Stanley
- Joel Selwood
- Cam Guthrie
- Patrick Dangerfield
- Brandan Parfitt
- Mark O’Connor
The Oracle’s 2022 CBA prediction:
- Jon Ceglar
- Cam Guthrie
- Joel Selwood
- Patrick Dangerfield
- Brandan Parfitt
- Rhys Stanley
Kick-in prediction
2021 kick-in leaders:
- Tom Stewart
- Zac Tuohy
- Isaac Smith
The Oracle’s 2022 kick-in prediction:
- Tom Stewart
- Zac Tuohy
- Isaac Smith
