Key defender Jack Henry has played down suggestions Geelong’s preliminary final mauling of the Brisbane Lions will have any influence when the two teams again meet for a grand final berth this weekend.
The Cats defeated the Lions by 71 points and went on to win their first flag in 11 years the following week.
“Our squad since then, it’s been a lot of a change,” Henry said.
“I’m not sure of the exact number of players who only played their first final against Port Adelaide, so it’s probably hard to draw on those previous experiences, given the list changes.
“Same as Brisbane as well; I’m sure they’ve had lots of changes.
“You can’t look too far back at those sort of games because it’s completely new, completely different, and you’ve just got to be at your best every time you show up for a final.”
Geelong has a call to make at selection, with tall defender Sam De Koning expected to be available after getting through two games in the VFL following minor knee surgery.
He may be required for a match-up with Joe Daniher, who dragged the Lions over the line in the semi-final win over the GWS Giants, or Eric Hipwood.
However, Henry has enjoyed Mark Blicavs’ redeployment to defence in De Koning’s absence.
“He’s another big body down there helping ‘Kola’ (Jake Kolodjashnij) and I, which is good,” Henry said.
“We all know how he can run and help out in that sense. And he’s doing his stuff in the ruck.
“Yeah, you can put him anywhere, Blitz. He’s a gun.”
Henry is looking forward to running out with brother Ollie for an MCG final for the first time.
The younger Heny is yet to play a September clash at the home of football during his time with the Cats and Collingwood.
“It was nice the other week to play our first final together and have a good result,” the older Henry said.
“We’ve got this week now, playing in a prelim together, which is also a really exciting moment we’ll have together.”
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