COACH Chris Scott wants Geelong to embrace the hype and the occasion ahead of their AFL blockbuster against Melbourne.
The second-placed Cats will host the top side on Thursday night at GMHBA Stadium.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in these big games where there’s pressure and expectation,” Scott said.
“The town on Thursday night will be out of control. Everything’s sold, it will just be absolutely pumping and it’s just great to be involved in those games.”
Scott said these sorts of game are excellence practice for the business end of the season.
“But it’s (also) a reflection that we’ve been able to hang in there enough this year, to be in a position where we’re considered one of the contenders against the best team in the comp,” he said.
“We should run towards that pressure and embrace it.
“How lucky am I to be at Geelong.”
Adding to the narrative, Melbourne came back from 44 points down to beat the Cats at the same venue last season and snatch the minor premiership from them.
It proved a critical moment as the Demons went on to break their 57-year premiership drought.
Scott said it was pointless to dwell on that sliding doors moment.
He noted that the chaotic end to the match, which featured a crucial 50m penalty and a goal to Melbourne captain Max Gawn after the final siren, was a “comedy”.
“I’m such a look-forward kind of guy,” he said.
“Who knows what would have happened? (had Geelong won)
“I don’t think anyone realised how good they (Melbourne) were then – but gee, they flushed the next month, didn’t they.”
It’s the sort of finals form that Geelong are trying to build towards.
They continued their run to September with a ruthless 112-point belting of bottom side North Melbourne.
It featured the return of star Patrick Dangerfield, who had been sidelined since round 10 with a calf muscle injury.
Dangerfield kicked the opening goal of the game in just 13 seconds and while his game time was managed, he showed excellent form.
“He was pretty good right from the first bounce, wasn’t he?,” Scott said.
The Cats coach also said Dangerfield had struggled for full fitness over the last couple of years, but notes the 32-year-old might be turning back the clock.
“I was supremely confident that when he was feeling his best and had the right amount of training behind him, that he’d look as good as he did when he was 28,” he said.
“I saw signs of that tonight.
“It’s another reason for us to have some optimism.”
Jake Kolodjashnij was subbed out of the North win because of a head knock and Scott said he was unsure whether the defender had been concussed.
(C) AAP 2022
