GEELONG coach Mark Thompson says Gary Ablett was a player with a point to prove in his side’s five-point win against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.

Ablett was clearly best on ground with 44 possessions and a goal against the Swans and his coach couldn’t have been happier.

Asked if his star midfielder had been stung by midweek media criticism, Thompson replied: "I think so. He was out to prove a point and it was fabulous.

"It’s great to see a good player put a good display on and he was outstanding. I think everybody in the room would admit he was clearly best on ground. It’s great to see performances like that from an individual."

But Thompson denied he had personally challenged Ablett to lift after a quiet fortnight.

"I didn’t talk to Gary… but there was a bit of a message about the team. We don’t want to let all our good efforts just go to waste," he said.

"There are no guarantees in anything and anything can happen in a game of footy, but you should try and do everything right at the very end when you’re so close… to try and get the ultimate success."

Thompson was also delighted with the output of key forward Cameron Mooney, who presented relentlessly to finish with three goals.

It was a performance far removed from the uncertain figure who was making a habit of missing simple set shots midway through the season.

"You always need key forwards and it’s been a long year for Cam but in the last couple of weeks, he’s got his head together," Thompson said.

"He’s taking shots, kicking goals and really presenting for us. It’s a good time of year for him to come good."

With two rounds to play, the victory ensures Geelong will finish in the top two but Thompson conceded his side still needed to improve significantly to challenge for the premiership.

But he said Saturday night’s effort against a determined opponent went some way towards addressing the perception that the Cats’ had let their lofty standards slip.


“I think the momentum of the media and the support and even our opposition… we were feeling that they thought we were slipping,” he said.

“And we probably were. – and we’ve probably got a fair bit of work to do yet to get back to ultimately giving ourselves the best chance [at a premiership].”