G'day mate, most critics say the Cats only have a chance to beat the Lions because it's at home. What do you think is the biggest advantage of playing at home? Or if its easier, what do you think is the biggest disadvantage of playing away from home? – David
SK: We have had a real focus this season on being tough at home. We see ourselves as a unique team with a home ground of our own and we want to ensure that we take advantage of that. One of the best things about playing at Skilled Stadium is the winds down here can be tricky and we obviously have a better knowledge of the conditions than our opponents.
I noticed recently that some teams say they treat a trip to Geelong like an interstate road trip. That shows how hard they rate the journey down the highway.
Mate just a quick one Cam Mooney’s form this year has been outstanding! When you eventually get back to full fitness does Cameron have the aerobic capacity to maybe play on a wing or even ruck rove? - Nathan Salske
SK: Cameron has done a great job in many positions. He started the year down back and he has down a tremendous job in the ruck. A few weeks ago he moved forward and kicked a couple of goals. In many ways the role that Moons is taking when he is on the ball is that of a ruck-rover. He may not always get the hit out but his ability and physical capabilities allow him to take advantage of his direct opponents.
I have noticed over the last few games at the end some commentators would like to take to Ablett JNR but he knocks them back. He comes across as a good young man. Do you think this will come in time? I just enjoy the way he & the other younger players go about their game. - Paul Canavan
SK: I am sure that you will see Gary do more media work as he continues his career. I think this year we’ve already seen him do a few interviews including big ones with the Herald Sun and the Footy Show, so he’s already increasing his workload in that area.
Can you please tell me why the goal that Matthew Scarlett kicked after the siren was disallowed in the game against the Bulldogs. – Raelene
SK: This caused a bit of confusion on the day but I think I can clear it up. Scarlo received the ball just before the siren from a kick, then went back and banged it through just after the siren. However the umpire had ruled that the kick to him didn’t travel 15 metres and therefore wasn’t a mark. So when the siren went the game ended. I am sure this would have created a huge amount of talk had it been a 5 point games, but as we were well ahead it didn’t really matter – except that Matty missed out on adding another goal to his career tally of eight.
Great to see you back playing, we have missed some experience early on in the season. I was just wondering your thoughts on our brigade of midfield players playing the 3rd and 4th seasons. There are a lot of good players who just can’t seem to get a game, players like David Spriggs, Steve Johnson, even experienced players like Corey Enright and David Loats who are very good players cannot manage a game. Surely this is a good sign for the future – Nick
SK: There have definitely been some good headaches for the match committee this year with so many good players pushing for a senior berth. Our depth has been evident this year and is something in previous years that we may have lacked. With so many players now over the 50 game mark the young players that the club has invested in now have experience to go with their talent and that makes a healthy rivalry for spots.
I saw a VFL game not long ago and one of the stand out performances was from Tim Callan. Do you think he will break into the AFL side with the seniors playing this great footy? - Shannon
SK: Tim keeps on playing good footy in the VFL. He was runner up in the VFL best and fairest last year and earned his senior debut in the final round against St Kilda. He’s still playing great football and is part of the great depth we have developed. Tim is knocking on the door but with the great form of our defenders it’s hard for him to claim a spot.
Who do you think will win Euro 2004? - Scott Rolen
SK: Like a lot of the lads I enjoy the soccer and have watched a few of the replays on Foxtel. Everyone seems to think France will win but watch out for the Czech Republic.
