With the โ€˜hit and giggle' matches and the arduous pre-season training regimes now behind each team, fans, coaches, and players alike have set their sights on the real deal โ€“ Round 1.

For some clubs, the pre-season period could not have panned out better, whilst the unlucky remainder will be counting the cost of their campaigns.

Although there were a myriad of positives to be taken from the summer months, all teams will be striving to improve on their practice match form and learn from the lessons dealt out across them.

With the first bounce of the Sherrin just over a week away, we raise the big question that face each of the AFL's 18 clubs.

Back
Next

Geelong

Do we read much into their tight win?

Cats fans that view their glass as half empty are likely to have found problems with their team's performance on Saturday night, but realistic hoop-wearers are likely to remain unfazed.

Of the 18 teams that compete at AFL level, Geelong is arguably the team that pays the least attention to pre-season form.

Since taking the reins at Kardinia Park in 2011, Chris Scott has coached the Cats in 28 official pre-season contests for just 14 victories. For those of you with poor powers of deduction, that is a win percentage of 50.

Like previous seasons, Scott's modus operandi for the inconsequential clashes has always been three pronged โ€“ get through unscathed, give the kids a run and manage his superstar's minutes.

Despite only besting the Bombers late by seven points, Scott will be happy with the performances of his trio of new recruits in Jeremy Cameron, Isaac Smith, and Shaun Higgins, as will the foot that Jordan Clark put forward.

With the win, the form shown, and the clean bill of health, even the most cynical Corio natives should be pleased with all three of Scott's boxes receiving ticks.

Back
Next