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Geelong prepare to shatter AFL bye hoodoo

3 minute read

Geelong have bigger problems to worry about than preparing for their blockbuster AFL clash with Port Adelaide under strict lockdown conditions.

JOEL SELWOOD of the Cats.
JOEL SELWOOD of the Cats. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Geelong will take inspiration from Collingwood as the Cats aim to end their post-bye hoodoo when they embark on a hit-and-run mission against Port Adelaide.

The Cats will fly in and out of Adelaide for a blockbuster clash with the Power on Thursday night after South Australian health authorities gave them permission to enter the state on a charter flight.

While the Geelong region is not under lockdown, players and staff have still been forced to abide by strict protocols in preparation for the round 13 game.

Even though some Cats players have gone into hotels so family members do not have to endure lockdown conditions, Geelong captain Joel Selwood said the club was willing to do whatever was necessary.

"It will look different for different players but we've got it all under control," he said.

"It's just making sure we listen during meetings and it's all been pretty clear to us about what we need to do.

"Collingwood did it last week and did it quite well (in beating the Crows at the Adelaide Oval last Saturday)."

Despite being a dominant team for more than a decade, Geelong's record following a bye is as bad as any team's.

The Cats are 0-8 under Chris Scott's coaching tenure following a weekend off during the home-and-away season.

They also fell flat in the first round of last year's final series - against Port - after a bye week.

"We haven't spoken about it," Selwood responded when asked about the post-bye drought.

"But we understand that we're playing one of the sides that are going to be there at the end of the year and that's got us excited enough."

Superstar Patrick Dangerfield is in contention to return from a serious ankle injury which has keep him out since round five.

He could be joined by Mark Blicavs (calf), Mitch Duncan (concussion), Cam Guthrie (shoulder) and Mark O'Connor (hamstring) back in the team.

"(Dangerfield's) given himself the chance, whether he plays this week or next," Selwood said.

"I think it's up to himself and Chris (Scott) to work through but he's got himself in a condition now he's thereabouts to be picked."

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