The great four from Geelong have been a big part of our winning start.
It’s safe to say that alarm bells would have gone up if you had announced prior to the Brisbane game that regular heroes Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron didn’t register a goal and that Tom Stewart would miss the second half due to injury. However, none of the 2024 Cats should count on Captain America, Iron Man, or Thor to triumph. It is to collaborate, have fun, and succeed as a team. The Cats’ 6-0 start has been fueled by the four “Revengers” on the team’s unwavering talent and perseverance.
Although Zach Guthrie, Jake Kolodjashnij, Brandan Parfitt, and Gryan Miers have all excelled in 2024, it’s no secret that their careers haven’t always been smooth sailing. Over the course of these four players’ careers, injuries and inconsistent form have both presented challenges.
This year is not like the others.
In the crucial clearance game, where the Cats needed a goal to even the score, Brandan Parfitt’s pressure and stick tackle ability have been a welcome addition to a midfield that has occasionally been without Cam Guthrie and Patrick Dangerfield due to injury. On Saturday night, Parfitt’s pressure was evident as his diving smother set up Geelong’s first goal through Jack Bowes.
Gryan Miers had a stellar 2023 campaign, and his ability to set up teammates for goals is well known. Early in his career, his distinct kicking style attracted a lot of attention and was emphasised in both its best and worst moments. Now that he’s fully accepted his unique qualities, he’s developed into one of the competition’s most dangerous half forwards, fusing his creativity and helping nature with his hard running and spatial knowledge.
More than most others, Jake Kolodjashnij struggled with form and big moments during games. However, he found his form again this season after an incredible 2022 finals series gave him the accolades he deserved. Kolodjashnij laid a lot of the groundwork, but Tom Stewart deserves a lot of credit for his 10 intercept-mark performance against the Crows in Round 2. Kola supported Stewart’s pace and increased the offensive potential of the defence by blocking, interacting, and gaining ground early in the game. Stewart carried this role into the rest of the season.
Given the controversy surrounding his performances and lack of confidence in his future, many would have
overlooked Zach Guthrie’s decision to leave the game at one point in his career. Subsequently, everything became clear. Zach has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most dependable defenders, and on Saturday night, he made progress even more when Tom Stewart was substituted off in the second half. In addition to offering plenty of speed and carry off of half back, he has developed into an excellent intercept defender. Lately, his goal total has also been steadily rising.
These athletes are repaying the team and themselves with their results because they have put in the necessary work. Although the number of “heroes” on Saturday may have been small, these “sidekicks” elevated the game.
eager to see what else the Fantastic Four can accomplish.
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