In the second half North increased its work-rate and cut out many of the Cats’ options going forward, allowing it to get back into the game.
This week, NMFC Playbook contrasts two plays – one from the first quarter which resulted in a Tom Hawkins goal, and another in the third quarter which led to Geelong turning the ball over and Jack Ziebell converting.
A theme of the night was when Geelong had the ball on one side of the ground, it would attempt to move back into the middle. The passage of play in the first quarter for the Hawkins goal begins with James Kelly doing just that, finding Travis Varcoe.
Varcoe then moves the ball out to the other side of the ground, effectively completing a switch of play while simultaneously gaining territory.
After Dawson Simpson gains possession on the outer side and handballs to Jackson Sheringham, he’s able to spot Mitch Duncan in the corridor.
It’s a risky kick from Sheringham to Duncan, but once it comes off, his team-mate is able to put the ball in front of Hawkins, who has space to lead into.
Just out of frame is Drew Petrie’s opponent. The North vice-captain has run 100 metres chasing him from one side of the ground to the other, prohibiting him from cutting out the Hawkins lead.
This Hawkins goal started from one short pass into the corridor, opening up the ground.
After half-time, North is able to control the middle of the ground much better, forcing more turnovers.
Ziebell’s goal in the third quarter is a prime example.
After Corey Enright takes a mark on the last line of defence, he quickly delivers a short pass to Andrew Mackie.
From this situation, North is able to cover up any further quick passes into the centre very quickly.
Geelong, being the quality team it is, works hard to create an option in the middle. Varcoe again pops up.
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However, because North has been able to hold up Mackie’s disposal, it has time to structure up well defensively. Ziebell is in the perfect position to cover both Enright and Varcoe.
He’s able to read the play superbly, and moves to cut off the pass just as Mackie delivers.
Ziebell takes the intercept mark and kicks truly. It’s a demonstration of how just one pass can make all the difference in a passage of play; in the first quarter Varcoe received and it resulted in a Geelong goal. It was the opposite in the third quarter.
