An AFL premiership defence could be introduced crashing down by all method of obstacles, however flag-winning midfielder Tom Atkins cannot see angle being one in every of them for Geelong.
Nine days out from a round-one showdown with Collingwood, Atkins was fast to dismiss any recommendations the Cats’ starvation might have waned over a summer time spent within the premiership glow.
“It’s something I want to experience again and I know that feeling extends to the other players as well,” Atkins stated.
“Then you’ve got guys who missed out and want to taste that.
“We perceive it’ll be a large problem.
“Teams are always improving but we’re just looking forward to see how our game stacks up (against Collingwood).”
Atkins stated sharing success with the likes of Max Holmes, Esava Ratugolea and Sam Menegola – who all missed out on the grand-final thumping of Sydney final yr – is a driving issue.
Holmes was the hard-luck story of grand closing week as he fought to beat a hamstring damage sustained through the preliminary closing.
“You want them to experience it as well,” Atkins stated.
“That’s the aim every season, you want to go out there and play as well as you can and we were fortunate last year, but it resets this year.”
Atkins has been impressed by low season acquisitions Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and Ollie Henry, who’ve helped off-set the lack of retired premiership captain Joel Selwood.
But the 355-game membership legend’s absence from the taking part in group can be felt for a while but.
“You notice for the first two weeks and think it’s a bit strange not having him around to soundboard and learn off, but you just get on with it,” Atkins stated.
“It just becomes the norm not having him here … it’s sort of what happens in footy.
“You lose 5 or 6 of your mates and also you get one other 5 or 6.
“You just get on with it an adapt, but we do miss the man.”
Selwood has returned to Geelong in an off-field function as a membership ambassador however will not be concerned with the taking part in group.
The 34-year-old, who was the longest-standing captain in AFL/VFL historical past, can be concerned with NRL energy membership Melbourne Storm as a management coach.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
