Chris Fagan’s careworn face doesn’t always scream optimism, but he sold a message of hope at half-time of the preliminary final. We’re capable of winning from any position, he told them. We mowed down GWS last week. Compared to that, a 19-point deficit is a doddle. Besides, he reminded them, the mob in the other room have had some soft kills. Their 16-day break was the longest of any team since the introduction of the pre-finals bye. They’ve played once in 29 days. They’re ripe to be run down.
The Lions hadn’t been disgraced in the opening half. This wasn’t like the previous night’s game, which was always in Sydney’s court. But there were distress signals. Cam Rayner had mooched across the half forward line for just four touches. Oscar McInerney’s shoulder had been completely wrenched from its socket, and he appeared on the verge of passing out. Geelong’s flock of smalls were roaring through the centre of the MCG – linking up and overlapping. The Cats were cold and clinical. They had the game on their terms, and at their speed.
