Former Geelong forward Daniel Menzel has listed five players who must lift for the Cats in 2024 if they are to bounce back into the top eight.
The 2022 premiers started their flag defence with three consecutive losses, and despite multiple impressive wins, injury and inconsistency ultimately caused them to finish 12th this year.
The ex-Cat, who also had a small stint at Sydney, believes an injury-free year from two experienced players and a return to form for three young guns may put Geelong in good stead to contend once again.
Read Menzel’s list below.
Jeremy Cameron
“He was very good for the first half of this season, but then he got hurt,” he told SEN’s Sportsday SA.
“They will make the top eight next year if he gets back to arguably the best player in the competition.”
Sam De Koning
“One reason is (that) Esava Ratugolea is now gone to Port Adelaide, so they don’t have the depth there.
“But again, remember him in their premiership year, just over a year ago, he was outstanding what he did.
“And if you look at the two Grand Finalists from (this) season, Darcy Moore played at one end and Harris Andrews played at the other – you need a very good key defender if you’re going to contend.”
Cam Guthrie
“He didn’t play much this year, which is a massive reason to why they struggled in the midfield.
“He’s 30 years of age, he’s still got time on his side.
“If he can get back to his best form, their midfield looks so much better.”
Jack Henry
“He’s a little bit of a left-field.
“If he can get back to his best, he’s had injuries throughout his career, he can certainly hold down a spot up forward, but more importantly down back for the Cats.
“He can be an intercept defender, he can play a lot of roles. I think he’s really important.”
Max Holmes
“Danger (Patrick Dangerfield) talked him up that he could win a Brownlow one day.
“His upside is huge and if he can get back to that level again next year, that will really help their outside run.”
Co-host David Wildy’s players who need a big 2024: Jeremy Cameron, Sam De Koning, Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes, Patrick Dangerfield
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