Pundits and fans at half-time on Monday were hitting the panic button on the Cats’ behalf.
But when Geelong players regrouped in the MCG rooms to prepare for the second half against the Hawks, the vibe was a stark contrast to the doomsday takes and numbers being throw around.
The Cats trailed Hawthorn by nine points at the main break after an alarming first half where they were thumped around the contest.
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They appeared in disarray — and were staring down the barrel of a 0-4 start. Had that come to fruition, they would’ve been the first reigning premier since Collingwood in 1959 to begin a season with that win-loss record.
Cue a record-breaking Cats blitz, with Chris Scott’s men slamming on 10.5 to 0.0 for the third quarter to set up an 82-point win in a thunderous reminder of why many believed they could go back-to-back this season.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the stunning performance was sparked by a withering spray or unforgettably inspirational speech from Scott or one of the Cats’ senior leaders.
Cameron STEAMROLLS umpire after goal | 00:40
Yet new Cat Jack Bowes said the turnaround was a product of a sense of calm among the seasoned playing group.
“I think we came in honestly with a good feeling of the way we wanted to play at half-time,” Bowes told reporters post-match.
“There was no real spray or anything. It was more the boys had a really good feeling about themselves. We just knew if we kept coming at them with that front-half pressure, we could turn the ball over at some good spots and go back at them.
“There was a bit more intensity and a bit more energy compared to previous weeks. I think we knew we were just so close to getting it right and we knew once we did that, we‘d flick the switch and we’d be able to put the foot on the throat and go hard in the second half.”
Bowes later added: “That feeling we had coming in at three quarter-time and everyone was sort of floating, buzzing – you can run on top of the ground. You feel good about yourselves, you’re inspired by other people’s acts, the midfield was really strong to get the ball forward in that third quarter, we sort of built off each other’s energy. That’s why you play footy.”
Cats seven-goal hero Jeremy Cameron told Fox Footy that Scott showed “relaxed professionalism” as a coach, which was on display throughout Monday’s match.
Bowes was traded to the Cats during the off-season after six seasons at the Gold Coast Suns, who consistently lost senior players to rival clubs.
The 25-year-old said the confidence Geelong players had in their ability was striking.
“It‘s a pretty mature group, coming in new, so there’s not too many people dropping their lip or there’s no need for a spray or anything like that. The boys just know what they need to do to get the game on their terms,” he said.
“I don‘t want to draw on too many comparisons from where I’ve come from, but I can’t speak highly enough of this group. Backs against the wall for the first three weeks of the year, we didn’t get the results but we knew … like tweaks to our game plan, we knew that we could turn it around.”
Speaking at his post-game media conference, Scott said his side’s performance in the third quarter was “a good sign for us and hopefully we can carry that momentum”.
But when asked if the second-half surge suggested his side was “back on track” after losing the opening three games, Scott said: “Yeah, but I think I think about it differently to maybe the way you might.
“Momentum is important in the game. Negative momentum can be an even more powerful force if it leads you to second guessing things internally.
“I think the record is strong enough that we should have confidence in our people that when there are issues – and there are always going to be issues – that we have the right people to address them in the right way. So that‘s the way I feel about it.”
Cameron kicks 7 as Cats down Hawks | 04:01
Asked how significant the third quarter would be, Scott said: “It depends how you define panic. We were urgent. We‘re not so in love with ourselves that we think: ‘This will be fine. We’ll just win the last 15 (games) and we’ll be fine.’ That’s not the case at all.
“But I just don‘t buy in to the idea of symbolism and trying to work out what this means in Round 3 or Round 4. Our job is just to get as good as we can as quickly as we can.
“I just don‘t believe in ‘we’ve got to show these guys’ or ‘that gives us extra motivation to prove them wrong’. I’ve never thought that – and I don’t think our guys do either. If anything, there was a bit more of a confusion, like ‘this is not what we had in mind’. There were some really clear reasons for us that we’re not going to talk about publicly around why we’ve been a little bit off, but even they give us confidence that we can get better.
“The daunting thing is that the comp is so close. I just look at every game and think ‘they’re alright’.”
Scott lauded skipper Patrick Dangerfield and four-time All-Australian Tom Stewart for their ability to inspire their teammates in the third term, while he added sub Ollie Henry gave the Cats a “spark” after he replaced the concussed Jed Bews.
Bowes had only accumulated four disposals in the first half before being moved to half-back to replace Bews. The former Sun thrived, gathering 18 disposals in the second half as he provided terrific drive out of defence for the Cats.
“I felt like I adjusted to the pace of the game a little bit more. It took me a bit in the first half to get my footing, but it was nice,” he said.
Asked if he thought he played his best footy at half-back, Bowes said: “I‘m not sure. Honestly, I like playing in any position. Over the pre-season, I played forward, mid, wing and half-back, so just give the coaches the possibility of playing anywhere and I’m up for any role.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I‘m just glad to be playing some senior footy again. I’m grateful to be part of this team. We’re a really strong-minded group, really hungry for some more success and I’m rapt to be part of it.”
