June 13, 2007
From The Mercury
Reported by Adam Smith
Reported by Adam Smith
THE Devils face one of the toughest asks in VFL football this Sunday when they travel to Skilled Stadium to take on the might of Geelong.
While the seniors sit top of the ladder and are firming for AFL flag favouritism, the Cats' VFL affiliate is travelling just as smoothly.
After nine rounds. Geelong sits second behind powerhouse Sandringham, although the Cats are coming off a loss last weekend to Werribee.
The Devils' Origin defeat at the hands of Queensland will no doubt further erode confidence in Daryn Cresswell's men, who will need to be on song to return to the winners' list.
In their favour is a decent record at Skilled Stadium, where the Devils won in 2005 and went down by a kick last season.
A former assistant coach at Geelong, Cresswell will be passing on vital inside information as his players prepare to tackle a side which last week contained 20 AFL listed players.
"We just need to come up with tactics in terms of playing against AFL-listed players," Cresswell said.
"We have to pick a side able to run, the ground is similar to Aurora Stadium and we will go into the game with a side we think can cover the ground and play good hard competitive footy."
Co-captain Scott Stephens -- who missed the Origin match -- should be fit to return while Cresswell was also impressed with several players in the SFL-NTFL clash.
They include Queensland recruit Brody Johnson and pacey midfielder Brad McDonald, who is in line to debut.
Wind can play a factor at Skilled Stadium and Cresswell will be mindful of ensuring his side adjusts to the conditions in an attempt to avoid poor conversion in front of goals.
This was a problem against Queensland, which took its chances to run away with the win.
"It can get swirly at the bottom end where there is no stand," he said.
"It's important our players adjust before the game and we have some shots on goal.
"It is always difficult when you're losing but I guess the pressure this week is off us as we are not expected to win and hopefully our guys back themselves against a talented side."
The game will also mark the return of Geelong defender Tom Lonergan, who has not played since round 21 last year after suffering a serious kidney injury and undergoing life-saving surgery.
