After a forgettable opening round and an ordinary second round match against St Kilda, the Bombers have slowly been gathering momentum. They team has won the last six matches on end and have been strengthened each week with the inclusion of experienced senior players.
""Not winning after two rounds and then getting to round eight and be six and two is a great achievement for the players. Probably the availability that we have been bringing back players to get games under their belts. The list has been managed really well over the last month to six weeks,"" assistant coach Dean Wallis said.
Last week Mark McVeigh and Damian Cupido returned to the side and both earned their spot. In the weeks preceding Mark and Jason Johnson both came into the team after time on the sidelines with injury. This week the Bombers take on the in-form Geelong and instead of having a notable inclusion, the team is missing an experienced player in James Hird.
""It is unfortunate the injury that happened to Hirdy last Friday night. There is no denying that you can't replace him but on a positive note we do have a number of players that can come into the side and have the ability to make an impact,"" Lloyd said.
Earlier in the season Hird carried the workload for the team, but in recent weeks the skipper has great support from other players. Assistant coach Dean Wallis said it was pleasing last week for the team to perform so well in Hird’s absence and is hoping for the same performance this week against Geelong.
""At the end of the day it’s individual pride, who’s going to put their hand up and take the responsibility and work load that Hirdy gives us week in, week out. It just comes down to the individuals, how important it is to the leadership group and how important it is to the younger fella’s to carry the work load,"" Wallis said.
Lloyd will be one of many players who will shoulder the leadership responsibility in Hird’s absence. Not only will Lloyd captain the side in Hird’s absence, he will have his hands full with 2003 All Australian full-back Matthew Scarlett. Wallis said the entire Geelong backline is in career best form and the Bomber forwards will need to be at their best.
""Matthew Scarlett, Harley and just generally the backline they have gelled together very well. Their on-ball division is capable of mixing it with the best in the competition and they have got forwards at the moment that are kicking goals. Across the board it’s a very competitive unit.
""Hopefully it will all come down to kicking more goals and our midfield getting on top and giving our forwards the opportunity to get the results on the board. It will just be a whole team contribution to get over the Cats because they are in very good form,"" Wallis said.
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