Now for the Cats
After a win over the premiers, Carlton’s Eddie Betts says the team are ready for the challenge of facing Geelong
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CARLTON forward Eddie Betts concedes Geelong will be another significant test when the Blues take on the Cats next Saturday night at Telstra Dome.
Betts, who chipped in with a goal during Carlton's 24-point win over premiers Hawthorn at Telstra Dome on Sunday, said the win gave the team belief but matching it against another 2008 grand finalist would be a tough encounter.
"It does give us a bit of confidence. Even though [the Hawks] had players out, we treated it as if it was a normal game … We owe them a few”, Betts told carltonfc.com.au.
"It's pretty exciting [to be taking on Geelong] but we just go out there to work on our structures that we've worked on over the pre-season. If we get them right, we'll be ready.”
Speaking about his own game, Betts said he had further areas to work on but admitted the Sunday evening fixture was not his favourite match time.
"A twilight game really hits you. You go through a whole week and then it's the last game … I really struggled through the game.
"[Twilight matches] are pretty hard because it knocks your preparation around on a Sunday”.
Fitness is the key area Betts is focusing on before the premiership season arrives, although he feels he is in better shape than at the same time last year.
"I feel like I've got a lot of improvement to go … I am a bit further [advanced] than last year. I came through the pre-season, but I need to keep working on my fitness."