There has been much debate over the season about the impact of the bye. Early in the year most clubs found themselves as losers in the week after a break.

So it is worth considering how the Cats have fared in recent years after a weekend with the feet up.

Since 2005, Geelong has had 10 spilt rounds or byes that have resulted in a week without footy, including three preliminary finals after an open weekend.

The Cats are an impressive 8-2 in those 10 games, showing that as far as this group is concerned, a bye is a positive thing.

Chris Scott said last week that the week off had come at a great time.

“We will rest and rejuvenate,” Scott said on the popular Tweet the coach on CATS TV.

“The physical rest will have a big impact. We think the bye has come at a really positive time for us. We will try to imbed some of our game style priorities. It has been a priority all year but it is a chance to get more practice at it. We think it’s come at a perfect time so we can attack the rest of the year.”

Geelong after a week off 2005-2011

2005 - Rd 14 vs. Hawthorn won by 55 points
2006 - Rd 13 vs. Adelaide lost by 92 points
2007 - Rd 13 vs. Sydney won by 18 points
2007 - PF vs. Collingwood won by 5 points
2008 - Rd 14 vs. Adelaide won by 68 points
2008 - PF vs. Western Bulldogs won by 29 points
2009 - Rd 12 vs. Fremantle won by 19 points
2009 - PF vs. Collingwood won by 73 points
2010 - Rd 13 vs. St Kilda lost by 24 points
2011 - Rd 7 vs. North Melbourne won by 66 points