Two games separate Geelong (4th) and the Northern Blues (7th) as they prepare to clash at Simonds Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Nick Duxson preview the game.
Geelong have slipped from 1st to 4th, but rebounded from two consecutive defeats with a win last weekend, while the Blues have stuttered after a fast-start, narrowly being defeated by the Magpies on Saturday.
Both teams will have finals well in their sights, and have a lot to play for this week – a Geelong loss will see them miss a chance to get top spot, while the Blues need a win to stay within the top eight.
Conditions
It should be a cool afternoon for football at Simonds Stadium, with a forecast temperature of 15 degrees. No rain is predicted for the weekend, so conditions and both teams’ form should be conducive for a fast-paced, high scoring encounter.
The Last Three
Geelong – LLW – The Cats scored 107 against both Collingwood and the Scorpions, but were outscored in two entertaining defeats. They returned to the winners’ list with a 38-point win over the Bombers, with ruck-man Dawson Simpson continuing his brilliant run of form.
Northern Blues – LWL – The Blues lost in heartbreaking fashion last week, a Jarrod Witts goal consigning them to a three-point defeat. That was preceded by a massive win over the Roosters, and another close loss, to the Zebras at home.
Last Meeting
Round 13, 2012 – Visy Park – Geelong 9.18.72 def Northern Blues 2.9.21
Geelong recorded a thumping 52-point win over the Blues, holding the home side to just two majors for the afternoon. The Blues scored just four points in the second half, as the young Cats dominated, ruck-man Orren Stephenson feeding young midfielders such as Hogan, Horlin-Smith and Murdoch first use of the ball.
The Key Match Ups
Shaun Hampson played large periods of time up forward last week, but he might be needed to venture more into the ruck this week. Dawson Simpson has been dominating for the Cats, and has found valuable support in Andrew Banjanin.
Both sides have a lot of talented young on-ballers – the experienced heads of Aaron Joseph and Troy Selwood could go head to head in the centre of the ground, two hard ball specialists bound to have an impact on the contest
The Northern Blues have a large array of tall forward options – Sam Rowe and Luke Mitchell provide big targets, plus the slightly more versatile Troy Menzel and Jeremy Laidler. Geelong’s defence will have their work cut out to keep all of these Carlton listed forwards out of the game.
Team Selections
Five changes to the Cats AFL team sees the in-form Billie Smedts move up, along with Murdoch, Thurlow and Stringer. Jordan Schroeder returns to the VFL side.
The Blues have Josh Bootsma, Troy Menzel and Tom Bell returning from the Carlton side, which should add to their depth all around the ground.
Prediction – Cats by 24 points.
Last Modified on 08/06/2013 18:14