Geelong's VFL side is brimming with talent, making the task of nominating the Cats' top five almost impossible.
Few would argue about the inclusion of Billy Smedts, Josh Walker and Jesse Stringer, but are these men below more important to their hopes of winning on Sunday?
Mitch Brown
Brown has been a revelation in defence this season and despite not cementing a spot in the Cats’ AFL line-up, he has taken his game to a new level.
The 196cm former key forward has been a pillar of strength in Geelong’s back half this season, using his long arms and clean hands to be both a defensive and attacking backmen when required.
With Box Hill Hawks’ depth of talls, including Sam Grimley, Luke Lowden and Jonathon Ceglar, Brown and fellow key defender Matt Sully will be pivotal to the Cats’ chances.
With plenty of clubs likely to be circling at seasons’ end, the 23-year-old could be lining up in the blue and white hoops for the final time.
George Horlin-Smith
Last year’s Norm Goss Medalist for best on ground in the VFL Grand Final is arguably one of the best young players in the country not playing regular AFL footy.
Despite a handful of games at the elite level this season, Horlin-Smith has spent a good chunk of time with the VFL Cats, demonstrating his exquisite skills. Precise by hand and lethal by foot, the long kicking midfielder has leadership written all over him and will be expected to have a big say on Sunday.
Up against the likes of Mitch Hallahan and Shane Savage, Horlin-Smith will need to be on his game to ensure the Cats win the all-important midfield battle.
Cameron Eardley
Eardley might not be the most well-known name at the Cattery but it’s a fair bet he was the first man picked by Matthew Knights and his coaching staff. Tough, uncompromising and courageous, both in the air and on the ground, the mid-sized defender from East Fremantle was born for the cut and thrust of finals football.
Eardley is likely to float through the midfield for some physical presence at times and can almost be guaranteed to be sporting some headwear by game’s end.
Shane Kersten
If a late AFL call-up for Tom Hawkins does eventuate, you can bet Box Hill Hawks’ coach Damian Carroll will be a happy man.
Kersten is a difficult match-up for any side with the strength to take contested marks and the mobility to find the ball further up the ground.
Four first-half goals in the Cats’ preliminary final demolition of Williamstown proved why he’s been spoken about as a possible AFL finals debutant and illustrated his range of talents.
A chase down in the forward fifty that resulted in a free kick and goal is the type of play Knights has been looking for from his key forward and the type of desperation that will be needed against the Hawks.
Trent West
Another who could still get the call-up for tonight’s AFL blockbuster, West is a formidable opponent for any ruckman at VFL level.
An AFL premiership player and now a veteran of 100-VFL games, the influence of the 199cm giant must be curtailed if the Hawks are to compete with the Cats.
If West can give first use to a bevy of talented midfielders, the Cats will be impossible to stop on the pristine surface of Etihad Stadium. He also looms as a possible forward weapon as the match wears on.
Last Modified on 20/09/2013 09:47