Reigning premiers Geelong (2nd) are in scintillating form at the minute, as they host the Werribee Tigers (9th) at the Cattery on Saturday morning (11am) for the K-Rock Cup, the curtain raiser game to the TAC Cup clash between Geelong Falcons and Northern Knights.
The Tigers will be keen to atone for a pair of heavy defeats in recent weeks, which see them surprisingly outside of the top eight. Nick Duxson previews the clash.
Conditions
Early showers are expected down at Skilled Stadium, and an expected temperature of around 15 degrees promises to make it a chilly morning down in Geelong. The Tigers have been found out for leg speed the past fortnight, and a wet-weather scrap could suit Werribee’s strong contingent of in-and-under midfielders.
Form Guide
Geelong – WWWW – The Cats are undefeated for the year, running over the Dolphins in the second half of their clash last week. Tight wins against fellow contenders Williamstown and Box Hill and a five-goal victory against Sandringham has given Geelong the perfect start to the year.
Werribee – WLWLL – Looked to have turned the corner last week after being torn apart by Williamstown the week before, but fell away after half time as Sandringham ran riot. Will be looking to recapture their early season form which saw wins against Collingwood and Port Melbourne.
Last Meeting
Preliminary Final, 2012 – North Port Oval – Geelong 16.12.108 def Werribee 15.13.103
Less than a kick separated the Cats and Tigers in last year’s preliminary final, after Geelong only just held off a massive Werribee comeback. Both ruckmen were amongst the best - however Orren Stephenson and Majak Daw won’t be lining up for either side on the weekend. Ben Warren and Ben McKinley kicked three each for Werribee, while Mitch Brown booted three for Geelong.
The Key Match Ups
Werribee’s defense was found out against Sandringham’s big men last weekend, and they will have to find a way to cut down Geelong’s tall timber tomorrow. Joel Hamling slammed home five last quarter goals for the Cats against the Dolphins, while Nathan Vardy and Josh Walker could also feature in the forward 50.
Young Cat Jordan Murdoch has been impressive in his AFL career to date, and found plenty of the ball last weekend. With his explosive leg-speed, it will be interesting to see how he contends with the likes of Jarred Moore and Ben Ross in the centre.
That could depend on who gets first use of the ball – Daniel Currie was dominant again on the weekend, while Frankston controlled the hit-outs in their clash with Geelong. Youngster Darcy Fort will assist Currie this week, after forcing his way into the side with some magnificent tap work displays in the Development side, whilst Dawson Simpson returns for the Cats.
Selections
Josh Caddy has been omitted by Geelong AFL and will add some strength to the young VFL Cats’ midfield. Josh Hunt and Nathan Vardy will again line up in the VFL.
Darcy Fort comes up from Werribee’s Development side as the 23rd player and Ben Speight may join him on return from injury. Kris Pendlebury has not been named by the Tigers, after making his yellow and black debut last weekend.
Last Modified on 03/05/2013 13:28