SUMMARY
Geelong responded emphatically to its dismal 14-tackle first half against Essendon by amassing a club record 134 tackles against the Western Bulldogs last round, withstanding a gritty second-half comeback in the process. It was a swift turnaround considering Geelong laid a total of just 40 tackles against the Bombers the week prior, with the upset loss representing the first time since 2006 they'd dropped three successive games. The third-placed Cats face a six-day break ahead of the second of three straight matches under lights at the redeveloped Simonds Stadium, and must replicate the explosive intensity they showed against the Bulldogs. Port Adelaide, meanwhile, will be feeling refreshed from its early mid-season bye coming off a historic win in China. However, there's some uncertainty how the sixth-placed Power will perform straight after the break – at a venue where they have won only twice in 13 encounters, the most recent in 2007.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Thursday, May 25, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2016, Geelong 16.11 (107) d Port Adelaide 8.11 (59) at Adelaide Oval
R11, 2015, Geelong 14.8 (92) d Port Adelaide 11.3 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R6, 2014, Port Adelaide 16.11 (107) d Geelong 9.13 (67) at Adelaide Oval
2SF, 2013, Geelong 13.18 (96) d Port Adelaide 12.8 (80) at the MCG
R20, 2013, Geelong 20.9 (129) d Port Adelaide 16.8 (104) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Leading by 11 points at half-time, the Cats kicked nine goals to three in the second half to win comfortably in their last meeting. Skipper Joel Selwood dominated with 29 disposals, 11 clearances, six tackles and a goal.
2. The Cats have dominated Port Adelaide by winning 11 of the last 12 contests and three by more than 50 points. The Power last won in round six, 2014.
3. Geelong holds a big advantage over the Power at Simonds Stadium, winning 11 of 13 matches, including the last six. Port hasn't won at the venue since round 21, 2007.
4. It will be a contest between two of the highest-scoring sides. The Power are ranked second with 112 points per game and the Cats are third with 109 points.
5. Port Adelaide continues to be the best team for taking the ball inside 50, averaging 64.5 per game, while the Cats are ranked equal 10th with 53.3 per match.
6. Cats ruckman Zac Smith surged 31 places, from No.143 to No.112 overall, on the Schick AFL Player Ratings following his 48 hit-outs, 25 disposals and 10 tackles against the Western Bulldogs last round.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Daniel Menzel
The clash will hold extra significance for the mercurial Geelong forward, who runs out for his 50-game milestone since debuting in round 20, 2010. Menzel, 25, is a remarkable tale of perseverance following his well-documented four knee reconstructions. Meanwhile, the Cats will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their 2007 flag on the night.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 17 points
