It’s not quite the traditional 2.10pm on Saturday afternoon slot, but 4.35pm for the big clash with Tigers isn’t a bad alternative if you’re headed up the highway for what should be a mouth-watering clash.
It’s one of those rare occasions where the footy gods are smiling on the fixture with all top 8 sides scheduled to face off with the Geelong v Richmond clash arguably the best of the lot.
The Cats are coming into the game with four straight wins under their belt, while the Tigers have snagged four of their last five as well. So the table is set; a Geelong win will have Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle having a good look over their collective shoulders and as for the Tigers, their post bye form in the premiership years has been formidable to say the least.
Here’s a couple of things to look out for when the ball is bounced at 4.35pm on Saturday:
Inside 50s
As with the Brownlow, most games of footy are won and lost in the middle of the ground, and this one should be no different. Richmond had a massive 76 inside 50s last week, but only managed 11 goals. But, if they get anywhere near that number this week, the game will likely be over. That said, with Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle roaming the Cats forward 50, you wouldn’t want to give them too many opportunities either.
So, expect all eyes to be on who's getting first use out of the stoppages because both sides can cause more damage than most with their offensive firepower.
The Ins and Outs
When the teams dropped on Thursday night the talk predictably went to Dustin Martin’s inclusion and Patrick Dangerfield’s exclusion, but Cats fans would have been buoyed to see Jack Henry and Max Holmes back in the side after missing so much footy.
Throw in the relentless forward pressure that Gary Rohan brings and Sam Menegola’s return last week and Geelong may just be as close to its full strength side as we have seen all year.
The Tigers on the other hand will be missing Trent Cotchin, Noah Balta and Kane Lambert, but the likes of Jayden Short and Liam Baker, while not household names, have a big say on this version of Richmond’s fortunes. Dusty will do what Dusty does, but make no mistake, they bat deep, the Tigers.
Darty Party
He may have only played 28 of his 199 games in the hoops but Jeremy Cameron has become a fan favourite down at the Cattery already. With his lethal left leg and unmatched post-snag celebrations, Cats fans have warmed to the Dartmoor native in rapid time.
So if the promise of a September shaping clash isn’t enough to convince you to get to the MCG on Saturday, the prospect of Jeremy Cameron getting off the leash should do the trick.
The best part is, if Jez doesn't get you, Tom Hawkins might. You won’t regret clicking on the banner below… see you at the footy.
