GEELONG CATS vs ST KILDA SAINTS
Round 13 – 1:10PM Sunday, June 15, Simonds Stadium
The draft is the AFL’s ultimate equalisation strategy, designed to aid the rise of lower placed teams and inhibit the prolonged dominance of successful teams. Over the past 15 seasons St. Kilda have experienced the full swing of the competition pendulum. Grand Finalists in 1997, they finished bottom three years later and fought their way back, only to fall short of premierships in 2009 and 2010.
The difference between back-to-back flags and failure was just 12 points. Much like the Luna Park rollercoaster at St. Kilda Beach, every rise is followed by a fall and the once mighty Saints are again enduring a period of regeneration. Geelong have defied the odds and continue to compete for football’s ultimate prize after the most successful stretch in their history. Despite a lack of high draft picks, the Cats have developed and steadily introduced young talent who can play at a high standard.
Difficult times lie ahead for the St. Kilda faithful, but the club has been brave enough to commit to a comprehensive rebuild. They have placed a high priority on youth and as a result they have sacrificed some of their best senior players for draft picks.
The development of youth is vital for both teams and relies on strong leadership and guidance from experienced players. Nine Cats and eights Saints who took the field in the 2009 Grand Final will run out on Simonds Stadium this Sunday. These veterans will play a key role in the outcome of the match and the long-term success of their clubs
KEY MATCH-UP
Jimmy Bartel vs Lenny Hayes
Bartel and Hayes are two of the most decorated veterans in the competition and at the height of their powers were among the very best players in the game. Hayes is the oldest player on St. Kilda’s list but is still their leading disposal winner, averaging 26.7 per game. He is also the Saints best clearance player, averaging 5.7 per game, and leads the club in tackles. The 2010 Norm Smith Medallist is a universally respected leader off the field and is still required to perform in an inexperienced midfield.
Jimmy Bartel was also awarded a Norm Smith medal for his outstanding performance in Geelong’s 2011 premiership win. His role on Lenny Hayes in the 2009 Grand Final did not receive the same public acknowledgment but was no less influential. The Saints star dominated the opening quarter and had reached double figures before the first change. Bartel was tasked with shutting him down and he successfully restricted Hayes’ impact on the remainder of the match. Bartel is one of the most versatile players in the AFL, and his flexibility is vital for Geelong. Starting most games in the forward line, he is also utilised in the midfield and across half back. The Cats do not place the same reliance on Bartel’s performance week to week but, like Hayes, he sets the standard off-field and steps up when his teams needs him most.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Geelong 21.11 (137)
St. Kilda 5.6 (36)
The first quarter was a tight fought contest with both teams tied on 25 points at the first break. The Cats dominated the match from that point on, conceding one more major in the second term before kicking 15 unanswered goals. Hawkins contributed five, Motlop four, and Joel Selwood was the best afield, kicking three goals and gathering 32 possessions.
DID YOU KNOW?
St Kilda’s lowest total against Geelong is the lowest score by any team in VFL/AFL history. Playing at Corio Oval in 1899, the Cats kicked 162 points while the Saints managed just one behind.
