GEELONG CATS vs RICHMOND TIGERS

Round 7 - 3:20 Sunday May 4, MCG
Geelong and Richmond face off in the final game for both clubs before the bye. A third of the way through a marathon season, the week off provides an opportunity for reflection and reassessment. The Cats can enjoy the rest firmly intrenched in the top four with an impressive record of six wins and one loss if they defeat the Tigers. Like Geelong, Richmond had top four ambitions when the season commenced but are now on the cusp of slipping out of the finals race. After a demoralising defeat at the hands of Hawthorn, the Tigers can rekindle optimism at Punt Rd if they topple the Cats this Sunday. Recent form suggests an upset is unlikely and a fifth defeat will bring the blowtorch to Tigerland. Cellar dwellers for many years, Richmond have risen steadily over recent seasons. Lately their list management has come under scrutiny, criticised for recycling players and restricting improvement. Geelong have traditionally favoured development through the draft, but have been bolstered by the addition of Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh. Traded talent helped take the Tigers to their first final in over a decade in 2013. Richmond now require number one draft pick Brett Deledio to return and help keep their September ambitions alive.

LAST TIME THEY MET
Geelong 20.11 (131)
Richmond 13.9 (87)

Richmond started the stronger of the two sides, dominating in the clearances and leading by 19 points midway through the second term. The Cats rallied and kicked the next four goals, taking a five point advantage into the major break. Geelong were unstoppable after half time, kicking 11 goals to five to win by 44 points. Steve Johnson was best afield, collecting 31 disposals, two goals, and three Brownlow votes. Corey Enright kicked the final goal of the game with a set shot from from the boundary line, celebrating his 250 game milestone in style.

KEY MATCH-UP
Cameron Guthrie vs Dustin Martin
Cameron Guthrie was developed as a defender, equipped with excellent acceleration and enormous courage. He performed consistently in his 20 games in 2013, including an outstanding September in which he kept Hayden Ballantyne, Angus Monfries and Cyril Rioli goalless. Over the summer Guthrie enhanced his running capacity and is now capable of competing in the midfield. He was charged with a tagging role on Patrick Dangerfield in round one, collected a career-high 24 disposals as a true on-baller against West Coast in round four, and has returned to defence when required at different stages of the season.

Dustin Martin is equally versatile, playing predominantly as a half forward with short periods in the midfield. A talented opponent, Martin was taken with pick three in the 2009 draft and still has untapped potential. He ranked third at Richmond for inside 50s last season and second for total disposals, averaging 24.2 per game. Martin is a powerful player who has mastered the fend off, making him incredibly difficult to tackle. Cameron Guthrie can compete with Martin when forward and follow him into the centre. Most importantly, he leads the Cats with an average of seven tackles per match, an output even Martin can’t argue with.

DID YOU KNOW?
Geelong had won 10 games in a row against Port Adelaide before the Power ending that streak last Sunday. The Cats have not lost to Richmond since 2006 and this coming Sunday will be striving for their 10th straight win over the Tigers.