GEELONG CATS vs PORT ADELAIDE POWER
Semi Final, 7:50pm Friday September 13 at the MCG
Port Adelaide played with freedom and ferocity in their elimination final last week to secure a stunning upset victory over Collingwood. They have lost their last nine contests with  Geelong but have proven themselves to be a fearless outfit. The Cats cannot rely on their intimidating record if they are to defeat the most improved side in the competition. They have responded emphatically to every defeat this season, winning by an average margin of 54 points, and will be determined to deliver a better performance after a disappointing loss to Fremantle in the historic qualifying final at Kardinia Park. Underestimated all year, The Power have nothing to lose against a heavily favoured opponent. Losing is not an option for the Cats, who still maintain aspirations for a fourth premiership in six years. There are no more second chances.

KEY MATCH UPS
JIMMY BARTEL vs JUSTIN WESTHOFF
Justin Westhoff has been one of Ken Hinkley's most effective weapons this year, utilised as a dangerous swing man throughout the season. He is in career best form, averaging 17.6 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles and over a goal per game. Westhoff is given the freedom to rotate between positions and has developed the maturity and game awareness  to be a valuable utility.

Jimmy Bartel plays a similar role for the Cats. He is a regarded as a big game performer, a reputation he upheld with 31 disposals against the Dockers last week. Bartel is one of the most versatile players in the game, capable of having an impact anywhere the ground.

NATHAN VARDY vs MATTHEW LOBE
Fremantle big men Aron Sandilands and Zach Clarke were two of the most influential players in last week's qualifying final, dominating the ruck contests at centre bounces and around the ground. Nathan Vardy is still young and has enormous potential. His tap work has improved since he took over from Dawson Simpson as the number one ruckman and he is a dangerous marking target when he plays forward. The future may be bright for the talented Cat, but he will need to deliver a big performance for Geelong to progress to a Preliminary final.

Trent West is a possible inclusion for the Cats, who are all too well aware of Lobe's potential influence as he won 59 hit outs against Geelong in round 20. Lobe has been one of many at Port Adelaide to have break out years in 2013. He too is an inexperienced ruckman and does not pose the same threat as the dangerous Fremantle duo. He does, however, have a big strong body that he used with great effect in the Power's victory over Collingwood last week, winning four clearances. Lobe has also displayed ability in contested situations all season, averaging 28 hit-outs and almost five tackles per game.

Click here to view Friday night's footy train timetable from Geelong to Richmond, thanks to V/Line.

CAMERON GUTHRIE vs CHAD WINGARD
Cameron Guthrie was a late inclusion last week and a very valuable one, collecting 23 disposals from half back. He was improved significantly this year, combining speed and skill with a strong ability to win aerial contests. Small forwards have been able to score heavily against Geelong throughout the year. Kangaroos Daniel Wells and Lindsay Thomas scored four and five goals respectively, in round six Tiger Jake King kicked four goals and Brisbane's Ashley McGrath tallied six majors in the final round of the season. Without veteran defender Corey Enright, Cameron Guthrie has added responsibility to prevent any small forward from having a similar impact.

Angus Monfries was another small forward to have a day out against the Cats, kicking seven goals in round 20, but it is his team mate Chad Wingard that has proven himself to be a match winner. In just his second season at the top level, Wingard has averaged over 21 disposals and almost two goals a game, earning selection in the 40 man All-Australian squad. As he showed last week with three goals in his first final, he relishes the big stage and will need to be nullified if Geelong are to avoid being eliminated in straight sets.

THE STAT THAT MATTERS
Against Fremantle last week, Geelong did not score a single goal in the final term. Fourth quarter performance has been an area of strength for the Power, outscoring their opposition in 16 final terms this season. In round 20 at Simonds Stadium Port Adelaide kicked six goals to one after three quarter time, fighting back from a 10 goal deficit to bring the final margin down to just 25 points.

DID YOU KNOW?
Port Adelaide have only been in the AFL for 17 years but their historical links with the Geelong Football Club run deep. New Power coach Ken Hinkley played 121 games for the Cats and was an assistant coach from 2004 to 2009. His predecessor Gary Hocking, who took on the senior coaching role as a caretaker last season, was also a champion for Geelong, playing 274 games. In an illustrious career with the Cats, Hocking was a four time Carji Greeves medalist, a four time All-Australian and was named as a rover in the Geelong Team of the Century. Even Port captain and coach Matthew Primus has strong ties to Geelong. He played for the Geelong under 19s before he was drafted by the Power and is the grandson of club legend Reg Hickey, a premiership captain and three time premiership coach.