The Cats destiny is well and truly in their own hands with a number of their remaining five games being against sides that find themselves in a similar position to the Cats, including this week’s opponent - the Sandringham Zebras - who sit in 9th position on the table with 6 wins, 6 losses, a draw and a percentage of 103.39%.
This all means that this Round 15 fixture on a quiet Sunday at Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Sandringham, takes on the status of a ‘Final in July’ for the arch rivals who have combined for a total of 7 premierships since the VFL competition underwent a facelift in 2000.
The Cats have been given a boost at the selection table with the inclusion of experienced AFL utility Taylor Hunt and AFL omission Brad Hartman. VFL listed ruckman Andrew Banjanin has been recalled to the side with the elevation of Dawson Simpson to the AFL side.
With Simpson being the only AFL listed player removed from last week’s squad, the Cats could have as many as 18 AFL listed players take to the field against the Zebras on Sunday.
After representing the Vic Country Under 19’s last weekend against the VAFA Under 19’s, St Joseph’s midfielder Tom Atkins will replace Fraser Fort as the 23rd player.
VFL regulars Matthew Sully, Daniel Gibbs and Mitch Herbison have also been included in the 27-man squad.
After going through the first 5 rounds of the season undefeated, the St Kilda aligned Zebras recent inconsistent form can be attributed to the long injury list at the Saints. Despite the number of experienced players who remain unavailable, the Zebras have named a line up that includes a plethora of players who have played AFL football this year including Clint Jones, Trent Dennis-Lane, Terry Milera, Tom Simpkin, Cameron Shenton, Nathan Wright, Sam Dunell and Seb Ross.
Sandy skipper Adam Cockie is unavailable for selection through suspension while former Cat Piers Flanagan remains on the injury list.
For all Cats fans that cannot get to Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday, the match will be tweeted live, so follow @GeelongVFL on Twitter for all the action including live scores, stats updates and photos.
The match will also be broadcast LIVE on VFL Radio. There are plenty of ways you can listen to VFL Radio wherever you are:
On Analogue Radio: Fans can listen to each Sunday game at the ground via Vision Australia Radio on 1179AM in Melbourne. Fans across Victoria will be able to listen to the coverage via Vision Australia Radio stations in Bendigo (88.7FM), Mildura (107.5FM), Shepparton (100.1FM), Warrigul (93.5FM), Warrnambool (94.5FM) and Albury (101.7FM).
On your iPhone: Via the Red Time Sport iPhone app, which you can download for FREE from the iTunes store.
On your Digital Radio: Tune in each week on Aussie digital radio (SEN 2)
On the Web: Via www.vfl.com.au or www.bpmmedia.com.au
Bendigo Bank Cats – Round 15 Selected Side
B: Jed Bews, Jake Kolodjashnij, Taylor Hunt
HB: Billie Smedts, Joel Hamling, Jackson Thurlow
C: Jarrad Jansen, Brad Hartman, Jackson Sheringham
HF: Lincoln McCarthy, Mitch Brown, Michael Luxford
F: Dominic Gleeson (c), Josh Walker, Darcy Lang
R: Andrew Banjanin, Jesse Stringer, Jordan Schroder
I/C: James Toohey, Nick Bourke, Tom Maas, Matthew Sully, Jack Hollmer, Dane McFarlane, Mitch Herbison, Daniel Gibbs, Tom Atkins (23rd Player).
