GEELONG CATS vs FREMANTLE DOCKERS

Round 9 - 7:40PM EST May 17, 2014, Patersons Stadium

Geelong and Fremantle have developed a respectful dislike for each, participating in adversarial, and at times spiteful encounters in recent seasons. The Dockers reached the Grand Final last year and strive to go one step further in 2014. After eight rounds of football they are balanced on a precipice with four wins and four defeats, fighting to stay in contention for a top four finish. Geelong and Fremantle are both talented teams who have suffered significant injuries through the early part of the season. The loss of tall defenders and creative forwards has tested the flexibility of Ross Lyon’s structure-based game style and dented the Dockers’ confidence. Geelong’s list remains in a period of transition and versatility, particularly amongst senior players, is essential for short term success. Mature midfielders Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly, like Joel Corey before them, have been moved out of the centre square to give a new brigade of onballers necessary experience at the coal face. The Fremantle midfield is formidable, but have been heavily relied upon to support the defence and score goals this season. Matthew Pavlich remains their focal point in the forward line, and will be in greater focus playing in his 300th game. Pavlich is arguably the most versatile player in the league and undoubtedly the greatest ever Docker. Fremantle will be intent on celebrating this milestone with a victory, making the toughest trip in football an even greater test for the Cats.

LAST TIME THEY MET
Qualifying Final - September 7, 2013, Simonds Stadium
Geelong 9.18 (72)
Fremantle 12.15 (87)

Geelong hosted its’ first final in more than 100 years but the Cats could not capitalise on their home ground advantage, losing to Fremantle by 15 points. Geelong started the better of the two teams, with Steve Johnson collecting 12 first quarter touches. Down by 20 points early in the second term, the Dockers lifted their intensity and delivered the manic defensive pressure that characterised their season. They lead at the major break before a resurgent Geelong took the front with two quick goals early in the second half. The Cats managed just one more goal for the remainder of match, unable to restrict ruckman Aaron Sandilands and overpowered by the Fremantle midfield. Eliminated from the finals race by the Dockers in 2012, Geelong lost their second straight final to Fremantle. The Cats had a second chance thanks to a top two finish, but the upset soured an historical occasion in the city of Geelong.

KEY MATCH UP
DAWSON SIMPSON vs AARON SANDILANDS
Aaron Sandilands is one of the most daunting figures in the AFL. He is the biggest man ever to play football at the highest level, standing 211cm tall and weighing 120kg. Opposing Sandilands is a monstrous task, not just because of his size, but because of his aerial dominance and effectiveness around the ground. In last years’ Qualifying Final, the Dockers won 50 hit-outs to the Cats’ 16, with Sandilands contributing 31. This season he averages 43 hit-outs per game, while Simpson and rucking counterpart Hamish McIntosh have a combined average of 36. Total number of hit-outs can be a misleading stat that does not directly translate to stoppage success. Nor is it the sole contribution expected of a ruckman. Dawson Simpson has impressed this season with his willingness to compete at ground level, applying tackling pressure and frequently winning clearances. It will be more difficult to impose himself physically against an opponent like Sandilands, so he will have to try and out-smart and out-run his opponent. It is an enormous challenge for Simpson, who will play just his 18th game on Saturday night. He has excelled working in tandem with Hamish McIntosh and Mark Blicavs, and will require their support. The ruck will be a crucial battleground in the context of the match, but will be a battle of strategy as much as size.

DID YOU KNOW?
Geelong were restricted to nine goals in the Qualifying Final against Fremantle, the first time they had kicked less than 10 goals since 2008. The match was the first final held in Geelong since 1897, and just the second match the Cats had lost in Geelong since 2007.
Matthew Pavlich is the only player from a Western Australian based club to play 300 AFL games. Fremantle and West Coast have a combined 48 year history in the national competition and Pavlich will be the first to reach the 300 milestone.
Matthew Pavlich has played 15 of the 20 seasons Fremantle has been involved in and, thanks to his longevity and versatility, he is the most celebrated champion at the club.

All-Australian: ’02, ’03, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08 (selected as key defender, key forward, and in midfield)
Club B&F: ’02, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’11
Club Leading Goal Kicker: ’01, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ‘12