The Spearheads: Jeremy Cameron v Joe Daniher
Two of the AFL’s best forwards will square off on Saturday, with Jeremy Cameron at one end and Joe Daniher at the other.
Cameron has enjoyed another productive year sitting second in the competition for goals (62), fifth for Marks Inside 50 and seventh for Score Involvements.
Daniher has led from the front for Brisbane ranking fourth in the AFL for goals in 2024 (56), fourth for marks inside 50 and eighth for score involvements.
The two spearheads have continued their strong form into September, Cameron booting four goals in the Cats Qualifying Final win over Port Adelaide, while Daniher has kicked six majors across the Lions two Finals.
The Interceptors: Harris Andrews v Jack Henry
Harris Andrews is widely regarded as one of the AFL’s best defenders, but Jack Henry has put together an equally impressive campaign for the Cats in 2024.
Andrews has taken the most intercept marks of any player in the AFL this year, while ranking highly in spoils (2nd), contested marks (2nd) and one percenters (3rd).
Henry has been brilliant down back for the Cats, sitting in the top 15 across the AFL for intercept possessions, contested marks, spoils and intercept marks.
These two star defenders will be crucial in Saturday’s contest.
The Brains: Chris Scott v Chris Fagan
What about the battle in the coaches box?
In his 14th season at Geelong, Chris Scott is entering his ninth Preliminary Final and looking for his fourth Grand Final berth.
The Cats head coach holds a career win percentage of 68.32%, while also winning 16 of 20 clashes against Brisbane dating back to 2011.
Chris Fagan will be looking to make it back-to-back Grand Final appearances, having won six of his last eight Finals dating back to 2022.
Holding a 70.4% win rate across the past six seasons, Fagan will be looking to buck a long running trend that has seen Brisbane unable to beat Geelong in Victoria since 2004.
The Crafty Small Forwards: Charlie Cameron v Tyson Stengle
Saturday’s Preliminary Final will see two of the competition’s most creative small forwards go toe-to-toe, with Tyson Stengle for Geelong and Charlie Cameron for Brisbane.
Stengle has been in scintillating form for the Cats in 2024, kicking 46 goals to sit eighth in the competition, while also ranking first for forward 50 ground ball gets and 19th for goal assists.
Charlie Cameron has been impressive too booting 41 goals this season, ranking second at Brisbane for Marks on the Lead and third for Marks Inside 50.
With every moment important in a Preliminary Final, these two brilliant small forwards will be looking to capitalise on any opportunities they get.
The Midfield Bulls: Josh Dunkley v Patrick Dangerfield
There may not be better contested players in the competition than Patrick Dangerfield and Josh Dunkley, with the two tough on-ballers set to do battle on Saturday.
Dangerfield has been terrific in the back half of the 2024 season, averaging 20 disposals and 11 contested possessions per game while leading the Cats for Inside 50 entries.
Dunkley has been a prime accumulator this year averaging 25 disposals per game, while also leading the Lions for tackles and sitting second for contested possessions.
