This intense rivalry will be taken to the field tonight in Adelaide as Geelong hope to continue their strong start to the year.

These matchups could play a big role in determining who takes the four points home.


Patrick Dangerfield V Rory Sloane

There’s nothing like a healthy rivalry between mates in footy.

Expect to see ‘Danger’ and Sloane play their hearts out tonight.

Both have had terrific starts to the season, with Dangerfield averaging 32 disposals, six marks and a goal.

Sloane has found his way back from an injury-plagued season in 2018, laying eight tackles and tallying six clearances in a dominant performance over Sydney.


Mark O’Connor V Chayce Jones

This young Irishman will have to keep his wits about him in defence, matching up against a rookie who lives to freak defenders out.

O’Connor showed off his contested ability through the first two rounds, winning the majority of his one-on-one contests in defensive 50.

His kicking efficiency has also been at an incredible 92.3%.

Jones, however, brings speed and defensive pressure to Adelaide’s forward line.


Jake Kolodjashnij V Tom Lynch

Playing as a lock-down defender, ‘Kola’ will most likely be aiming to lessen the impact Lynch has on the game.

Lynch is fully capable of taking a strong contested mark and kicking a bag of three or more goals.

In 2017 he averaged seven marks a game, while kicking a solid 31 goals for the year.

Kolodjashnij left Melbourne utility Christian Petracca goal-less last Saturday night, so he’ll be taking what he learnt against him up against Lynch.


Gary Rohan V Rory Laird

An All-Australian defender against an intense pressure forward.

Laird will have a tough time finding a clean possession without Rohan breathing down his neck tonight.

He averaged 4.3 rebound 50s in 2018, although after seeing Rohan chase down multiple defenders through the first two rounds, Laird should be scared.


Esava Ratugolea V Anyone who gets in his way

This man must be a tired ruckman’s worst nightmare with his ridiculous leap and bruising strength.

Not to mention defenders who find themselves underneath a high ball coming inside 50 with ‘Sav’ leading from behind, ready to pounce.

His scoreboard impact hasn’t been immediate, but he has had short stints in the ruck as a burst of energy and power.

He’ll be a big difference maker in who wins the ruck battle against Reilly O’Brien, as Sam Jacobs is out with knee issues.