SUMMARY
After a three-week hiccup, the Cats have steadied the ship over the past fortnight and have seen off the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide to climb back to third on the ladder after falling to fifth. Their two-point win over the Power came in thrilling circumstances with Patrick Dangerfield kicking the sealer with 90 seconds remaining after some Joel Selwood heroics. Meanwhile, the Crows have also won two on the trot after dropping games to North Melbourne and Melbourne. Since then, they've made a mess of the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle, with Andy Otten the hero on Saturday night with four goals against the Dockers in the wet that helped ascertain the Crows as ladder leaders by percentage from Greater Western Sydney. Both teams have player milestones to celebrate, with Tom Hawkins scheduled for his 200th game and Josh Jenkins his 100th, in what will be the Cats' third straight game at their revamped home fortress.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Friday, June 2, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R18, 2016, Geelong 12.13 (85) d Adelaide 7.13 (55) at Simonds Stadium
R8, 2016, Geelong 13.20 (98) d Adelaide 11.6 (72) at Adelaide Oval
R23, 2015, Geelong 17.17 (119) d Adelaide 11.14 (80) at Simonds Stadium
R1, 2014, Geelong 18.11 (119) d Adelaide 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R17, 2013, Adelaide 14.10 (94) d Geelong 14.8 (92) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. All signs point to a Friday night goal-fest. The Cats and Crows are two of the highest scoring sides this season; the Crows first with an average of 124 points a game, and the Cats third with 106.
2. It's a ground that holds fear for the Crows. They haven't won at the Cattery since round 10, 2003, and have lost 16 of 19 games there. They also haven't kicked over 100 points at the venue since round 18, 2000.
3. The Don Pyke-led Crows are yet to register a win against the Cats. The Crows haven't beaten them anywhere since round 17, 2013.
4. When the two sides last met, the Cats led by one point at half-time but kicked seven goals to two after the main break, with Dangerfield starring with 36 disposals. Eddie Betts managed just one goal.
5. The Cats could recall some defensive power (Tom Lonergan was managed last week), with the Crows the No.1 ranked team for marks inside 50 this season. In comparison, the Cats are equal ninth.
6. One of the more absorbing midfield head-to-heads could take place at times during this game. Dangerfield and Rory Sloane are ranked first and third respectively in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, and the good friends are sure to cross paths at some point.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Scott Selwood.
He's been back for two weeks after overcoming a pre-season toe injury and has recorded a massive 17 tackles in each of his games. He's also sure to spend some time against the in-form Sloane, which could prove a crucial match-up if he gets under the midfielder's skin.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 19 points
