The VFL introduced the preliminary final within the Page-McIntyre finals system in 1929.

Prior to that, the finals was a confusing mix of semis and opportunities to challenge sides if you loss to them.

Amazingly, since the introduction of a preliminary final, the Cats have played in 28 of them roughly a ratio of one every three years.

During that period of time the Cats have a record of 12 wins, one draw and 15 losses. The draw in 1962 against Carlton saw a preliminary final replay the next week with the Cats narrowly losing by 5 points.

In fact, the Cats have a habit of only just losing when being defeated in a preliminary final with the average losing margin 17.7 points compared to the average winning margin of 39 points.  The Cats have lost seven preliminary finals by under 10 points and won just three by under 10 points.

The Pies have been the Cats opponent in a preliminary final a whopping nine times with Collingwood triumphing in six of those games.

Since the introduction of the AFL, the Cats have played off in 11 preliminary finals or one every 2.3 years for a seven wins, four loss record. 

Whether any of this has any reckoning on Friday night remains to be seen but one things for sure, the Cats have been to the penultimate stage enough times to know what to do. 

Cats preliminary finals since 1929.