SUMMARY
The Cats were installed as premiership favourites following their win over Adelaide three weeks ago, but have since endured back-to-back shock losses to Collingwood and Carlton. Geelong has crumbled under the opposition's pressure and its defence has conceded more than 100 points in consecutive weeks, prompting coach Chris Scott to label the Cats "a shadow of the team" that defeated the Crows in round eight. Scott's men return to their favoured venue but face a GWS outfit that is quickly learning the art of two-way running, making this clash one of the more enticing match-ups of round 11. The Giants, which made an unsuccessful final-quarter comeback against Adelaide last week, will fancy their chances after defeating Geelong earlier this season for the first time in five attempts, as Cat-turned-Giant Steve Johnson returns to Simonds Stadium.
Steve Johnson will return to Geelong for the first time as a Giant. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Saturday, June 4, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for AFL.com.au's broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2016, GWS 13.11 (89) d Geelong 11.10 (76) at Manuka Oval
R17, 2015, Geelong 9.15 (69) d GWS 6.6 (42) at Manuka Oval
R18, 2014, Geelong 13.16 (94) d GWS 12.15 (87) at Spotless Stadium
R11, 2013, Geelong 24.13 (157) d GWS 15.8 (98) at Spotless Stadium
R10, 2012, Geelong 19.12 (126) d GWS 9.7 (61) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants were too strong for the Cats in most areas in round two, winning the disposals (393-345), inside 50s (56-48), clearances (39-26) and contested possessions (148-126).
2. Geelong remains No.1 for marks inside 50, averaging 16.4 per game courtesy of Tom Hawkins, who is ranked second in the league with a total of 37.
3. The Giants are ranked last for tackles so far in 2016, averaging 62.3 per game, while the Cats are equal third in this area at 74.2 per match.
4. Geelong is undefeated from three games at Simonds Stadium this season, defeating the Brisbane Lions (69 points), Gold Coast (120) and West Coast (44).
5. This will be a contest between two of the higher scoring sides in 2016. The Giants are ranked second, averaging 109 points per game, and the Cats are fourth with 105 points per match.
6. Shane Mumford has continued his upward trend in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Giants' ruckman has climbed 86 places, from No.142 to No.56 overall, since round one.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Steve Johnson.The 32-year-old, who kicked two goals when he confronted his former side for the first time in round two, will make his first appearance at Simonds Stadium in GWS colours. In his last game at the venue, the three-time premiership star was carried off the field alongside fellow departed Cats James Kelly and Mathew Stokes. Johnson celebrated his miracle left-foot snap from the boundary in style in the round 23 farewell against Adelaide, and the energetic forward will be eager to show off his bag of tricks at his old stomping ground.
PREDICTION: Geelong by seven points
