OPPONENT: West Coast
VENUE: Domain Stadium
DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 31, 4.40pm AEST
WEATHER FORECAST: sunny, 21 degrees
Check out the Cats’ selected side here
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
1. PLENTY OF FORWARD LINE PRESSURE FROM SHANE KERSTEN
The 22-year-old West Aussie has embraced a new role since being brought into the team for the round five clash with Richmond. Applying pressure, rather than kicking goals, is now his No. 1 target. The coaches are confident that turning Kersten into a more defence-minded player will enable him to have a much greater overall impact on games than in the past. And Kersten agrees. "As long as I am doing that I will stay involved, and that's the main aim," he told a press conference at Simonds Stadium on Thursday.
Kersten revelling in new role
2. TEAM PRESSURE
The Cats' ability to apply pressure right across the field has elevated them to the top of Champion Data's pressure differential ladder. Basically, the Cats are applying a great deal more pressure to their opponents than they are having to absorb themselves.
Cat Stats: Turning up the pressure
3. A BETTER THIRD QUARTER
The Cats were outscored in third quarters by an average of 10 points between rounds one and four. In the past four rounds they were outscored in third quarters by an average of just four points. We're hoping that in the next four rounds the Cats can turn things around completely and start winning the premiership quarter each week.
4. A BIG WIN?
West Coast's greatest loss is 135 points; its lowest score is 6.5 (41); and its highest score conceded at Subiaco Oval is 28.14 (182). All those records were set in games against Geelong.
That random stat was courtesy of Rogers Results
5. AND HERE ARE A FEW FROM OUR FANS …
@Adam_McNicol @GeelongCats Stop Gaff and co. Stifle their run. Force the turnover.
— Anthony Stipanov (@vonapits) May 28, 2015
@Adam_McNicol @GeelongCats nullify Nic Nat's rucking skills & ability to influence the play around the ground is very important!
— Matt Croft (@CroftyV1) May 28, 2015
@Adam_McNicol must maximise first use. Forward pressure also to go up a notch, has been solid, must be better.
— Scotty (@tassie_skot_e) May 28, 2015
@Adam_McNicol Backline as always has to nullify entries. This was our way in flag years. Forward line kicking & midfield pressure is a must!
— PerthCats (@PerthCats) May 28, 2015