The Cats travel to Brisbane for their Round 13 match against the Lions. Contesting in the Sunday twilight fixture, Geelong should feel rested and rejuvenated from a 15 day break between games. After a bye in Round 12 the Cats face unique and difficult conditions at the Gabba against an opponent that plays much better football on their home turf. High humidity in Queensland can be taxing on the players and creates a slippery ball and surface, akin to wet weather conditions without any rain.
Following the Cats win against GWS, Geelong coach Chris Scott insisted that despite losing just one match in the first half of the season there were many areas for improvement from the playing group. The 15th placed Lions will strive to win 2003 premiership player Ashley McGrath’s 200th game but confront a Geelong side that is separated from top spot only by percentage and is keen to deliver the consistent performance their coach demands.
Hear what James Kelly said about Sunday's clash against the Lions on Argue the Toss.
Last Time They Met
Round 5, 2012 at The Gabba
Geelong Cats def Brisbane Lions
12 - 7 - 79 4 - 17 - 41
The last clash between the Cats and the Lions was a wet and muddy affair. There was a heavy downpour in the lead up to the match and regular rain throughout the contest. Geelong played the conditions better than their opponent, keeping Brisbane goalless for the first half. Hawkins was the star for the Cats while the Lions, who scored their first major 20 minutes into the third term, managed to kick the last three goals of the match to bring the margin back to 38 points.
Who do you think is in the lead for Geelong's B&F vote count so far this season?
Key Match Ups
TRENT WEST vs MATTHEW LEUENBERGER
Trent West has played every game this season, averaging 21.7 hit-outs and over 10 disposals per game. With the business end of the 2013 season fast approaching, he must continue to perform as competition grows for the number one ruck position at Geelong. With the constant improvement of Mark Blicavs, the return of Nathan Vardy, and mature recruit Hamish McIntosh working his way back from injury, the contest is heating up to secure a spot in the Cats starting 22. West will have his work cut out for him against Brisbane ruckman Matthew Leuenberger. The 204cm Leuenberger is very athletic and quickly returned to damaging best this year after missing most of last season with an achilles injury. He is a quality player that has been the topic of serious trade talk this year, particularly in association with GWS who are in need of a ruckman and have cash to spend. The Lions were relieved when Leuenberger agreed to extend his contract this week, committing to Brisbane for another 2 seasons. No longer distracted by contract negotiations and speculation, Leuenberger will be focused on his upcoming contest with Trent West.
TOM HAWKINS vs DANIEL MERRETT
Hawkins dominated the last time these two clubs met, kicking 6 goals. In heavy rain he had clean hands and was awarded 3 Brownlow votes for his match winning efforts. Hawkins has struggled to consistently reach the high standards that earned him Best and Fairest honours at Geelong last year due to an ongoing back problem. He still averages almost 5 marks and 3 goals a game and remains the Cats most dangerous forward despite the injury, which will certainly have benefited from a two week break. Brisbane defender Daniel Merrett has had a longer break, returning to senior football after a month on the sidelines. Merrett recieved a 3 match suspension for rough conduct after dumping Essendon’s Michael Hurley in a tackle during the Lions surprise win in Round 8. A bye in Round 11 extended Merrett’s exodus so the big defender, affectionately known as “Sauce,” will be eager to get back out on the field. He will be a welcome return for Brisbane as he is their most consistent and reliable player in defence. Merrett is exceptionally quick and, at 195cm and 103kg, has the size and strength to match Hawkins.
Which player will provide the ultimate lift for the Cats? Join the discussion on ATT.
Did You Know?
Geelong coach Chris Scott played 215 games with Brisbane between 1994 and 2007, including 2 premierships. He played much of his career along side brother Brad, now coach of North Melbourne, who played 146 of his 168 game career with the Lions.
The Cats scored the highest total in AFL/VFL history against Brisbane in Round 7, 1992, kicking 37-17-239. Geelong achieved the historic 164 point win at Carrara Oval, home of the Brisbane Bears from 1987 to 1993. Carrara was redeveloped in 2011 and is now known as Metricon Stadium, home of the Gold Coast Suns.
Current Brisbane captain Jonathan Brown played U18s for the Geelong Falcons along side Cats premiership captain Cameron Ling. Brown would travel from his home in Warnambool to play with the Falcons and regularly enjoyed the hospitality of the Ling family. The Brisbane Lions drafted Jonathan Brown as a father-son selection with pick 30 in the 1999 AFL draft. He would go on to play in 3 premierships in his first 3 years with the club.
