After a surprise loss to Brisbane last week the Cats must turn around their form to overcome third-placed Fremantle on Saturday night. Over recent weeks Chris Scott has stressed the need to improve consistency within games, a directive that will have been given greater emphasis following the Lion’s last quarter comeback. The Dockers are well drilled under Ross Lyon, relentless in their defensive efforts and physical pressure. Having only lost two games so far this season, Fremantle are a formidable opponent, currently sitting two points behind the Cats on the ladder. They average just 67 points against per game so it will take a four quarter performance from Geelong to break down their defensive structures and kick a winning score. Fremantle travel to Simmonds Stadium with second spot in their sights. There will be a capacity crowd in attendance for this mouth-watering contest between two top four teams.
Last Time They Met
Saturday 8 September, 2012, MCG, Elimination Final
Fremantle Dockers 14 - 12 - 96
Geelong Cats 11 - 14 - 80
The last time Geelong took on the Dockers they were defeated by 16 points and knocked out of the 2012 finals series. The Cats finished sixth on the ladder at the end of the Home and Away season and hosted seventh-placed Fremantle at the MCG in the 2nd Elimination Final. In front of 44,460 people the Dockers got off to a blistering start and lead Geelong by 36 points at quarter time. The Cats managed just one behind in the first term, strangled by the defensive Fremantle game plan developed under new coach Ross Lyon. Skipper Matthew Pavlich lead from the front, kicking 6 goals, and his team went into the final change 38 points in front. With their season on the line the Cats rallied but their 5 goals to 2 in the final term was not enough to claw back the three quarter time deficit.
Players to Watch
STEPHEN HILL is a maturing midfielder with electric speed and exquisite foot skills. Taken with pick 3 in the 2008 National Draft, Hill averages 19 disposals a game. Far from the Dockers most prolific ball winner, he is extremely dangerous when he gets the ball in space, disposing at over 82% efficiency this season.
TAYLOR HUNT has the pace to run with Hill and minimise his influence on the game. Returning from a collar bone injury, Hunt had a quiet match against Brisbane but has excelled in defensive roles this season. Hill has struggled when closely checked by an opponent, unable break free and use his deadly left foot. Hunt can both physically harass Hill and hurt him on the rebound with his run and carry and thumping long kick. Fremantle are expected to play without Michael Barlow and David Mundy, both in All-Australian contention, so shutting down Hill will help Geelong win the midfield battle.
MICHAEL WALTERS is one of a number of players who have blossomed under Ross Lyon. Banished from the club last year for not meeting fitness standards, Walters fought his way back into the team in Round 16 and kicked 22 goals in 10 matches. Walters is Fremantle’s second highest goal scorer, with 20 goals in just 9 games this year. He works high up the ground to help the Dockers defend and is most dangerous when Fremantle rebound and he can use his speed to work back into open space close to goal.
CAMERON GUTHRIE is likely to take Walters during the match. He has worked tirelessly to cement his spot in the Geelong back line and by locking down on dangerous opponents he frees up other defenders to attack on the rebound. The Cats generate a lot of forward entries from turn overs and by transitioning out of defence through Andrew Mackie, Josh Hunt, Corey Enright and Harry Taylor. Guthrie competes well in the air against bigger opponents and can also play on small forwards. Returning from a three week ankle injury, Walters was quiet last week and will be keen to have a big impact against the Cats. He is fast and a strong mark for his size, 177cm, so will be a big challenge for young Guthrie.
Did You Know?
After retiring from the Brisbane Lions in 2007 Chris Scott became an assistant coach at Fremantle under Mark Harvey. Scott coached the Dockers for 3 seasons before taking the top job at Geelong. Last week he coached against Harvey, who is now a senior assistant at Scott’s former club Brisbane.
The 6 goals Matthew Pavlich kicked against the Cats in last years Elimination Final was the most ever scored by a Fremantle player in a final. Pavlich kicked 62 goals in the 2012 Home and Away season, finishing equal second in the Coleman Medal with Geelong’s Tom Hawkins. Kicking a further 7 in the finals series, Pavlich finished the season with 69 goals and Fremantle’s leading goalkicker award, which he has won in seven of the past eight seasons.
