Geelong against Hawthorn is always a mouth-watering contest. Battling before 90,000 supporters at the home of football, Friday night’s preliminary final shapes as one the biggest games in modern football’s greatest rivalry. Nine goals from Gary Ablett Snr was enough to win the Norm Smith Medal, but not enough the get Geelong over the line against Hawthorn in the 1989 grand final, regarded by many as the best of all time. In 2008 it was again Hawthorn who upset the Cats to win the premiership. Since then Geelong has won 11 consecutive games against the Hawks, including a qualifying final on route to their 2011 flag. The famed “Kennett curse” has become a part of football folklore, a colourful addition to the rich history between these two clubs. It is the opportunity to make history that will motivate the players when they take to the MCG. Fighting for a place in the grand final, it is sure to be a thrilling chapter in this tale of two teams.
Last Time They Met
Round 15, July 6, 2013, MCG
Geelong 11 – 16 – 82
Hawthorn 10 – 12 – 72
Over 85,000 fans witness another classic contest between the Cats and the Hawks. In a fast flowing affair, Geelong started the strongest and took a three goal lead into the first break. The game then tightened up dramatically and only three goals were scored in the next two quarters. The Cats kicked the first three goals of the final term and looked to have the game under control before Hawthorn responded with five unanswered goals. Controversy surround the David Hale goal that brought the Hawks to within two kicks, the result of an interchange violation decision that later proved to be a mistake. Joel Selwood had 33 disposals and Sam Mitchel had 37, but it was young Cat Jordan Murdoch with three goals, including the match winner in the dying minutes, that had the biggest influence on the result.
Key Match Ups
HARRY TAYLOR vs JARRYD ROUGHEAD
Taylor and Roughead are two masters of their craft. Roughead was named on the full forward line in the All-Australian team on Monday night and won the 2013 Coleman Medal with 68 goals in the home and away season. He has spent more time inside attacking 50 this year, but still plays bursts in the midfield as both a ruckman and ruck rover. He is a powerful overhead mark who is equally capable when the ball hits the ground, possessing remarkable speed and agility for a man his size.
Harry Taylor was named the All-Australian centre half back for the second time in his career, a fitting reward for a fine season. Although Taylor has displayed an ability to swing forward and kick goals this season, it is in a key defensive post that he is most valuable. He backs himself to beet his opponent in aerial contests and averages 7.4 marks per game, eclipsing Roughead’s 4.7. In doing so Taylor quickly turns defence into attack, leading Geelong with almost four rebound 50s per game.
NATHAN VARDY vs DAVID HALE
David Hale has played more games this year than Vardy has in his entire career. A veteran of almost 200 games, he is an athletic second ruckman who plays as a third tall in the forward line. He averages 17 hit-outs and 13 disposals this year and, at 201cm tall, he is a test for any team’s defence. Hale has caused headaches for the Cats in the past, kicking eight goals against Geelong as a Kangaroo in 2008.
Vardy carries enormous responsibility as the number one ruckman. Like Hale, he is a strong mark and has the ability to make an impact in the forward line, averaging over a goal per game. If Vardy is able to kick a goal early in the match it will be a huge tactical victory as it will force Hale to maintain a defensive mindset and, as a result, will restrict his attacking influence. Vardy played extremely well late in the match last week, taking three important marks in the final quarter. Hawthorn regularly substitute primary ruckman Max Bailey out of the match after three quarters, so Vardy’s ability to run out games strongly could be real asset.
The Stat That Matters
Geelong and Hawthorn both outscored their opponents by five goals to one in the third term of their most recent matches. The two clubs have performed strongly after half time all season. If one team can dominate the premiership quarter on Friday night it will go a long way to securing a play-off for the 2013 premiership.
Did You Know?
Cyril Rioli, who is expected to return to the Hawthorn side, is the only Hawk to play in every one of the past 11 losses to Geelong.
Hawthorn were playing for their 13th straight victory, a club record, when they lost to the Cats in round 15. The Geelong VFL side won their 13th consecutive match last weekend to secure a grand final berth against Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate the Box Hill Hawks. Geelong and Box Hill will play for the VFL premiership this Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
