The Bendigo Bank Cats can consolidate a promising start and get their season off to a flyer with a win over Tasmania at Bellerive Oval on Saturday.
Buoyed by a pulsating comeback against Sandringham last week, the Cats will be intent on hitting the ground running this year to avoid the lacklustre start that put them behind the eight-ball for the first half of last season.
Geelong will be bolstered with the inclusions of several key players returning from injury, as it looks to translate impressive preseason form into its first premiership points of the season.
Geelong will take on a Tasmanian side looking to put a disappointing 2006 season behind them and surge back into finals contention under new coach Darryn Cresswell.
Comprising an abundance of youthful players, the Devils play a fast running style of game similar to the Western Bulldogs.
The experience of former Geelong midfielder Paul Koulouriotis looms as a vital element for the Devils this season, while Cameron Thurley has returned to Tasmania full time and is a proven match winner.
Last week the Devils kick started their 2007 campaign with a comfortable 30-point win over the Bendigo Bombers at Windy Hill, and will be out to impress in their first home match of the season this weekend.
Ben Ross impressed, while the goal kicking honours were shared, as the Devils broke out to an early lead and had the game won by three-quarter time.
Geelong will look to its on ball brigade of Kane Tenace, James Byrne, Jason Davenport and Steve Johnson to feature prominently on the wide-open expanses and match the early intensity of the Devils.
History suggests the two teams match up well, with three of the last four matches decided by less than 20 points – including two by less than seven points.
The match will be broadcast live into Tasmania by ABC TV from 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Bendigo Bank Cats Vs Tasmania form guide
Since 2005
Played four: Geelong two, Tasmania two.
Last time they met
Geelong Vs Tasmania. Round 11, 2006. Skilled Stadium
Geelong: 3.2.20, 8.5.53, 12.6.78, 16.7.103
Tasmania: 4.2.26, 10.6.66, 12.13.85, 13.19.97
Best – Geelong: Koulouriotis, D. Johnson, Prismall, Blake, Lonergan, Clarke
Goals – Geelong: McCarthy 4, Cheep, Forbes, Blake 2, D. Johnson, Koulouriotis, Playfair, Rudd, Byrne, Batchelor.
JJ Liston votes: D. Johnson 3, T. Makepeace 2, S. Godfrey 1.
