It doesn’t get much bigger than Geelong versus Collingwood in a final, and tonight they will compete to play Brisbane in a preliminary final.

Ahead of this blockbuster semi final clash and in partnership with Deakin’s Centre for Sport Research, we break down this must win game for both teams.

Team Selection

Geelong has made one change with Sam Simpson replacing Tom Atkins.

Collingwood has named an unchanged line-up.

VIEW FULL TEAMS

How the Teams Compare

Centre Clearances: Geelong (2nd – 11) v Collingwood 14th – 8.8)
Stoppage Clearances: Geelong (2nd – 22.4) v Collingwood 6th – 21.2)
Contested Possessions: Geelong (3rd – 121.7) v Collingwood 2nd – 122.9)
Uncontested Possessions: Geelong (3rd – 185.8) v Collingwood 1st – 196.9)
Mark Inside 50: Geelong (1st – 10.2) v Collingwood 16th – 7.1)
Hitouts: Geelong (10th – 29.1) v Collingwood 1st – 36.2)
Tackles: Geelong (5th – 52.1) v Collingwood 8th – 51.2)

Executing the game plan

Geelong enter Saturday’s semi final at the Gabba looking to bounce back after going down to minor premier Port Adelaide in the first week of finals.

Coach Chris Scott saw enough positive signs from his team’s performance against the Power and if they can improve their execution, he is confident his side’s season will continue for another week.

“We are confident in the system we have developed this year and that has been evolving throughout the year,” Scott said at Friday’s press conference.

“Even with that slightly sub optimal execution, the expected score was still in our favour, a lot of things went right for us in the game, so we are not saying we should have won the game necessarily, but we certainly gave ourselves a chance.

“So, while disappointed we are pretty confident, very confident that our best footy stands up and now it’s a matter of doubling down on our execution of that system."

Centre bounces crucial

Geelong has conceded more goals from centre bounces than any other team in the competition this season.

Against Port Adelaide they conceded three goals which proved to be the difference.

Collingwood has a team capable of causing Geelong some potential headaches with Brodie Grundy (1st Hitouts to advantage), and Taylor Adams (5th centre clearances) amongst the best players in the competition.

If the Cats can manage to draw level in this area of the game, it will go a long way towards victory on Saturday night.

De Goey a big task

When the two sides met earlier this season Jordan De Goey was the difference with five goals in a low scoring encounter.

Since his return from injury in Round 17, the dangerous forward is averaging three shots on goal per game. He is an explosive match-winner and his rare combination of speed and strength combined with elite skills makes him a difficult man to stop.

Jake Kolodjashnij has played on the elusive forward in the past, but coach Chris Scott believes Geelong have a few different options down back.

“We have got a pretty flexible group back there, almost to a man they’ve got pretty good height, speed and flexibility.”

“No one is completely comfortable on De Goey, but we feel like we have options that could do the job if they execute within their capabilities.

“So, I think Jake’s a good matchup on those types of players, but I have got a healthy respect for Jordan De Goey and I am not going to say that any of our guys will be okay on him because it’s a big task.”

Scott backing in Tomahawk

Scott is backing in Tom Hawkins to respond against the Pies following his wayward performance in front of goals last week.

Prior to the game against the Power, Hawkins’ goal kicking record in finals stood at 33.24.

“He works on his goal kicking really hard and over the course of his career, particularly in big games he has been very good at that execution, he missed a few he would have liked to have got.

“He is as aware of it as anyone and he is a very good exponent of that art, so he has continued to work hard on it this week and we will back him in to convert when he gets his chances.”