Former Hawk Xavier Ellis says the undefeated Eagles have nothing to lose when they meet the Cats on their home field this Saturday night.

The talented midfielder, who joined the Eagles as a free agent last year, has battled against the Cats seven times including the 2008 Grand Final. Although during his eight-year-career, Ellis has never taken on the Cats at Simonds Stadium.

Ellis respects the way Geelong play their footy and the way Joel Selwood leads the team. However, he says the Eagles are in good form and ready to take charge of the challenge against the former rival.  

“Geelong don’t get any worse do they,” Ellis told www.westcoasteagles.com.au

“They’re just a great side and they’re well led by Joel.

“We’re going to be challenged down at Simonds and I think the boys are really looking forward to a big challenge.

“If you go down to Geelong you don’t have much to lose down there and we’re in good form ourselves so it will be a good battle.

Ellis believes the Cats continue to be an obstacle in the competition because of their management between their older and younger players.

“Scott has managed to keep the cream playing, like Bartel, Selwood, Steve Johnson and Harry Taylor whilst introducing the younger guys into the side,” Ellis explained.

“They haven’t really lost a lot because the stars are still playing good football and they’ve managed to get the 50-games into those young guys, so they’re still at the top of the tree for a reason.”

The undefeated pair will go to battle Saturday night, when the Cats take on the Eagles at Simonds Stadium for the first time since 2010.