First and foremost, congratulations to Darcy Moore on what will be his 100th game.
This could get ugly! Despite a decent recent history against Geelong, they clearly touched us up in the finals last year. This year we now have a weaker list whereas the Cats are undeniably stronger, even in the absence of Duncan (concussion) and Dangerfield whom put us to the sword whilst playing as a forward.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
2020 Semi Final: Geelong 15.10 (100) def. Collingwood 5.2 (32) at the Gabba in front of a crowd of 21,396.
KEY MATCH UPS:
I think Moore will need to play on Cameron, who will likely take him up and down the ground away from his comfort zone similarly to how Daniher went about the encounter in Round 3. Unfortunately our other options in Keane and Roughead would be no match aerobically.
Roughead has a decent record in recent times against Hawkins, so must get the nod. I suspect the coaches may see an opportunity to bring back Keane to play some educational minutes on Hawkins however I truly hope they resist.
If the Cats play a resting ruck such as Esava we may need Keane to come back in.
Usually I'd be writing down Howe as our only potential match-up for Dangerfield but with both on the sidelines this is no such concern.
Our biggest concern by way of match-up (or lack thereof) is the hot-and-cold Rohan. Rohan is far too quick for the likes of Crisp and Maynard, but too good in the air for Quaynor and Noble. Crisp might be the best match-up for Rohan but the question remains as to where on the ground we want Crisp to be playing.
I think we may see Pendlebury go head-to-head with B&F winner Guthrie, especially in the likely forced absence (concussion protocol) of Duncan.
CHANGES:
IN: Murphy, Bianco
OUT: Wilson, C Brown
This could get ugly! Despite a decent recent history against Geelong, they clearly touched us up in the finals last year. This year we now have a weaker list whereas the Cats are undeniably stronger, even in the absence of Duncan (concussion) and Dangerfield whom put us to the sword whilst playing as a forward.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
2020 Semi Final: Geelong 15.10 (100) def. Collingwood 5.2 (32) at the Gabba in front of a crowd of 21,396.
KEY MATCH UPS:
I think Moore will need to play on Cameron, who will likely take him up and down the ground away from his comfort zone similarly to how Daniher went about the encounter in Round 3. Unfortunately our other options in Keane and Roughead would be no match aerobically.
Roughead has a decent record in recent times against Hawkins, so must get the nod. I suspect the coaches may see an opportunity to bring back Keane to play some educational minutes on Hawkins however I truly hope they resist.
If the Cats play a resting ruck such as Esava we may need Keane to come back in.
Usually I'd be writing down Howe as our only potential match-up for Dangerfield but with both on the sidelines this is no such concern.
Our biggest concern by way of match-up (or lack thereof) is the hot-and-cold Rohan. Rohan is far too quick for the likes of Crisp and Maynard, but too good in the air for Quaynor and Noble. Crisp might be the best match-up for Rohan but the question remains as to where on the ground we want Crisp to be playing.
I think we may see Pendlebury go head-to-head with B&F winner Guthrie, especially in the likely forced absence (concussion protocol) of Duncan.
CHANGES:
IN: Murphy, Bianco
OUT: Wilson, C Brown
