Talking points for the Cats, Magpies clash

(L-R) Josh Fraser of Collingwood, Joel Selwood of Geelong, Travis Cloke of Collingwood, Harry Taylor of Carlton, Joel Corey of Geelong, Shannon Cox of Collingwood, Gary Ablett of Geeong & Martin Clarke of Collingwood in action during the AFL Round 03 match between the Geelong Cats and the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG. Slattery Images

Why the AFL hasn’t fixtured more than one Geelong-Collingwood clash during the past two home and away seasons is beyond me. There’s a pretty good recent rivalry between the two sides.

It began the last time they met in a preliminary final, two years ago. That epic match went right to the death, with the Pies really taking it to their opponent. The Cats held on though, to win by five points.

Last year, the Pies got some revenge by shocking the Cats in round nine with a thumping 86-point win. It was the only loss Geelong suffered in the home and away season.

Throw in a NAB Cup grand final and a healthy win to the Cats in round three this year, and the stage is well and truly set for another cracking final.

If we’re going by the theory that these two teams play one genuinely memorable game per year, then tonight’s going to be a cracker.

What effect will injuries and returning players have?
Scott Pendlebury cracked his fibula bone two weeks ago, yet he’s somehow made it back on the team sheet. He mightn’t yet play – and Mick Malthouse wasn’t giving anything away yesterday – but it’ll make interesting viewing if he does. Josh Fraser’s an emergency, but if he actually is out, he’ll be sorely missed in this game particularly.

Steve Johnson went in for hip surgery three weeks ago, yet he’s somehow defied the odds to make it back this week. The Cats will hope to see him back to his dangerous best. Add that to the inclusion of Max Rooke and you’ve got perhaps the best team – on paper at least – they’ve had all year.

What effect will last week have?
Geelong players would’ve enjoyed sitting in the comfort of their living rooms watching the Pies and Crows go at it in 29-degree heat last weekend. The game went right to the death, and a perception developed in some people’s minds this week that the Pies had already played “their grand final”.

But think back, if you will, to two years ago. Collingwood were returning from an extra time game in Perth going into that famous prelim. It didn’t slow them down then. In fact, if anyone was off-colour it was Geelong, who lacked intensity backing up from the week off. There’s only so much one can take from last week.

Who will win in the middle of the ground?
The forward lines of both sides have had dubious and inconsistent years, albeit with some promising signs in recent weeks. Winning the midfield will be crucial in this contest. As mentioned earlier, the presence of Brad Ottens and the absence of Fraser tips the ruck battle in Geelong’s favour.

Cameron Ling on Dane Swan should be an enthralling battle. Ling will be attempting to deprive the ball magnet of possessions, and Swan will look to run his opponent off his legs. The remainder of the Cats’ midfield is full of class, so Collingwood will be looking to apply as much pressure as possible, à la round nine last year.

Will the Cats make their third-straight grand final?
Their entire season has been structured to peak at this time of the year. As the injury list has shrunk in recent weeks, Geelong has been playing more and more, well, Geelong-like. Their 14-point win over the Western Bulldogs two weeks ago showed extended glimpses of this progress.

Collingwood would be confident after their five-point win last week over Adelaide, but the Cats should be able to win this one – even if it’s another close one.