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The equation couldn’t be simpler for the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans as they clash for a spot in the 2016 grand final. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
The Patrick Dangerfield effect has proved the shot in the arm Geelong needed in 2016, with the Cats rocketing from outside the top eight last year to this year’s preliminary finals.
Despite some well-publicised losses to lesser sides, Chris Scott’s side have passed the test against the top teams on just about every occasion this year, including a two-point win over Hawthorn in their qualifying final a fortnight ago.
That stretched Geelong’s winning streak to a frightening eight matches, with their average margin in those contests a healthy 39 points.
But the last team to beat them, and the only top-eight side they’ve not defeated this year, just so happens to be their opponents.
The Swans enjoyed a dominant season to finish atop the ladder, but had their path to the premiership bulldozed by the Greater Western Sydney Giants in a qualifying final.
Fears John Longmire’s side would exit in straight sets for the second year running were dashed quickly however, with a ferocious performance seeing the side down the high-flying Adelaide Crows.
The MCG has seen the Swans experience elation against the Hawks and heartbreak against the Tigers this year, what will the preliminary final hold?
Sydney’s recent record against Geelong is strong, with the Swans winning three of the past four by an average of 64 points. Stunningly, this will be the first meeting between these sides at the MCG since 1934.
Despite both being in the competition since its inception in 1897, Geelong and Sydney have only played three finals against each other. The Swans have won all three – a semi in 1914, a preliminary in 1934, and the famous ‘Nick Davis’ semi in 2005.
Prediction
Sydney will take a lot of confidence out of their spirited win in Geelong this season, which was also the Cats’ heaviest loss of the year.
This is shaping up to be a genuine belter between two heavyweights, but with the injury toll looking a lot smaller than previously thought, the minor premiers might have the edge.
Swans by 8 points