Jimmy Bartel (L) and Paul Chapman (R) of Geeong celebrate during the AFL 2nd Semi Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at the MCG, Melbourne. Slattery Images
It’s almost impossible to split them, but if I had to make a prediction, I think Geelong will eventually find a way to strangle Collingwood into submission.
While I don’t make this somewhat profound statement with any real conviction, it’s not for the reason I don’t believe it to be true, but merely because the two sides are so evenly matched.
I’m not quite sure if we actually needed an entrée to whet the appetite for this year’s grand final but if we did, this is well and truly it.
Make no mistake, the Collingwood versus Geelong showdown will be a battle for the ages.
The build up will be enormous and befitting of the epic contest it promises to be.
Perhaps the team that handles the anxiety, expectation and trepidation the best will be the eventual winner?
Or maybe the pathway to this year’s preliminary final will give us a better indication of who will win?
The merits for and against the week off are always the subject of fierce debate; will it prove to halt the Magpies’ momentum or will the rest be exactly what they needed?
On the flip side, was the Fremantle game the big win the Cats needed? Have the Dockers actually played Geelong into form?
Of course, only time will tell.
For both sides though, winning this preliminary final has a much greater significance than just a spot in the grand final.
Collingwood is seeking finals redemption, not once but twice the Cats have beaten the Magpies in the penultimate decider in the past three years.
So much so, Geelong Coach Mark Thompson suggested the Magpies are in fact ‘jealous’ of the Cats.
And maybe they are but either way they need to get the monkey off the back, otherwise who knows how long it will haunt them?
Teams can fall into the trap of becoming perennial preliminary finalists… just ask Rodney Eade and the Bulldogs!
Meanwhile Geelong’s reign at the top has almost transcended into immortality and in the Cats’ pursuit of even more greatness, only another premiership would now suffice.
But is the premiership window still open, slightly ajar or now closed tight?
Will Geelong be the Brisbane of 2004 or the Essendon of 2001?
Both sides are basically at full strength too, so there’s no excuse on that front.
The wildcard for Geelong is still Max Rooke, but if he doesn’t play this week, can you bring a player into a grand final that hasn’t played since round 4? Is he worth the risk?
Unfortunately with selection there are again more questions than answers.
Will Bomber Thompson play Andrew Mackie? Does Josh Hunt deserve his spot in the team based on performance? Does Mark Blake offer more as a back up ruck-man than Tom Hawkins?
Are Simon Prestigiacomo and Sharrod Wellingham fit and ready for the Magpies? But has Presti missed too much football to come straight back into the side?
Almost nothing separates Geelong and Collingwood, but on pure ability and talent I think if both sides play to their optimum, the scales would probably tilt the Cats way.
And while I have no doubt the Magpies have the grunt, discipline, and fortitude to beat Geelong on their day, will that outweigh the incredible focus, drive, skill and power of the Cats? I don’t think it will.
It’s almost impossible to pick a winner in Friday night’s blockbuster, but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be an arm wrestle until the very end.
Mega
Guest
Winner of this prelim wins the GF, unless they beat each other up in extra time.
beaver fever
Guest
I think it will be a changing of the guard, IMO who ever wins this will win the flag ............. EEEEEAAAASSSSSY. Poor old Saints are so close, but their game plan just wont win a flag IMO. I have never noticed a Collingwood team with more self belief, the pussies are gonski, they will not seriously challenge for the flag again for many years, perhaps when Ablett junior has kids !!. Back to sleepy hollow, and take your handbags with you.
Richard
Roar Guru
I see the deep and hidden meaning in your prophecy. If the Cats are going to run over the 'Pies, they will need someone else to do it for them. Bad news, now that they're trying to do it alone. The Black and White stars are ascending! This is The Year I tell you! ;) Well done with the tix. Go 'Pies!
Mister Football
Guest
All they have to do is worry about playing footy? He makes it sound so easy (I guess he has that luxury). No one knows about the weight of expectation like Collingwood does. The good news is that they won't have to worry about 30,000 turning up to training till next week!!
Mister Football
Guest
Changing of the guard? That's what some bright spark said at the 15 min mark of Geelong v Bullies a few weeks ago - with the result that the cats scored the next 14 goals and ultimately won by 100 pts!!
FuLLy LoAdED MaN
Guest
I think it was Rex Hunt who said, the only thing better than beating Collingwood by 10 goals is beating them by 1 point. One of the two times I have agreed with Rex, that and releasing fish the other. :)
Redb
Roar Guru
I ran over a magpie as I backed down my driveway this morning, the cat skunked off with a grin whisker to whisker. :-) Edit: Got myself some tickets !!!! :-)
Richard
Roar Guru
I walked out onto my front lawn this morning and, unusually, there were two magpies standing there. Side by side. They did not budge as I approached, but stood and quietly warbled, and stared me down. Our two cats who normally rule the yard? Nowhere to be seen. Good signs. Good signs I tell you. :)
Football fan
Guest
I've never seen mind games kick a ball in any code... But equally I've never seen geelong being the dainty darling of the code?
Redb
Roar Guru
I was wondering why all of a sudden I want Geelong to win, your post reminded me :-) Seriously, I am sick of Geelong being so good all the time, but I''ll take one more dose.
Richard
Roar Guru
No Trots. There is no best way to beat Collingwood. The absolute best is when Collingwood wins. A nice big, fat, thumping win on Friday night, goal upon goal leaving Geelong broken and winded, striking fear deep into the heart of St.Kilda. That's the best, absolutely. Go 'Pies!
Richard
Roar Guru
So the Cats feel threatened do they? Playing the mind games early. Geelong should feel threatened. They're no longer the dainty darling of the comp. Mark Thomson's whingeing and moaning about free kicks, boasting and breast beating about their past, shows just how arrogant they have become. Cats? No, Pussies, ripe for the picking.
Mega
Guest
Cats know they have the runs on the board and Collingwood has questionable form and mental stability in September. I think Pies will be hungrier though and have a bigger point to prove.
Redb
Roar Guru
This is it for the Cats. 2010 could pretty much see the changing of the guard and Ablett gone by seasons end. May as well stir 'em up. or does it smack of desperation by Thompson seeing as he normally steers clear of these types of comments?
Justin Rodski
Guest
The mind games have begun.....I just got back from Mark Thompson's press conference and he says all the pressure is on the Magpies due to the weight of expectation both internally and externally on the club to win a flag While for the Cats, its a case of been there done that...and all they have to worry about is playing footy Thoughts?
trots
Guest
haha....very good point Brett!
Redb
Roar Guru
Doubt it, both games this year have been 3-4 goal margins after a tight contest for 3 quarters.
slickwilly
Guest
this has 2007 prelim written all over it (or was it 2008 - was buckley and clements last game anyways) will be a very close hard fought contest which should no doubt please the winner of the other prelim match only blessing for either pies/cats will be the extra days recuperation pies by a whisker (fingers crossed)
Mega
Guest
Like last year. Over 70 points, from memory.
Mega
Guest
Shame it's not the GF.