Saturday’s feast of football kicks off with what could be a season-defining match at AAMI Stadium as Adelaide hosts Geelong. We’ll bring you all the action from 1.15pm AEST, so make sure you join in the conversation with your thoughts as the match goes on.
Round six was a massive moment for the Adelaide Football Club in 2012 with their impressive win against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
They stuck with the Swans for most of the contest before breaking away in the final quarter, then survived a very late onslaught from the home team to keep them in touch with a top-four spot.
Geelong, on the other hand went through the motions against Melbourne to win by 43 points at Simonds Stadium.
The Cats didn’t set the world on fire – they haven’t in many of their games this season. But they’re class got the home in the end.
Today could answer many questions about the two sides today.
For Adelaide, their run-in towards their bye in round eleven is treacherous. After today’s game, they’ll play Carlton, the Pies and Fremantle in Perth.
No surprise to see Scott Thompson getting plenty of ball, but his being ably supported by Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane and Nathan van Berlo.
While up forward, the power forward duo Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker are complimenting each other well. Having said that, they aren’t combining for plenty of goals – if one kicks a bag, the other seems to falter.
If both of them kick a few today, that could give them a huge boost against the Cats.
The loss of Shaun McKernan is a slight inconvenience, but a straight swap for former Essendon fringe-player Josh Jenkins will give Sam Jacobs some help in the ruck.
One of the big keys for the Crows though won’t necessarily be on the ground, but up in the coaches box. Former assistant coach of Geelong, Brenton Sanderson, is the new coach of the Crows. He’s taken them to a 10-1 record in 2012 (including NAB Cup).
The big key he brings to today’s game is knowledge of his opponents. He will know the Cats players inside out – knowing their strengths and weaknesses. Never underestimate this, especially when you have such a talented line-up on your side.
For Geelong, we know how good this side can be.
We know how good their midfield is with Joel Selwood (returning this week), Paul Chapman, James Kelly, Joel Corey… the list goes on and on.
We know how good their defence is with Josh Hunt, Harry Taylor, Matty Scarlett, Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan.
I just don’t think we’ve seen these two departments at their best so far this season.
The key stat for the midfield is generally the contested possession count. Through six rounds, the Cats are still yet to win the hard ball get stat in a match – highly unusual for Geelong. However, their tackle count has been high at around 79 a match.
The defensive unit is on target for giving up more points per game since 2006 – they currently average giving up around 85 points a game, while having the smallest differential to their average points for record (12 points)
But in the whole scheme of things, the Cats have had a tough start to the season and have four wins under their belt. You can’t really knock that.
What’s been most impressive for Geelong for mine has been up forward with the double-act of James Podsiadly and Tom Hawkins. Hawkins especially.
Since round 17 in 2011, the big Tomahawk has 41 goals next to his name from 15 games. His marking has been outstanding and his around the ground work rate has been top class. No doubt his breakout game was last year’s grand final – it’s great to see him continue that into 2012.
The over-riding question though if Geelong don’t win today will be simple – has the fizz gone out of the Geelong juggernaut?
We’ll bring you live updates as they happen and we want to hear from you too. Jump on and have your say through what should be a great way to kick off your Saturday – join us from 1.15pm AEST for the Crows and the Cats.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Adelaide 19.8 122 def. Geelong 10.12 72 Today could very well be a landmark day for the Adelaide Crows in 2012 - beating last year's premiers. Their next three games are huge (as made mention of in the preview above), so if they can come away with two more wins, I reckon they'll firm for top four fancies. As for Geelong - was today an aberration, or is it the slide we'd been expecting 12 months ago? Next week they have Collingwood in what is a season defining match for both teams. Thanks for joining me today. Make sure you catch the closing stages of the Expansion Cup - GWS & the Suns here http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/05/12/gws-giants-vs-gold-coast-suns-afl-live-scores-blog/; plus our coverage of Black Caviar's quest for 21 out of 21 here - http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/05/12/black-caviar-and-the-group-one-goodwood-live-updates-blog/. You can also follow The Roar on Facebook and Twitter, or myself @TheSportsFreak on Twitter. I'll catch you tomorrow for Freo and Port Adelaide. Until then, have a good Saturday.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Adelaide 19.8 122 def. Geelong 10.12 72 Quarter by Quarter Adelaide 6.3 14.5 17.7 19.8 122 Geelong 3.2 4.2 6.8 10.12 72 Goalscorers Adel (13) – Taylor Walker 3, Graham Johncock 2, Kurt Tippett 2, Nathan van Berlo 2, Jared Petrenko 2, Scott Thompson 1, Josh Jenkins 1, David Mackay 1, Matthew Jaensch 1, Michael Doughty 1, Jason Porplyzia 1, Matthew Wright 1, Jarryd Lyons 1 Geel (6) – Mitch Duncan 3, Joel Selwood 2, Allen Christensen 2, James Podsiadly 1, Jesse Stringer 1, Paul Chapman 1 Player Stats Scott Thompson (Adel) 21 kicks, 13 handballs, 20 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 13 clearances, 6 inside 50's, 10 score involvements Joel Selwood (Geel) 9 kicks, 20 handballs, 12 contested possessions, 10 clearances James Kelly (Geel) 17 kicks, 10 handballs, 9 tackles, 6 inside 50's Rory Sloane (Adel) 16 kicks, 10 handballs, 6 marks Team Stats Disposals: Adel 365-358; Contested Possessions: Adel 145-127; Disposal Efficiency: Adel 73%-72%; Contested Marks: Adel 17-7; Tackles: Adel 66-56; Inside 50's: Geel 54-47
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | Adelaide 19.8 122 def. Geelong 10.12 72 Last kick on goal to Stevie Johnson is a behind - SIREN. That ends a stunning afternoon for the Adelaide Football Club. A 57 point victory which was summed up by an exhilarating second quarter. The Crows shared it around well with all but four players getting 10 disposals or more. They were more determined to get the ball and it showed throughout the day. They’ve sent a massive warning to the rest of the competition – outstanding win this afternoon!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 0:53 left | Adel 19.8 122 | Geel 10.11 71 A consolation goal to the Cats through Joel Selwood. The Cats will get this margin back near 50 points... but it's still a horror day for them
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 2:55 left | Adel 19.8 122 | Geel 9.11 65 Trent West has a go from outside 50 - just a behind as the game starts to wind down...
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 4:30 left | Adel 19.8 122 | Geel 9.10 64 James Kelly finds Jesse Stringer at the top of 50m... kicks to the goal square, but defended well by the Crows. Speaking of defenders - Brent Reilly outstanding today for the Crows - 15 kicks, 9 handballs, 9 contested posessions, 9 marks. Patrolled the half back line well today
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 6:49 left | Adel 19.8 122 | Geel 9.10 64 Free kick against Jason Porplyzia. Shannon Byrnes the man to kick on goal from about 20m out... MISSED! Hit the reset button if you can find it...
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 9:14 left | Adel 19.8 122 | Geel 9.9 63 Jared Petrenko comes to the party - checkside kick on goal from 30m out - his second today!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 9:44 left | Adel 18.8 116 | Geel 9.9 63 A bit of luck from Stevie J. Went to pick up the footy. Got tackled, managed to get a boot to it... dribbles to the goal line, where Paul Chapman picks it up and kicks the goal. Looks like the Cats might win the final quarter.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 10:30 left | Adel 18.8 116 | Geel 8.9 57 Steven Motlop and Shannon Byrnes both went for the mark in the goal square - THEY BOTH FUMBLED. Oh deary me! That's the second time that's happened today.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 11:44 left | Adel 18.8 116 | Geel 8.9 57 I'm not saying he looks perfect, but Taylor Walker IS back on his feet. Tom Lonergan was the other player who went in for the contest. It was tough footy from both of them. Good news for Walker is he's taken a mark on centre wing. Sets something up. Eventually from Scott Thompson to Jarryd Lyons. The sub a chance to get on the board - AND DOES! Well done son!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 13:02 left | Adel 17.8 110 | Geel 8.9 57 Oooo - Taylor Walker taking a bit of time to get back onto his feet. Seemed to get cannoned into by a couple of Cats players up forward. Down the other end it goes - Mitch Duncan takes a mark in the forward pocket. Banana kick - goal - his third of the day.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 15:36 left | Adel 17.8 110 | Geel 7.9 51 Free kick paid against Harry Taylor for a hold of the arm. Sam Jacobs will have a kick on goal, just inside 50m - woodwork! Behind only.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 16:46 left | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 7.9 51 A bit of cheer from the Cats fans who've travelled to the game - Jesse Stringer snaps from the top of the 50m arc - kicks the goal.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 18:58 left | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 6.9 45 James Podsiadly has taken a good mark inside 50m. He'll kick from 45m out... and it comes off the side of the boot to the left.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 19:59 left | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 6.8 44 Last quarter underway from AAMI Stadium, last rites for the Cats in this match...
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
THREE QUARTER TIME | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 6.8 44 Goalscorers Adel (13) – Taylor Walker 3, Graham Johncock 2, Kurt Tippett 2, Jared Petrenko 1, Rory Sloane 1, Scott Thompson 1, Josh Jenkins 1, David Mackay 1, Nathan van Berlo 1, Matthew Jaensch 1, Michael Doughty 1, Jason Porplyzia 1, Matthew Wright 1 Geel (4) – Mitch Duncan 2, James Podsiadly 1, Allen Christensen 1, Joel Selwood 1 Player Stats Scott Thompson (Adel) 17 kicks, 8 handballs, 14 contested possessions, 5 tackles, 9 clearances, 4 inside 50's Brent Reilly (Adel) 12 kicks, 9 handballs, 9 contested possessions, 7 marks James Kelly (Geel) 15 kicks, 6 handballs, 7 tackles, 5 inside 50's Joel Selwood (Geel) 7 kicks, 14 handballs, 10 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 1 goal Team Stats Disposals: Adel 281-269; Contested Possesions: Adel 112-96; Disposal Efficiency: Geel 73%-72%; Tackles: Adel 51-39; Inside 50's: Adel 40-36; Time In Forward Half: Adel 56%-44%; Scores From Turnovers: Adel 10.3 Geel 3.5
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
THREE QUARTER TIME | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 6.8 44 Another dominant quarter from the Crows. They didn't do much in terms of getting away from the Cats, but they consolidated their strong first half performance. They're on their way to another big scalp in 2012 and firming as a real top four contender! Stats to come...
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q3 0:55 left | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 6.8 44 Steven Motlop has another chance on goal. This time it's from 45m out - that's better... oh, no it's not. Hit the post!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q3 3:15 left | Adel 17.7 109 | Geel 6.7 43 Steven Motlop with a quick dribble along the goal line, but rushed through by the Crows defence.