Geelong and the Sydney Swans do battle in a twilight blockbuster. This clash is sure to be amongst the best this season has seen. Join our live coverage and running blog right here from 4.40pm AEST.
Well isn’t there so, so much on the line in this epic encounter. With second place on the line and a shot at first (pending results) you can be sure each side will leave nothing on the park.
Simmons Stadium will be a mad house as the fans flood to see the star power of Bartel, Kennedy, Hawkins, Jack, Selwood, Tippett and many many more. What a clash of titans.
Let me summarise the scenario of the finals as it stands:
If Sydney win: They will take second place on the ladder and will play Hawthorn next Friday to secure a home final against most likely Geelong.
If Sydney lose: No home final, most likely Hawthorn in week one of the finals.
If Geelong win: Secured top two spot on the ladder with an eye out on next weeks Sydney vs Hawthorn game for a chance at top spot. Either Sydney or Freo week one.
If Geelong lose: Will most likely play Hawthorn week one of the finals.
This match looks very even however one statistic jumps out on the page.
Sydney are ranked number one in the AFL for clearances whilst the Cats are ranked 16th. Although the Cats won earlier in the year one can’t help but think this will be massive on the outcome.
Another thing which is huge for the Swans is the ruck situation. Pyke and Mumford should slaughter Vardy and Blicavs in the ruck which sticks out as a big disadvantage for the Cats.
The Cats however do ooze class especially with Chapman coming back into the side.
The clearances and ruck stocks sway my opinion enough to tip the Swans by four points.
Brodie
Roar Guru
FULL TIME GEE:13.14.92 SYD:7.6.48 The Cats were tougher, stronger and just simply wanted the win more. You can expect these sides to come up against each other in a couple of weeks however so maybe Sydney has some stuff left in the bag. The votes for today should go to: 3 Votes: Steve Johnson 2 Votes: Joel Selwood 1 Vote: Matthew Stokes Sorry for the fizzer today folks! Until next time. Twitter - @BrodieChivers
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 4' Remaining It's kind of fun to think of what ill happen in September. The Swans will need to win next week to get another shot at the Cats but if they lose they will play Hawthorn yet again. GEE:11.14.80 SYD:6.6.42
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 6' Remaining Mike Pyke again is the only Swan who can take a mark at the moment. He takes another beauty 20 out from goal. Pyke GOALS! He has three. GEE:11.14.80 SYD:6.6.42
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 8' Remaining Oh Varcoe. Malceski looks forward from defense but can't see a target. Varcoe tackles him for BALL! Varcoe from 50 with a set shot.......... Behind. GEE:11.14.80 SYD:5.6.36
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 9' Remaining J-Pod is everywhere! Stokes to Motlop to Mackie who finds J-Pod leading. GOAL CATS! Ballgame! GEE:11.13.79 SYD:5.6.36
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 11' Remaining This time the J-Pod gives away the free kick deep in 50. The Cats have locked away this game and don't look like slipping at all. GEE:10.13.73 SYD:5.6.36
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 12' Remaining Selwood's turn to share it around now as he chips a kick to a leading J-Pod who earns the free kick. Varcoe roves the advantage in the square and GOALS! GEE:10.13.73 SYD:5.6.36
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 13' Remaining What a weapon! Joel Selwood, from the boundary kicks a marvelous goal. Give him the 3 votes and perhaps the Brownlow already! GEE:9.13.67 SYD:5.6.36
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 14' Remaining The Swans finally get some run through the middle and from half back McGlynn chips a ball to running Hannebery who marks 40m out from goal. He's missed. Should have sparked the come back! GEE:8.13.61 SYD:5.6.36
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 17' Remaining James Podsiadley!!! A beautiful pack mark right in front of goal. Pods walks in and ......... MISSES, behind. GEE:8.13.61 SYD:5.5.35
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 17' Remaining The Swans escape but are still being battled on the wing as we face another stalemate in the middle. GEE:8.12.60 SYD:5.5.35
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 18' Remaining The ball is locked inside the Cats 50. If they manage a goal you would think the Swans are spent. GEE:8.12.60 SYD:5.5.35
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 - 20' Remaining Here we go folks, Chappy is on and looms as an X-Factor for the Cats. It will take something remarkable from the Swans to win but it a few of their more quiet players stand up like O'Keefe, Mumford and Tippett anything is possible. Geelong first clearance . GEE:8.12.60 SYD:5.5.35
Brodie
Roar Guru
THREE QUARTER TIME GEE:8.12.60 SYD:5.5.35 TOP DISPOSALS GEE: Stokes 28, Kelly 25, Duncan 24, Enright 24, Mackie 21 SYD: McVeigh 26, Jack 24, Kennedy 23, Malceski 19, Mitchell 17 GOALS GEE: Johnson 3, Motlop 2, Selwood 1, Chapman 1, Vardy 1 SYD: Pyke 2, Hannebery 1, McGlynn 1, Tippett 1
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q2 - 1' Remaining Steven Motlop marks 55m out form goal as he prepares to load up. He loads up but the ball won't make it! Hawkins roves in the goal square and MISSES! GEE:8.12.60 SYD:5.5.35
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q2 - 2' Remaining Daniel Hanneberry says 'Give it to me!' right on the edge of fifty and kicks home the Swans GOAL! GEE:8.10.58 SYD:5.5.35
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q2 - 3' Remaining Tom Mitchell roves again down forward from a stoppage and has another shot. It's out on the full. Must be better with those. GEE:8.10.58 SYD:4.5.29
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q2 - 3' Remaining Geelong pumped it forward now through Rivers. Caddy roves the ball runs for the goals but is tackled for holding the ball. GEE:8.10.58 SYD:4.5.29
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q2 - 5' Remaining If you can't beat them join them! McGlynn ducks his head and wins a free kick 45m out. His shot looks good, it's a GOAL! GEE:8.10.58 SYD:4.5.29
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q2 - 7' Remaining For the second time today Kieran Jack has a pot shot at goal and Taylor marks on the line. The Swans forwards must be getting frustrated with the supply. GEE:8.10.58 SYD:3.5.23