Fremantle Dockers vs Geelong Cats: AFL highlights, live scores, blog

Both teams will be looking to return to the winners circle when the Fremantle Dockers take on the Geelong Cats at Domain Stadium. Join The Roar for all the action from 8:10pm (AEST).

Both teams come into this game after disappointing matches last week.

Fremantle lost to the Melbourne Demons in Darwin by 32 points, while Geelong lost to the Sydney Swans at Simonds Stadium by 38 points.

Amazingly, these sides have not met since Round 2 last year. Fremantle were a different side back then, when they beat the Cats by 44 points at Simonds Stadium.

After being minor premier last year, Freo were one of the first sides to concede they are rebuilding after losing their first ten games of the season.

Geelong have looked so promising at times this season. However, recent losses – particularly to sides outside the top eight – have put the Cats back into the pack for a top-four finish.

This is a milestone game for two Cats players, Cam Guthrie will celebrate his 100th game and three-time premiership player and All Australian Andrew Mackie notches up game 250.

Fremantle have made two changes, bringing in the experienced Michael Barlow and Tendai Mzungu. Barlow, who has been recovering from a hand injury, will be critical in curbing the influence of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood. Making way are youngsters Ed Langon (hamstring) and Darcy Tucker (omitted). There was doubt during the week about skipper David Mundy, but he has been cleared to play after suffering concussion last week.

Geelong have made three changes, with Shane Kersten, Rhys Stanley and Josh Cowan recalled, as Chris Scott noted during the week that Kersten will offer a different option to support out-of-sorts Tom Hawkins. Mitch Clark and Darcy Lang have both been omitted and veteran Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel has been rested.

It has not been a good week for Clark, with media coverage during the week of an incident over a month ago for a sledge regarding a Box Hill opponent’s sister who is also the long-time girlfriend of teammate Mitch Duncan. Scott said the issue was resolved between the two players at the time and everyone has moved on.

Prediction
Geelong’s form line is much stronger, expect them to get their season back on track with a solid win.

Geelong by 48 points.

Join The Roar from 8:10pm (AEST) as we bring you all the action from this Round 17 clash.