The finals hopes of both the Geelong Cats and Melbourne Demons lay heavily on the result of this blockbuster Saturday night game. Join The Roar for live scores and blog of the encounter, starting from 7:25pm (AEST).
Both sides have shown they possess the quality all around the park to make deep runs into finals. However, the Cats and Demons have entirely different approaches to the game.
Geelong is the second-best defensive team in the competition, conceding just 72 points a game. 2018 has seen the emergence of both Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs down back, who have gone a long way to fill the void left by retired stars Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan. Lachie Henderson returns to the Cats side, further strengthening their elite defence.
The Demons are the best offensive team in the AFL. They have averaged 105 points per game (19 more than Geelong) and have kicked over 140 points in three games this year. Melbourne averages a huge 61 insides 50 a game and the potent combination of Tom McDonald and Jesse Hogan has made them incredibly dangerous.
Melbourne is the best centre clearance side in the competition, while Geelong is the second worst side out of the middle. The Demons are also the best contested possession side to the Cats’ eighth. Geelong will need to get a hold of the visiting midfielders, or the Demons could take complete control of the game.
Last time these two met was in Round 1, when Max Gawn infamously shanked the chance to put Melbourne in front in the dying seconds. Geelong held on for a crucial three-point win.
Gawn was dominant with 47 hit-outs and 20 disposals. Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett both had 39 possessions in a gallant effort.
Rhys Stanley has the most critical job for the Cats. Max Gawn is the league’s best tap ruckman, and if he is allowed to play his own game, the Demons midfield will be far too dominant for their Geelong counterparts.
Join The Roar for live scores and blog of the match, starting from 7:25pm (AEST).
Rumpelstiltskin
Guest
Can someone please analyse the two Melbourne players who spoiled each other in the centre square from the kick out from the point scored by Jeff Garlett I think it was... in the last minute or so of the 4th quarter? That cost them the game. If one of those guys marks that ball Melbourne wins.
BigAl
Guest
Not sure of the point you're trying to make with this post here ?? I will stand by my point that we don't get enough games like this Cats v Dees...
Cat
Roar Guru
Did you dig that out from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 or 2017? Heard it all for years ... still waiting for any of it to be correct. Out-played for most of the game? There was nothing in it until Melbourne kicked the last 4 in the third. It was anyones game for most of the night. It was 13-15 at 1/4 time and 33-38 at 1/2 time.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
It amazes me how the same few cl0wns continue to torture themselves with their predictions. Swans this, Cats that... it's all over etc. etc. The worst part is: they should have guessed one of their predictions right statistically speaking. Instead, they continue to make error after error, year upon year. One day, they'll be right. No one can guess that poorly over a decade. They'll be the first to tell you how right they were. The only problem is, people like me will have had a good chuckle, at their expense, over a very long period.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
True, Alex. However, they didn't do a lot wrong either. I'm finally convinced.... this is a very good Melbourne team that could do some serious damage in September. Hold firm in your belief of Melbourne. Of course, you'll eventually lose all hope when you're torched by the Cats in the finals, but someone has to come second I guess.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
But they did hold off the more accurate Swans.
Cat
Roar Guru
I'd suggest the flaw was in your thinking. 2nd vs. 9th or 6th vs. 8th. Geelong and Melbourne also played a classic earlier in the season.
BigAl
Guest
because we rarely get games like this ? Go check the North v pies game which I was thinking would be the way better game...
Cat
Roar Guru
How very Trumpian of you. Blew your load too early.
Perry Bridge
Guest
So - was that the best game between these two clubs in the 158 years since 1860? (btw - the irony 2 weeks ago Geelong couldn't kick straight to save themselves to hold off the more accurate Swans; then this week it was there accuracy that got the job done.)
alexgpa
Guest
I'm a Demon fan but they have no one to blame but themselves. You have to win the close games against good teams to make it, but they have not done that and this is for the second tie against Geelong.Melbourne are a pretty good team....but as of yet, not a great one....the really good ones win close ones
marine boy
Guest
Is it Anon? But seriously what a game of football, bollocks to the rule changes. Melbourne have shown they are the real deal and as a neutral supporter I really want them to feature in September.
anon
Roar Pro
Geelong has a lot of problems. So does Melbourne. Just so mentally weak. That's twice they've choked to Geelong in the dying seconds this year. Doesn't matter because no-one takes that club seriously. Make the finals then get bundled out in the first week. But Geelong has serious problems. They were outplayed for most of the game until Melbourne choked. This at their home fortress. If Geelong didn't move it miraculously from end to end in the last 30 seconds, wet sit here tonight talking about how far Geelong has fallen, end of an era that goes back to 2007 where Kardinia Park has been the toughest road trip in Australian sport. We ask whether Geelong even make the 8, does Gaz retire, etc. Bit of fool's gold for Geelong tonight. Papers over the cracks for another week.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Ain't over till the Fat lady takes a dump in your kitchen sink...
Nicholas Richardson
Roar Guru
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Nicholas Richardson
Roar Guru
The game was incredibly even for the first 3/5s of the game. Melbourne flicked the switch in the third quarter, dominating the contest and field position. Clayton Oliver was exceptional, but Scott Selwood was sent to him halfway through the last and his influence was completely nullified. Melbourne was incredibly comfortable well into the last quarter when they lead by more than four goals. However, the Cats just completely turned the tables. They out ran and out tackled their suddenly sluggish opponents. Tom Hawkins was instrumental both in the air and on the deck. Eventually, the ball managed to end up in the hands of Zach Tuohy after the siren. The Irishman kicked his first goal from the set shot all year to give Geelong an incredible victory. Another game, another squandered opportunity for Melbourne. They won the inside 50s 64-50, but were inaccurate in front of goal and bombed the ball in deep too often. This has made the eight very interesting. The glut widens. Wow, what a contest. Geelong: 16.4.100 Melbourne: 14.14.98
DJW
Guest
Great game. Why do we need zones / starting positions again?
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
Very Melbourney that performance!!!
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Went off too early
DJW
Guest
What a game? Who said we need zones?