The annual Easter Monday blockbuster between Geelong and Hawthorn is always an entertaining affair, and 2019 isn’t likely to be an exception.
The fixture is an opportunity for Geelong to consolidate their position on top of the ladder, which is held over five other teams on percentage alone. For the Hawks, it’s a chance to take their biggest scalp of the year and gain some momentum after a somewhat lacklustre start to the 2019 season.
Roar AFL Expert Jay Croucher told the Game of Codes podcast that while the Cats look the better team heading into the clash, they’ve been “a bit flattered” by wins
against a wasteful Collingwood, an error-prone Adelaide and a woeful Melbourne.
“I don’t think they belong on the first line of premiership betting with the Pies and the Eagles, and GWS just slightly behind them.”
Here what he had to say about the matchup and how the Hawks can cause an upset:
Hawthorn head into Monday’s match under a significant injury cloud with Grant Birchall, Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Tom Mitchell and Liam Shiels among the casualties, while captain Ben Stratton remains uncertain for selection after suffering a concussion against St Kilda last weekend.
However, the likely return of Jaeger O’Meara is a boost for the Hawks as they prepare to take on one of the strongest midfields in the competition.
As for the coaching battle, Chris Scott appears to have Alastair Clarkson’s measure: the Cats have won 10 of the last 15 matches between the two coaches.
Listen to the full episode below or subscribe to Game of Codes on iHeartRadio and Apple Podcasts.
Kitten
Guest
Cats won the contested possession, the inside fifties, tackles, clearances, had more scoring shots and won the game. But they were still 'a bit flattered' by the result.
Shane
Guest
Jay Croucher "Expert". You wonder if they have played a game of footy in their lives sometimes.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
I understood you. He must be a bit slow.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
He can be fast and he does try but, I was surprised that Horlin Smith and Murdoch were put off before him.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
I get scared just seeing his number on the ground.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
Overrated? So are you still saying Geelong won't make the finals?
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
On form and players on field they should smash them. But being Hawthorn, even money.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
The umpires do like to call him for holding the ball at the Gee against the Hawks. If he picks it up in their 50, I get scared.
Bruce
Guest
Haha thanks Pete. Yeh a bit dramatic but thought I'd get in early with my own clickbait headline.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Average winning margin so far this round is 45. Ryan B might be able to help here. When was the last time the AWM was so high? It was brought down by the Fremantle and Richmond wins or else it would be 8 goals difference per game! Do you reckon the Cats will win by that much?
Dean
Guest
Injuries played a major factor in both those games Pete and some horrendous late umpiring decisions. If not for the major impact injuries had in both those games Hawks would probably be sitting at 4-0. Its ok to point out who the hawks played but you glossed over the reasons why the Hawks lost those games. I predict the Cats will win to today but nobody should go and buy a grand final package just yet, this round alone shows that upsets happen and no team is guaranteed a victory.
Dean
Guest
Probably Peter but you were probably sure that the Eagles and Giants would win too.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
My second fav team since watching the Blight era close up. They hurt me in 2011 and I questioned their direction at times since, but no doubt an awesome run club who have a real shot at their fourth flag in 12 years this year.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
I expect a good game from Guthrie today. He must know his regular spot in the best 22 is on the line and he needs to prove he is still worthy of that spot and not just a backup for injured players. Zac Tuohy will most likely be a shoe in next week putting further pressure on positions.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
"I dislike Geelong as much as the next bloke" I'm the next bloke and I think thy're awesome.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Seems dramatic Bruce, Cats will win though.
Bruce
Guest
Must win game for the hawks. Season effectively over if they lose today.
Tonka Goldman
Roar Rookie
Can't see how Guthrie improves the team.
berrlins
Roar Pro
I dislike Geelong as much as the next bloke but right now they've shown more than the others I'd take them over all comers in their current form even after the GWS loss.
Parer Ben
Roar Rookie
This is such sensationalist click bait heading and shouldn’t be on roar. Geelong are in the mix with 10 other teams at this stage of the season. I find it staggering that “Expert” Jay Croucher doesn’t believe the cats should be on the same line of betting as the cats. Based on what? The pies haven’t shown a great deal. GWS and West Coast have and so have Geelong. Geelong were down against GWS last week and yet still could have won in what was a pretty good contest. As mentioned Geelong were equally wasteful, error prone crows why? Cats pressure maybe? Melbourne are woeful - where did “expert” Jay have them finishing in his preseason predictor? We won’t learn much this week but I expect Jay to be very humble and abdicate his “expert” title the following week if the cats come out on top