Geelong will take on Melbourne at GMHBA stadium, in what could be the match of the year, and could potentially decide the minor premiership.
These two teams have been two of the most in-form sides of the competition this year. Entering Round 23, they sit first and second on the ladder. Melbourne first, with 16 wins, four losses and a draw. Geelong with 16 wins and five losses.
Geelong enter this clash coming off a real tough challenge against St Kilda.
After they conceded the first five goals, they played well enough over the next three quarters to eventually scrape over the line by 14 points.
The Demons took care of the Crows, despite the Crows’ efforts to kick four of the first five goals, Melbourne were good enough to run away by 41 points in the end.
The players who could make a difference to either side, based on last weeks performances include:
Jeremy Cameron, with 13 disposals, nine kicks, seven marks and four goals.
Tom Hawkins, with 14 disposals, ten kicks four handballs, four marks and three goals.
Sam Manegola, with 35 disposals, 23 kicks, 11 handballs, nine marks and a goal.
Patrick Dangerfield, with 31 disposals, 18 kicks and 13 handballs.
Cameron Guthrie, with 36 disposals, 20 kicks and 16 handballs.
Joel Selwood, with 26 disposals, 17 kicks and nine handballs.
Issac Smith, with 22 disposals, 16 kicks, six handballs, seven marks and a goal.
These are players Melbourne will need to stop, if they are a chance of winning their first minor premiership since 1964.
From Melbourne, these are the players that are in form and need to stand up:
Bayley Fritsch, with 16 disposals, 12 kicks, four handballs, five marks and most importantly, seven goals.
Christian Petracca, with 23 disposals, 15 kicks, eight handballs, eight marks and two goals.
Luke Jackson, with 16 disposals, five kicks, 11 handballs and two goals.
Kysaiah Pickett, with 12 disposals, ten kicks, four marks and a goal.
Clayton Oliver, with 28 disposals, 15 kicks and 13 handballs.
Christian Salem, with 29 disposals, 20 kicks and nine handballs.
Ed Langdon, with 27 disposals, 21 kicks and six handballs.
Last time these two met, it was Melbourne who got the job done by 25 points at the MCG, in Round 4. It was the Dees’ fourth consecutive victory of the year. They will need a similar performance, if they are to win their first minor premiership in 57 years.
Both sides have incredible firepower.
But if Melbourne can stop Hawkins and Cameron having a massive influence down forward and Dangerfield having a massive influence through the centre, what could make the difference is if they can look to Fritsch to have a similar performance to last week, and maybe try and get more of an impact from Ben Brown, and the returning Jack Viney and Tom McDonald.
If they can do this, it is Melbourne’s minor premiership for the taking.
They have had their best season in many decades and this is an opportunity that Melbourne fans would be desperate to see their team take.
They should not fear it being in Geelong – they have the skill and the talent to get it done. It is the real ‘finals match’ for Melbourne now and it begins tomorrow in Geelong, not a week later.
Prediction: Melbourne by 18 points.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
trailing 8 goals, 27 minutes of play to go. Unreal comeback against a top four side
Jamie Samuel
Roar Guru
I couldn't have asked for a better finish mate. my housemate and I were running around like headless chickens when maxy won us the game.
Jamie Samuel
Roar Guru
Without a doubt mate!
Jamie Samuel
Roar Guru
Wasn't an easy win. But was about the most REMARKABLE i've seen
Jamie Samuel
Roar Guru
Led by just shy of that, BUT still lost. Best game ever
Downsey
Roar Pro
Well, you called this one in your title. Just slightly off with the margin.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Well...was it game of the year thus far?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Langdon over Smith any time.
Windrince
Roar Rookie
Nah you forgot about cam guthrie in that equation don - guthrie versus harmes - clear cam victory, smith is a class above langdon.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Chris, Dees have surprised me all year, l have a couple of Dee mates & wish them well it’s been along time since last premiership 67’ real humble blokes so hope they can go deep & make GF.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
It should be a ripper game!
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Could be wrong, but I think Dees will win easy. But if geelong is with dees at quarter time, i would be worried more.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Chris l only say not sure based on my abysmal tipping but on current form Dees should win comfortably!
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Not sure Chris but on current form l would say Melbourne
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
who do you think will win Chanon? Dees or Geelong
Maxy
Roar Rookie
That will help,along with hipwood
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Harris Andrew’s missing :silly:
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I actually thought it was some clever writing. Both are exceptional at uniting courage. *sigh* What a shame.
Jamie Samuel
Roar Guru
I meant to say potentially decide the minor premiership for who wins. It wasn’t an obvious comment, sorry that I had to explain that. What I was trying to say was potentially decide the minor premiership for the winner.
ElDiablo14
Guest
dab, are you trying not to jinx it for the Dees? You sound too pessimistic. We've beaten all top 4 sides and our defensive system is elite. Just need BBB to become the X factor in finals.