SUMMARY
The Cats looked like they had jumped into a time machine for their encounter with Collingwood at the MCG in round six. They were slick and skilful and it was reminiscent of their glory days at the end of the noughties. Almost 24 hours later, the Swans weren't as dominant but still managed to easily take the points off Melbourne at the same ground. There are two questions here: Can the Cats repeat their effort against a team with its flag window open? Can the Swans' play a four-quarter game to hold off a team desperate to say it has finally turned up for 2015? One thing is certain: we will learn a lot about these two sides on Saturday night.
WHERE AND WHEN: ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2014, Sydney Swans 22.16 (148) d Geelong 5.8 (38) at the SCG
R22, 2013, Geelong 13.14 (92) d Sydney Swans 7.6 (48) at Simonds Stadium
R4, 2013, Geelong 19.10 (124) d Sydney Swans 16.7 (103) at the SCG
R23, 2012, Geelong 17.10 (112) d Sydney Swans 11.12 (78) at Simonds Stadium
R13, 2012, Sydney Swans 12.8 (80) d Geelong 11.8 (74) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong was thrashed by 110 points by the Swans in round 11, 2014, when Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin kicked nine goals between them.
2. The Swans are the number one ranked tackling side in 2015 so far, averaging 76.7 per game, while the Cats are ranked ninth at 64.8 per game.
3. The Swans' defeat of Geelong in 2014 was their first over the Cats since 2012, and the 110-point margin was their greatest win over the Cats, passing their 109-point win in 1933. They haven’t won two in a row over the Cats since 2011-12.
4. The Cats are ranked last for free kicks received this season with a total of 92, despite Joel Selwood getting the most frees with 23.
5. The teams last played at ANZ Stadium in round 18, 2010 with Geelong winning by 53 points. In total, there has been four matches between these teams at ANZ, with three wins to the Cats.
6. Geelong captain Joel Selwood is ranked third on the AFL's official player ratings, with Swan Josh Kennedy (8) and Lance Franklin (9) also inside the top ten.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR...
Jarrad McVeigh, who plays his 250th game for the Swans against the Cats. The dual club champion, All Australian and premiership captain, is the Swans' general across half-back and, at 30, is still playing quality footy. He is one of the club's most popular players and the Swans will want to make it a memorable night for a favourite son.
PREDICTION: Swans by 33 points
Match preview: Swans v Cats
Are the Cats back? Find out when they take on the Swans at ANZ