With just one win at the Cattery in the past 25 years, Melbourne faces a massive challenge against Geelong
SUMMARY
Melbourne players, coaches and supporters must break into a cold sweat whenever they think about heading down the highway to Geelong. The Demons haven't won at the Cattery since 2005, and just two years ago they lost at the venue by 186 points. The Dees have improved since Neil Craig took over, yet the Cats have been in great touch in the past two weeks. A big Geelong win seems all but certain.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Saturday July 13, 2.10pm
R6, 2012, Geelong 17.17 (119) d Melbourne 11.10 (76) at Simonds Stadium
R19, 2011, Geelong 37.11 (233) d Melbourne 7.5 (47) at Simonds Stadium
R10, 2010, Geelong 18.13 (121) d Melbourne 10.7 (67) at Simonds Stadium
R16, 2009, Geelong 17.15 (117) d Melbourne 11.5 (71) at Simonds Stadium
R6, 2009, Geelong 15.21 (111) d Melbourne 10.8 (68) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. It is surprising, given how good Geelong has been in recent years, but the Cats have lost their past three round 16 matches. Still, Melbourne's record is worse. The Demons have lost their last seven round 16 games.
2. Melbourne has only eight players on its list who have played in a win against Geelong and only two who have played in a win at Simonds Stadium.
3. It will be a battle between a team with a potent attack and a team that has been impotent up forward. Geelong has scored the second-most points this season at an average of 111 per game. Melbourne has the worst attack in the competition, averaging just 70 points per game.
4. Geelong is ranked fourth this season for total disposals with 5240. Melbourne is ranked 18th with 4435.
5. The Cats are averaging 57.5 inside-50s per game this season. The Demons are averaging just 40.8.
6. Geelong ruckman Mark Blicavs has surged up the Official AFL Player Ratings table. Blicavs began the season outside the top 600 with all the other rookies, but he now sits at 466. High-flying forward Jeremy Howe has been Melbourne's biggest improver. He began the season at 180, but he now sits at 124.
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