SUMMARY
A five-goal haul from Tom Hawkins last week helped Geelong overpower Greater Western Sydney and stay in touch with the top eight. The Brisbane Lions, on the other hand, were smashed by North Melbourne and will make the journey south having lost six of their seven interstate games this season. Despite the Cats' less than impressive recent run at Simonds Stadium – three losses from their five matches – they look destined to hand the Lions their 10th straight defeat. The game also marks Cat-turned-Lion Allen Christensen's first appearance against his old club, which is sure to create some further tension.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Saturday August 1, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2014, Geelong 21.17 (143) d Brisbane 12.9 (81) at Simonds Stadium
R2, 2014, Geelong 13.15 (93) d Brisbane 10.8 (68) at the Gabba
R23, 2013, Geelong 15.22 (112) d Brisbane 17.9 (111) at Simonds Stadium
R14, 2013, Brisbane 15.13 (103) d Geelong 14.14 (98) at the Gabba
R5, 2012, Geelong 12.7 (79) d Brisbane 4.17 (41) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Tom Hawkins starred when the teams last met, kicking a career-high seven goals. Geelong controlled the inside 50s in that game with 58-35.
2. The Cats are the No.1 contested marking side in 2015, averaging 12.5 per game. In contrast, the Lions are ranked last with 8.3.
3. Geelong has dominated the Brisbane Lions over a long period of time, winning seven of the last eight games and 13 of 15 contests since 2006.
4. The Lions continue to struggle to score this season, ranking last for points per game with only 64.5. The Cats are averaging 80.1 points.
5. The Lions have lost their last eight matches at Simonds Stadium, five by 50 points or more. They haven't won at the venue since 2003.
6. Dayne Zorko is ranked No.1 overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings for current form, averaging 17.5 points in the past month compared to his previous average of 9.9.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Allen Christensen. The 24-year-old, who joined the Lions in last year's trade period, says he expects "a few boos" when he faces his former side for the first time. Christensen played 65 games for the Cats and featured in their 2011 premiership. The 81-gamer has taken positive strides since joining the Lions and will be relied upon to lift for his team and help silence the hostile Geelong crowd.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 32 points
