IN LAST year's epic preliminary final at the MCG, Geelong's Cameron Guthrie had the big job of minding Hawthorn's small forwards.
He stood Cyril Rioli, Bradley Hill and Luke Breust during the course of the night, impressing with his defensive work and also winning 10 possessions and kicking a goal himself.
Now, as the Cats and Hawthorn prepare to do battle for the first time since the Hawks broke the 'Kennett Curse' with a five-point win, Guthrie is readying himself for another huge challenge.
Having moved into the midfield this season, where he has had run-with roles on a number of gun opponents, including Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury, he is expected to pick up Hawthorn talisman Sam Mitchell on Easter Monday.
Hawks our biggest test, says Scott
"If I do happen to get a job, I'll do my research and I'll have my work cut out for me," Guthrie told AFL.com.au.
The 21-year-old, who has played 44 games since making his debut in the opening round of the 2010 season, will certainly have his hands full if Mitchell proves to be his opponent.
After missing round three with a calf injury, the veteran Hawk returned in style last weekend, gathering 36 disposals and booting two goals in the reigning premiers' 99-point demolition of Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
"Hawthorn has great players on every line, so it's going to be a tough game," Guthrie said.
"We've got to prepare as best we can and hopefully we come out on top."
Like Guthrie, Cats coach Chris Scott has been loathe to give away which of Hawthorn's midfielders will get the most attention.
"There might be one that we want to lock down, but we tend not to be a side that goes absolutely defensively against any player," Scott said.
"Some guys will have a slight bias towards that in their role.
"But they do have a lot of good mids. We'll take a step back and have a look at it and decide on balance what we need to do, versus what they'll probably do against us.
"Yeah, they've got a good midfield, but so do we."
But Guthrie is happy to pump up the hype surrounding Monday's clash.
"I think everyone looks forward to this game, particularly after losing to them last year in the prelim," he said.
"Everyone was really disappointed about that, so it's good to get another crack at them.
"We're the last two undefeated teams, so that adds a bit more to the game.
"We just can't wait to get out there. We know it's going to be tough, but we'll see what happens."
As for whether Geelong is approaching the game with revenge in mind, Guthrie said: "Yes and no.
"Last year has been and gone, so we can't do anything about that. But hopefully we can get the win and set ourselves up for a good year."
The 2013 preliminary final ended poorly for the Cats despite Guthrie'
s best efforts. Picture: AFL Media
