SUMMARY
It took two major upsets last weekend, with Geelong going down to Fremantle and Port Adelaide toppling Collingwood, to create this unexpected semi-final match-up. This will be the first time that the Cats and Power have met in a final since the 2007 Grand Final, which Geelong won by 119 points. Although a closer contest is expected this time around, the Cats will go in as red-hot favourites, and recent form is certainly on their side. Geelong has not lost to Port since round 21, 2007, a streak that stands at nine consecutive victories.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, September 13, 7.50pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R20, 2013, Geelong 20.9 (129) d Port Adelaide 16.8 (104) at Simonds Stadium
R9, 2013, Geelong 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 9.14 (68) at AAMI Stadium
R14, 2012, Geelong 14.15 (99) d Port Adelaide 8.13 (61) at Simonds Stadium
R3, 2011, Geelong 17.20 (122) d Port Adelaide 6.7 (43) at Simonds Stadium
R4, 2010, Geelong 23.21 (159) d Port Adelaide 10.4 (64) at Simonds Stadium
2013 MEETINGS
Round 9 at AAMI Stadium: Geelong 18.8 (116) d Port Adelaide 9.14 (68)
Having suffered their first loss of the season the previous weekend against Collingwood, the Cats bounced back in style. Led by Steve Johnson, who finished with 32 possessions and seven inside-50s, they were in control the start, booting the first eight goals and cruising to victory from there. Injury-plagued Tom Hawkins produced one of his best performances for the year, booting six goals, all of them in the first three quarters, while James Podsiadly chipped in with four.
Round 20 at Simonds Stadium: Geelong 20.9 (129) d Port Adelaide 16.8 (104)
Chris Scott's men made it nine straight wins over the Power with a regulation victory in front of their home fans. The Cats dominated the first three quarters and were 63 points up when Joel Selwood booted his fourth goal four minutes into the final term. But the Power narrowed the final margin by kicking six unanswered goals in the last 23 minutes. Angus Monfries bagged three of them, which saw him finish with a career-best haul of seven. Joel Selwood booted a career-high four goals, while Steven Motlop was electric in the midfield.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Joel Selwood v Travis Boak: Whether these star midfielders actually go head-to-head remains to be seen, but their performances will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the game. Both were down on their usual output last weekend. Selwood struggled to exert his usual influence when the Cats were beaten by Fremantle at Simonds Stadium, while Boak managed only 14 disposals in Port Adelaide's stunning upset victory over Collingwood at the MCG.
Cameron Guthrie v Angus Monfries: Small forwards have a habit of troubling the Cats, and Monfries led them a merry dance last month when he bagged seven goals – the majority of them on Jimmy Bartel – at Simonds Stadium in round 20. Look for emerging Geelong defender Cameron Guthrie to get the job on him this time around.
Nathan Vardy v Matthew Lobbe: The Cats have had a roller-coaster ride with their ruckmen. Trent West was their only fit one at the start of the season, but when Dawson Simpson and Nathan Vardy hit form in the middle of the year they suddenly had a plethora of big men to choose from. It's a different story now, with Simpson injured and West out of form, so Vardy will have to carry the rucking load against Matthew Lobbe. And Geelong have first-hand knowledge of Lobbe's recent improvement, as he gathered 17 possessions and won 59 hit-outs against the Cats in round 20.
WILDCARDS
Geelong - Tom Hawkins
The big forward, who won the Cats best and fairest last season, has been hindered by a back injury for most of the season. It was so bad last week that he was unable to play in the qualifying final against Fremantle. Geelong's forward line seemed dysfunctional without him, so if Hawkins can get on the park this week and be even close to full fitness, the Cats will be a much better side.
Port Adelaide - Tom Logan
He might not be the most naturally gifted footballer going around, but what this small defender lacks in pure talent he makes up for ten fold in desire and desperation. Logan was sensational against Collingwood and he's the type of player who can lift the team with his tackling, second efforts and attack on the ball. He's the Power's barometer – if he's on, Port has come to play.
PLAN B
Geelong
If the Cats' forward line fails to fire again this weekend (they kicked only nine goals against Freo), and if Hawkins is unable to play or is struggling, they might have to throw someone like James Podsiadly into the ruck and put Nathan Vardy deep in their forward. Vardy is a great mark, a beautiful kick and, although he stands almost 200cms, is exceptional when the ball hits the ground.
Port Adelaide
While the Power's ability to run out games is not in doubt (they are the best fourth-quarter team in the competition apart from the Hawks) their third terms are of some concern. They're ranked 14th in the league for winning quarters overall and must find a way to remain in touch at the final change on Friday night. Their defensive pressure needs to remain high up forward and through the midfield to limit supply to Geelong's forwards. If that pressure drops away, a player like Tom Logan might be needed in attack to restore it.
THE SIX POINTS
1. This will be the 27th contest between the sides. Geelong holds a clear advantage, having won 17 games to eight, with one draw.
2. Geelong has lost its past two finals, both to Fremantle. The Cats haven’t lost three consecutive finals since the period between 1997 and 2004. Last weekend Port recorded its first finals victory since the 2007 preliminary final.
3. Geelong holds a huge finals experience advantage over Port Adelaide. The players on the Cats' list have played a combined 274 games. Jimmy Bartel tops the list with 22, while Joel Corey has played 21. In contrast, the players on Port Adelaide's list have tallied just 64 finals appearances. Kane Cornes leads the way with 15, while Dom Cassisi is next best with nine.
4. Chris Scott will be coaching in his sixth final. So far he has three wins and two losses to his name. Last weekend Ken Hinkley became only the second man (Mark Williams was the first) to coach the Power to a finals victory.
5. If Geelong wins it will reach its sixth preliminary final in seven seasons.
6. The only team from the bottom half of the eight to progress past the second week of the finals in the last decade was Collingwood in 2007.
