SUMMARY
The Eagles have surprised many so far this year but coach Adam Simpson believes their next month will define their year, and it starts with the Cats. Geelong has a terrific recent record against the Eagles but both sides are vastly different this season in both personnel and form. The Eagles midfield is in outstanding touch and the Cats will need to find a way to stop Nic Naitanui giving them first use. The Cats can stretch the Eagles' defence with Tom Hawkins and Mitch Clark but they will need to win the supply battle first.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, May 31, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2014, Geelong 16.11 (107) d West Coast 4.8 (32) at Simonds Stadium
R21, 2013, Geelong 16.11 (107) d West Coast 6.5 (41) at Subiaco Oval
R20, 2012, West Coast 16.6 (102) d Geelong 15.7 (97) at Subiaco Oval
2PF, 2011, Geelong 17.15 (117) d West Coast 10.9 (69) at the MCG
R16, 2011, West Coast 14.12 (96) d Geelong 13.10 (88) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Both sides have been strong in centre clearances in 2015. The Eagles are fourth in the AFL with 13.4 per game while the Cats are sixth with 13.1 per game.
2. Geelong is the worst total clearance team in 2015 ranked 18th averaging only 33.7 per game. The Eagles are ranked 14th with 36.4 per game.
3. Geelong has dominated West Coast recently winning nine of 11 contests since 2007. The Cats have won the past two matches by a combined 141 points, kicking 32 goals to the Eagles' 10.
4. The Eagles are the No.1 scoring team in 2015 averaging 110 points per game. The Cats are ranked eighth with 86.8 points per game.
5. West Coast has started the season impressively at Domain Stadium winning three of four games by 69, 87 and 92 points. The Cats have lost three of their past four at the venue.
6. Josh Kennedy (72nd overall) is the fifth-ranked key forward on the Official AFL Player ratings. Geelong's Tom Hawkins (99th overall) is the ninth-ranked key forward.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Rhys Stanley. The former Saint has been doing the job as the Cats' main ruckman in the past three matches. His opponent this week, Nic Naitanui, had 15 hit-outs to advantage and six clearances last week to give the Eagles midfield first use. Stanley has big task in front of him.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 20 points
