MATCH DETAILS

Geelong v Sydney Swans

Skilled Stadium, 2.10pm, Saturday

FORECAST

The bureau is predicting clear skies and temperatures in the low to mid 20s, so it should be perfect conditions for footy.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Round 13, 2007, at Skilled Stadium – Geelong 13.9 (87) d Sydney Swans 10.9 (69)

The Cats had won seven in a row heading into last year’s clash and, with the Swans without Barry Hall, might have expected a walk in the park against the men from the Harbour City.

After strolling to a seven-goal lead at half-time despite losing Jimmy Bartel and Max Rooke to injury the Cats still looked well on the way to their eighth straight win. But after trailing by six goals at the last break, the Swans came to life.

Brett Kirk helped spark his side as the visitors drew to within 11 points before pieces of magic from Gary Ablett and then Steve Johnson sealed the game for the Cats.

FORM GUIDE

Not much to dislike about the way Geelong is playing at the moment. The Cats set such a high standard in 2007 that many observers have come to expect blow-outs every week. But Mark Thompson’s side is clinically going about its business and getting the job done in impressive style. Last week it was St Kilda that was on the end of the reigning champ’s relentless, pressure football. This week the Sydney Swans will present a new challenge.

The Swans have been terrific in 2008 and had it not been for a slow start in the season opener could well be 4-0 like the Cats. A nice blend of youth and experience has re-invigorated Paul Roos’ side, which dispatched the West Coast Eagles with ease last week. Both teams look near the top of their games, but the round-five clash will tell the footy world a little more about just how good these Swans are.

RANDOM FACTS

* Joel Corey, somewhat of an unsung hero in Geelong’s star-studded midfield, has continued his All-Australian form in 2008. He has collected 123 disposals in four matches to be one of the Cats prime movers in their four wins.

* Sydney Swans co-captain Brett Kirk was inspirational for his side the last time these two teams met, gathering 33 touches and helping lead a Swans revival that fell just short.

* Almost a full season has passed since Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Ling and Joel Selwood have lost an AFL match. The trio missed Geelong’s round 21 loss to Port Adelaide last year, meaning the last time the three tasted defeat was in round five of the 2007 season.

KEY MATCH UPS

Gary Ablett v Kieren Jack

Kieren Jack limited Daniel Kerr to just 15 touches last week, in the process earning himself a NAB Rising Star nomination. This week, his job might be just as big. Paul Roos could continue the youngster’s steep learning curve by assigning him arguably the toughest job in footy – minding Cats’ genius Gary Ablett. The Geelong champ hasn’t been as damaging as he’d like in recent weeks, but has still gathered loads of the footy.

Tom Hawkins v Leo Barry

Not sure if Barry will get the job of curbing Tomahawk or not. One thing is certain – there aren’t many big-bodied Swans deep in defence. At 184cm and 90kg (as opposed to Hawkins at 197cm and 103kg), Barry seems a little out-sized, so perhaps Ted Richards or Craig Bolton will get the nod. Whoever it is, they’ll need to be on their game as Tom has been rather snappy of late. Cam Mooney’s reprieve at the AFL Tribunal not only gives the home side another attacking weapon, but limits Paul Roos’ options for Hawkins.

Tom Harley v Ryan O’Keefe

Harley has been superb so far this season despite lowering his colours early last week to Nick Riewoldt. However Ryan O’Keefe is arguably the in-form player of the competition and poses one of the most difficult match-ups for any opposition coach. Does Harley have the engine to go with him? Maybe not but others who can go stride for stride with O’Keefe on the ground, such as Corey Enright, might not be able to match him in the air. And it’s better to let O’Keefe get the footy up the ground than close to goal.

WHAT THE CLUBS SAY

Geelong defender Matthew Scarlett

"They’ll obviously throw a few new things up at us this week.

“The Swans could have their best 10 players out and they’d still be competitive, it’s just the club they are.

“You’ve always got to prepare yourself for a really hard contest against Sydney. We know it’s going to be another huge test for us.”

Sydney assistant coach John Longmire

“I think if we just play the footy we know we can play [we can win].

“By maintaining our defensive pressure … our work rate without the ball, I think that we’ve certainly improved that part of our game as well.

“They’re a quality team with a lot of good players but we certainly travel down there in reasonable form as well and it should be a good game.”