SUMMARY
After claiming back-to-back wins at Simonds Stadium, Geelong travels to the home of footy in what looms as the ultimate test against Hawthorn. The Hawks responded to their shock loss to Richmond with a hard-fought away win against West Coast in wet conditions. The Cats face a big task in attempting to topple the Hawks, but will be strengthened by the return of milestone man Steve Johnson, who last week served his fifth suspension in the last three seasons. The Cats are on a mission to extend their four-game winning streak and the clash will reveal how far they've come in recent weeks.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday August 15, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2015, Hawthorn 17.21 (123) d Geelong 8.13 (61) at the MCG
2QF, 2014, Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Geelong 10.8 (68) at the MCG
R22, 2014, Hawthorn 14.10 (94) d Geelong 11.5 (71) at the MCG
R5, 2014, Geelong 15.16 (106) d Hawthorn 12.15 (87) at the MCG
1PF, 2013, Hawthorn 14.18 (102) Geelong 15.7 (97) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn dominated Geelong in round one this season; 367-345 disposals, 124-99 marks, 38-21 scoring shots and 60-42 inside 50s.
2. It will be a battle between the two best disposal teams. The Hawks are ranked first for efficiency at 75.3 per cent, while the Cats are second at 74.2.
3. Hawthorn has now won the past three clashes between the sides and four of the last five, ending Geelong’s dominance of 11 straight wins between 2009 and 2013.
4. The Cats are the second best team for contested marks, averaging 12.2 per game. The Hawks are ranked seventh, averaging 10.8.
5. The Hawks continue to be the No.1 scoring side in 2015, averaging 111 points per game. Their defence is ranked second, conceding only 68 points per match.
6. Cyril Rioli surged 14 places, from No. 49 to No. 35 overall, in the Official AFL Player Ratings last week. He's the third-highest Hawk.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Steve Johnson. After serving his one-game suspension for striking former teammate Allen Christensen in round 18, the 32-year-old will return to the field in what will be his 250th game. Johnson, whose contract expires at season's end, will need to repay his teammates with a strong performance in his milestone match.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 20 points
