HEAD TO HEAD: Geelong 115 wins, Sydney Swans 93 wins, no draws
LAST TIME: Geelong 11.15 (81) d Sydney Swans 7.12 (54), round 4, 2011 at the SCG
TV, RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: Geelong: WWWWB Sydney Swans: WBLLW
SUMMARY
Two weeks out from the finals, Geelong will most likely relish the arrival of the Swans on Saturday. Having beaten Melbourne and Gold Coast by a combined 336 points in rounds 19 and 20, the Cats then had a welcome contest against the Crows in Adelaide, winning by just 11 points. They had a bye last week, however, and will have to be on their guard and bring plenty of intensity against a physical Swans side still to guarantee its place in September.
The Swans gave their chances of finals football a significant boost with their 15-point victory over St Kilda last week that lifted them to seventh place on the ladder. Following an uncharacteristic loss to Richmond, the Swans returned to their usual selves against the Saints in an encouraging performance. The only issue was again their goalkicking, which has been their Achilles heel all year long.
Coach John Longmire's squad has a dreadful record at Skilled Stadium, where it hasn't won since 1999. But the Swans genuinely believe if they bring the same level of intensity and commitment as they did last week, and kick straight, they are a chance of an upset.
QUESTION MARKS
Can coach Chris Scott ensure his players are focused to take on the Swans? This match is Geelong's last before a round 24 clash with Collingwood that has been talked about for weeks. Despite their strong record over the Swans, the Cats will need to be switched on against a side that will have plenty of motivation.
Inconsistency has hurt the Swans in 2011, so can they recapture the hardness and physicality they showed against St Kilda for a second straight week? Also, can they snap out of their goalkicking funk and finally get some return for their endeavour on the scoreboard?
PREDICTION
Geelong by 28 points
AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Geelong defender Matthew Scarlett has averaged just 69 points per game this season and is valued at $258,800. But he has had two weeks off and will back himself against the Swans' young forward line, which includes Sam Reid, Jesse White and Matthew Spangher.
For the Swans, ruckman Shane Mumford is in outstanding form, picking up a season-high 146 points against St Kilda. He will be keen to show his former club just how far he has come at Skilled Stadium.
