Four wins from four. That stat says it all for arguably the best side in the competition. And to emphasise the point, the defending premiers have scored over 100 points in each of their four games this season with an average winning margin of 45 points.
Recent form:
Round 1 – Geelong 15.15 (105) def Port Adelaide 14.12 (96)
Round 2 – Geelong 22.18 (150) def Essendon 6.15 (51)
Round 3 – Geelong 16.16 (112) def Melbourne 12.10 (82)
Round 4– Geelong 21.10 (136) def St Kilda 13.16 (94)
Last time out:
Geelong 13.9 (87) def Sydney Swans 10.9 (69), round 13, 2007 at Skilled stadium.
Despite the 18-point loss, Paul Roos would’ve been pleased with his side’s final quarter. The 2005 premiers hit back from a six-goal deficit at the final break to outscore Geelong five goals to two.
The damage had been done in the first half though with the Cats taking a seven goal lead into the main break.
The Swans dominated the handball count and overall disposals stats
although Geelong won the tackle count 73-60.
Starring for the Swans was midfield general Brett Kirk with 33 disposals while classy on-baller Adam Goodes also was influential for the visitor with 19 kicks and 12 handballs.
For the Cats, Andrew Mackie, Corey Enright and Joel Corey saw plenty of ball. In the forward line, key spearhead Cameron Mooney - who’s been cleared to play on Saturday after a tripping charge on St Kilda’s Leigh Montagna was downgraded from intentional to reckless - and Steve Johnson dominated the scoring with four and three goals respectively.
The venue: Skilled Stadium
The Swans have to go back to 1999 for the last time they won at the former Kardinia Park in what was a decisive 41 point win. At 170 metres by 115 metres, Skilled Stadium is also considerably longer and narrower than the SCG.
The coach: Mark Thompson
This is 'Bomber’s' ninth season at Geelong. He sports a 103-83 win-loss (plus three draws) from his 189 matches in charge. Things really turned around by 2004 and the former Essendon star has now meticulously built a winning culture at the club. Some say Thompson, 44, will oversee a dynasty at Geelong similar to the Brisbane Lions of the turn of the century. The Geelong coach has had three wins and three losses from his last six encounters with the Swans.
Strengths:
Where do you start? Mobile, skilful, intense and well balanced – this is a side that is almost the perfect modern footy side. Defensively, they have all the ingredients of the modern game: strong markers and plenty of run out of the backline, while the engine room talent features Brownlow medalist Jimmy Bartel among many other stars. In the forward line, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman, Mooney and Johnson are a handful for anyone (the team has a 56.5% scoring accuracy ratio this season).
Missing in action:
Matt Egan is a long term injury. Brad Ottens is out for a week with a foot and Nathan Djerrkura is out for two weeks with a quad. Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan were due to have tests on a quad and finger respectively in the lead up to the Swans game.
The key:
The Swans playing without Barry Hall will once again require some adjustment. But with Michael O’Loughlin in solid form, and Nick Davis a possible inclusion, the Swans could unsettle the Cats defence. Adam Goodes and Brett Kirk have good records against the Cats, averaging 24 disposals in the last five encounters.
The young gun: Joel Selwood
One part of the family that has contributed four current League footballers (including two at West Coast and one at Brisbane), midfielder Joel enjoyed a breakthrough season last year at Geelong, capping it with a NAB AFL Rising Star award.
The questions:
How will the Barry Hall saga affect the Swans? Will small forward Nick Davis get a run and, if so, can he repeat his scoring feats in the reserves over the last two rounds? Can the Swans contain the Cats’ drive from defence and smother its well-oiled engine across the centre of the park? And how will the likes of Teddy Richards, Leo Barry, Craig Bolton and Marty Mattner cope with Mooney, Johnson and Paul Chapman?
Did you know?
Geelong has 13 players in the respective squads for May 10 Hall of Fame blockbuster at the MCG. Jimmy Bartel, Steve Johnson, Cameron Ling, James Kelly, Darren Milburn, Paul Chapman, Gary Ablett and Matthew Scarlett have been selected in the Victorian squad that will be also coached by Mark Thompson.
Meanwhile, Joel Corey, Corey Enright, Mathew Stokes, Cameron Mooney and skipper Tom Harley have been picked in Mark Williams’ dream team squad.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
