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AFL cats vs magpies
took cats -23.5 game starts in couple of hours. good luck.
Match preview: Geelong v Collingwood
AAP
Wednesday, 19th September, 2007 1:56:00
Where and when: MCG, Friday September 21, 7.50pm.
Head to head: Geelong 88 wins, Collingwood 123 wins, one draw.
Last time: Geelong 11.14 (80) d Collingwood 9.10 (64), round 15, 2007, at the MCG.
SUMMARY
Those lamenting a lack of Victorian finals matches in recent years can rejoice. Not only are three of the four remaining finalists from Victoria, but they’ve thrown up an absolute cracker of a preliminary final, a sell-out crowd and no doubt an electric atmosphere.
Geelong will feel like Friday night marks its second last stop on the road to destiny eight days later, but for the Magpies – who many tipped for the bottom four – it’s a matter of just enjoying the ride and hoping it might somehow be extended into a magical fourth week.
Both sides are at near full strength, so there’s no excuse on the injury front, which is a rare situation for this late in the season. Geelong’s Matthew Egan, named as centre half-back in the All-Australian team, is the only star likely to miss, while Collingwood ruckman Josh Fraser looks set to return.
MEDICAL ROOM
CATS
Matthew Egan (foot) - doubtful
Stephen Owen (knee) - season
Joel Reynolds (knee) - season
MAGPIES
Josh Fraser (ankle/back) - test
John Anthony (neck) - season
Chris Egan (knee) - season
STRENGTHS
CATS: Well, as far as team balance goes, they tick every box. They have the most even spread of talent in all areas of the field of any team in the competition, which has enabled them to kick a winning score so many times this year. They’ve had a week’s break, they’ve recuperated, and their rivals are coming off a draining, extra-time away trip to Perth and have possibly fired their best shot. With fresh legs having had time to recover, the Cats will feel the Pies are ripe for the picking.
MAGPIES: They’ve been in grand finals in recent years, they made the eight last year and have already won two finals in 2007 – one at the MCG and the other, even more impressively, at Subiaco. For a team apparently stocked with youth, there’s plenty of finals experience in some of the most pressure-cooker situations you could possibly conjure. A crowd of 90,000 screaming fans with a Toyota AFL Grand Final place on the line surely holds no fears.
WEAKNESSES
CATS: It was speculated that pressure could be the only thing which Geelong was susceptible to in the lead-up to its qualifying final. It never came from the Roos, and so we’re still not sure how they’ll go when a team really comes to play against them. You get the feeling the Magpies will fight tooth and nail and do whatever it takes to turn the screws, which could bring about their undoing.
MAGPIES: There’s no question that Collingwood lacks the polish of its rivals. Grit and determination can only take you so far, and it’s not unreasonable to suggest that had Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins been in the Eagles’ team last week, it would be a Geelong-West Coast match this week. By contrast with the reigning premiers, the Cats are suffering just a few injuries, and are pretty much at full strength. Can the Magpies keep pace with them for four quarters?
GAMEBREAKER
CATS: Cameron Mooney
Eyebrows were raised when Cam Mooney was handed a position in the All-Australian team ahead of the likes of Scott Lucas and Nick Riewoldt, but nobody can deny he’s had a colossal season. There’s even been some sneaky talk around town that with his body starting to hurt from his crash-and-bash style, a premiership season might be his last. However, his only focus will be on Friday night, and creating havoc for the Collingwood defenders.
MAGPIES: Dane Swan
He may not be a household name, but anyone who knows footy knows just how important Dane Swan is to this Collingwood side. His 38-possession performance against West Coast was reminiscent of Paul Licuria’s famous match-winning effort against Port Adelaide in 2002, and just as effective. Once a jack of all trades and arguably a master of none, Swan has become a masterful ball winner for the black and white and his presence will be vital in helping his side at the stoppages.
X-FACTOR
Dale Thomas: Collingwood
Whenever the Pies need a spark, they’ve traditionally turned to Alan Didak, Anthony Rocca or Leon Davis. But now they’re turning to a mop-haired youngster from Drouin – something Friday night’s opposition did 20 or so years ago. Whether Thomas becomes as good as his town’s most famous export, one Gary Ablett Snr, remains to be seen, but he’s certainly made a bright start. He loves the big stage and the bright lights – can he deliver when it matters most?
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Originally Posted by bigboydan
