For the first time since 2005 Geelong will play in a semi-final after going down to St Kilda by four points in the second qualifying final last Friday night. Meanwhile, Fremantle tasted finals success for just the second time in their history last Saturday, accounting for Hawthorn by 30 points at Subiaco Oval.
The Dockers – who have won just nine of their 32 matches at the MCG – haven’t played at the home of football in 2010 – which means a number of their players will be playing at the ‘G for the first time ever – hardly ideal. Star ruckman Aaron Sandilands will face the Cats despite clashing knees with Hawks big man Wayde Skipper but he is likely to play predominantly up forward.
Since beginning their domination of the competition in early 2007 the Cats have suffered back-to-back losses on just two occasions. It won’t become three on Friday night as the reigning premiers simply have too much experience and class for Mark Harvey’s charges.
Expect Geelong to book a third preliminary final showdown in four years with Collingwood with a win by 40 plus points, which is paying $1.91.