Collingwood vs Geelong, Friday Night 7:30pm, MCG
The Cats on the other hand will be looking to better their effort on Saturday, having enough to prevent Richmond running over the top of them in a game they should have run out.
The Pies continue on their merry way, sitting pretty at 4 – 1, although still without a proper litmus test. Carlton were a pathetic opposition on Friday, moving the ball so slow and predictably, the Pies had ample time to set up. That shouldn’t dismiss Collingwood’s performance either. They were clinical, they were disciplined when setting up behind the ball and they ran harder than their arch-rivals.
Geelong probably should have closed out the game better against Richmond, giving up a good five goal lead midway through the final quarter to skimp over the line. While their midfield still has some serious issues, they found key forwards Walker and Hawkins regularly one out on their opponents.
This is clearly the last positive attribute that the Cats have to challenge teams – they can isolate their key forwards and do serious damage if they can get the ball to them quick enough. Their defence and midfield might be slower, but the wisdom of age and intelligence with the footy can give them an advantage on their day.
Key Match Ups
Tom Hawkins v Nathan Brown/Tyson Goldsack
Both players might be a little undersized to deal with Hawkins, but as Collingwood have done in the last month or so, they’ve been quite willing and able to zone off and force the opposition’s key forward to deal with two players in the air. Should be an interesting battle.
Tom Hawkins will pose a big threat to the Cats defenders (Photo: Getty Images)
Adam Oxley v Mitch Duncan
Oxley has an excellent start the season, proving to be quite a ball magnet and tall enough to creep forward and take a few grabs. Duncan has to cut his influence on the game and hurt him going the other way.
Result
The Cats should have a sniff in this one. The Pies kicking skills still let them down at times and will possibly be the deciding factor when they play better sides. On exposed form however, the Pies should get it done but not without a fright.
Pies by 13.