AFL Round 23 Preview: Geelong v Brisbane

Josh Caddy

TV: Channel 7. Brisbane: 7Mate (live)

MATCH NOTES:
- Don't hold your breath waiting for Stevie J and his troublesome foot. He was best on ground in the Cats' win over the Lions in round two but with a spot already secured in the finals, it would probably be best to rest him. Concern will grow to worry if he doesn't play this week though.
- The Lions lead the Cats this season in kicking for goal rankings. Their accuracy is 48.5 per cent, while the Cats are going at 46.7 per cent.
- The Lions haven’t won at Geelong’s home ground since 2003.
- Geelong have won the last four out five games between the two teams.

KEY INJURIES:
GEELONG

Zac Bates Hamstring Season
George Burbury Hamstring 1-2 weeks
Josh Cowan Achilles Season
Taylor Hunt Groin 1-2 weeks
Steve Johnson Foot Test
Shane Kersten Hamstring 1-2 weeks
Daniel Menzel* Knee Season
Dawson Simpson Back Season
Nathan Vardy* Knee Season

BRISBANE
Tom Cutler Knee Season
Luke McGuane Knee Season
James Polkinghorne Ankle Season
Jack Redden Ankle Season
Daniel Rich* Knee Season
Brent Staker Foot Season
Patrick Wearden Quad Season
Trent West Knee Season

LAST FIVE GAMES:
GEELONG

W 7 GWS
W 32 North Melbourne
W 2 Fremantle
W 6 Carlton
L 23 Hawthorn  

BRISBANE
W 54 Gold Coast
W 23 Melbourne
L 105 Adelaide
W 67 Collingwood
L 58 Fremantle

FINAL WORD
At opposite ends of the ladder, the Cats are secure in their top-four spot and will be preparing for a finals crusade while the 15th-placed Lions will at least want to finish the season on a high. After a dodgy start to the season and the loss of star veteran Jonathan Brown, Brisbane surprised spectators by pulling out three wins in their last five matches – but that still only makes seven for the entire season. Their form has improved but it seems too little, too late for Justin Leppitch’s young side? They will play with nothing to lose so could make a dangerous opponent. The Cats shouldn’t get too cocky. They continue to struggle when it comes to clearances, ranked 18th in the competition. Yes, they’ll win, but without Stevie J they could be looking at a close call. Geelong by 8 points.

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