By Justin Flynn
Geelong will be eyeing off second spot on the ladder when it hosts Greater Western Sydney at Simonds Stadium tomorrow night.
The Giants are half a game clear of Geelong in second spot, and a win from either side will be enough to secure a home final – in theory at least. The AFL has stated that Geelong would play a ‘home’ final at the MCG against any side other than the Giants.
A Geelong win would see it leapfrog GWS into second spot, and if St Kilda beats Richmond, the Cats would host a qualifying final at Simonds Stadium against the Giants.
If the Tigers beat the Saints by plenty, then it’s likely the Cats would ‘host’ Richmond at the MCG.
A Geelong loss would see it stay in third and probably travel to Sydney in the first week of the finals, but if Richmond also wins, the Cats would finish fourth and face a daunting trip to Adelaide to take on the Crows. If the Giants win and West Coast knocks off Adelaide, the Cats would travel to the City of Churches in a 2nd vs 3rd match-up.
There’s plenty to play for. The Giants can still finish top of the ladder if they win and the Eagles upset the Crows.
Geelong regains key forward Tom Hawkins from suspension for tomorrow’s game. Hawkins missed a shot for goal after the siren to draw the match the last time these two sides met.
The Cats struggled to put away Collingwood last week, but did enough.
Even without the injured Joel Selwood, midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Sam Menegola, Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie found plenty of the ball in the 11-point triumph.
The Giants are the best clearance team this season while the Cats are sixth best. Geelong has the most free kicks for any team in 2017.
The Giants have only played at Kardinia Park twice – losing both games.
It all points to another thriller. The fortress at Simonds Stadium is real, and visiting teams struggle at the venue with its shorter wings.
Geelong by seven points.
