By Justin Flynn
Geelong defied its critics to book a preliminary final berth against Adelaide tonight and will look to cause its second upset in as many weeks.
The Cats were the underdogs going into last Friday’s semi-final against Sydney, but turned on a masterclass performance to advance to the preliminary final with a 59-point thrashing.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher with the winner of tonight’s clash to meet either Richmond or Greater Western Sydney in the grand final.
But first the Cats will need to defy the odds again by beating a rampant Adelaide in Adelaide.
The Crows won the corresponding clash at Adelaide Oval by 21 points in round 18, but before that, Geelong had won the past five games between the two sides.
The big question is will Chris Scott start Patrick Dangerfield at full forward for the second week in a row?
Dangerfield was in blistering form against the Swans and if he does line up deep in the forward line, then expect Kyle Hartigan to go to him.
Mark Blicavs was in outstanding form last week, running with Sydney captain Josh Kennedy and soundly beating him.
Rhys Stanley and Zach Smith bounced back with huge games.
Expect Scott Selwood to tag Crows’ midfield gun Rory Sloane. Chris Scott was at his coaching best last week and he will realise the need to quell Sloane’s influence. The Crows have proved very beatable this year when Sloane has a quiet game.
Jordan Bews will match up on livewire Crows champ Eddie Betts in one of the most tantalising individual battles on the night, while Tom Lonergan will return to the team after suffering food poisoning last Friday. Lonergan could be given the job on Taylor Walker.
Adelaide is the highest scoring team in the competition, but the Cats are no dour defenders either. They are ranked equal third.
If Geelong plays like it did against Richmond two weeks ago, it will be thrashed. If it plays like it did against Sydney, they will likely win.
Which Geelong will turn up to Adelaide Oval tonight?
Geelong to cause another upset and sneak home by 11 points in a preliminary final classic.
