Geelong and Sydney are two of the most successful clubs of this millennium. The Swans have won two of the 17 premierships on offer, playing in 5 Grand Finals. The Cats have won 3 flags of their own, playing in 4 Grand Finals and have made it to at least preliminary final weekend 8 of the past 11 seasons.
Geelong’s most recent preliminary final was against the Swans, the Cats stunned by a 7 goal to nil opening term onslaught that effectively decided the game. This Friday night marks the first contest between the teams since that match, and no doubt Chris Scott’s men have set themselves for revenge.
The match being at Kardinia Park looms as a significant advantage for the Cats, but the Swans are one of the few teams to have beaten the boys in navy blue and white hoops at the Cattery in the past ten years, including their most recent clash in round 16 last year.
Geelong will also be without 2016 Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield, who has once again been the talk of the football world this week after being handed and subsequently accepting a one match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Matthew Kruezer. It makes Dangerfield ineligible for the 2017 Brownlow Medal.
While he will be back for a crucial round 21 clash with Richmond, it leaves the Cats vulnerable in his absence, particularly with the Swans looking to bounce back from a loss to Hawthorn last Friday night.
It’s all set up for a cracking clash to start round 20 of the 2017 AFL season. Here is a complete preview.
DANGER GAME, DANGER GONE: Patrick Dangerfield misses his first match in a Cats jumper due to suspension this Friday night against Sydney. SOURCE: Geelong Advertiser.
Geelong v Sydney
Just when it seems there is some certainty in this bizarre yet brilliant season, there isn’t. It’s like a David Lynch film. You think you have worked it out, then you realise you have no idea and have completely misunderstood everything you have just seen. Watch Lost Highway, it’s even odder than this season of football.
Sydney return to Victoria for the second successive week, this time facing Geelong down the highway at Kardinia Park. Last week’s loss to Hawthorn was disappointing, but how vital that result was for the Swans season may depend on what happens here.
A win will see it put down as a small blip on the radar, while a second successive loss will have people questioning whether the boys from Bondi have run out of petrol tickets after a remarkable resurgence from a 0-6 start.
They will have to beat the Cats on their home patch without captain Josh Kennedy, who picked up a hamstring injury in his 200th game last Friday against the Hawks. Sam Naismith is out with an abdominal strain, youngsters Dan Robinson and Jordan Foote dropped.
Talented yet inconsistent trio Sam Reid, Gary Rohan and Kurt Tippett all come back in to the side, important midfielder Jake Lloyd also returning for the visitors.
Geelong of course lose Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, the Cats first match without ‘Danger’ since he crossed to the Cats at the end of 2015. A reminder that Chris Scott’s men missed the finals that season before Dangerfield joined the club.
A really tough game to tip, with the Cats looking to maintain their stranglehold on a top four spot and the Swans needing another win to keep their head above water with an interstate trip against the Crows still to come.
Going with the Swans, they are one of the few teams who match up well with the Cats at Kardinia Park. Sydney by 9 points.
Greater Western Sydney v Melbourne
Everyone goes on about how frustrating Richmond are to support. But being a Dees fan has to be every bit as infuriating. How do you fail to beat 17th placed North Melbourne? Particularly when you have a howling breeze going your way in the last term? No such thing as a straightforward day at the office when you are a Melbourne supporter.
It’s not about to get any easier, with the Giants their next opponent in Australia’s capital. It will be Melbourne’s third trip to Manuka Oval to face the AFL’s newest club, having played there previously in 2012 and 2015 for a win and a loss respectively.
The Giants appeared headed for another loss when trailing the Dockers by 15 points at three quarter time at Spotless Stadium last Saturday, but found a way past their plucky opponents thanks to a 5 goal last quarter. As they say, good teams just find a way to win.
Sadly Jeremy Cameron re-injured his hamstring in the victory, ruling him out of the contest. Jonathon Patton remains in some doubt for the match after limping off the training track on Thursday with a similar ailment, leaving the Giants light on for tall targets.
They do welcome back big ruckman Shane Mumford after a week off with an ankle concern, while veteran Steve Johnson is also back after managing his troublesome knee last week.
Former number one draft pick and two time Richmond best and fairest winner Brett Deledio finally debuts for his new club, having missed the first three quarters of the season due to a calf injury. Jacob Hopper adds some depth to the Giants midfield in his first AFL game since round 7.
Melbourne have some big name inclusions of their own, welcoming back co-captain Nathan Jones, ex Crow Bernie Vince and utility Cameron Pedersen. Corey Maynard makes his debut, younger brother of Collingwood’s Brayden.
Unfortunately Jesse Hogan’s season could be over after a collarbone injury sustained in the four point loss to the Roos, while Jack Trengove and Jay Kennedy-Harris have been dropped. Mitch Hannan has been rested after failing to record a kick last week, which suggests he was probably dropped too but won’t suffer the ignominy of having to play in the VFL.
Expecting the Dees to be really physical here, particularly with Bernie Vince back in the side and with so much to play for. Think the Giants might just sneak past them in a cracking game. Greater Western Sydney by 5 points.
LIDS OFF: Former Tiger Brett Deledio finally makes his AFL debut on Saturday at Manuka Oval in Canberra. SOURCE: GWS Giants.
Essendon v Carlton
The arch rivals, facing off in the old fashioned Saturday afternoon MCG timeslot. Ah the nostalgia. It’s always hard to know exactly what to expect when these two teams play one another, and recent matches have been won by the underdog.
The Blues secured a memorable win in the wet back in round 3, but Brendon Bolton’s team appears to be suffering a late season fade out similar to last season that will make it hard for the boys from Princes Park to reprise that performance on Saturday.
They are still showing in patches what they will be capable of in a couple of years when it all comes together, but it’s a painfully slow process for Carlton and their supporters. Justin Murphy hurling the ball in the air after the Blues memorable one point preliminary final triumph over the Bombers in 1999 seems light years ago now.
It’s officially resting season down at Essendon, with young and old being given a week to recover. James Kelly and number one draft pick from last year Andrew McGrath set to miss the match. Youngster Jayden Leverde has been dropped, Josh Green, Patrick Ambrose and Ben Howlett all included.
Simon White, David Cunningham, Harry McKay and Tom Williamson all miss through various ailments, Dennis Armfield, Jarrod Pickett, Billie Smedts and Blaine Boekhorst the inclusions.
It’s been a season of improvement for the Blues, but I can’t see them doing the clean sweep against the Dons here. The Bombers are keen to avenge last week’s loss to the Dogs, and simply can’t afford a slip up. Essendon by 32 points.
Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs
It might sound silly to say in a season that has yielded just four wins, but this has been a season of improvement for the Lions. Young players have come on in leaps and bounds, and given fans hope that some success may be not too far away.
The 68 point loss to West Coast was encouraging in patches, and while they were never likely to beat the Eagles they matched it with the home side for the first 40 minutes of the match before fading after half time, a young team overwhelmed in what is the longest trip in the competition.
They return home to face a seemingly rejuvenated Western Bulldogs, who played fast, free flowing football in defeating Essendon at Docklands last Sunday. It wasn’t so much the win over a fellow finals contender that impressed onlookers, but the way in which they achieved it.
The Dogs kicked 19 goals on the afternoon, the most they have kicked in a game since round 20, 2015 which suggest their scoring potency may be back, having kicked 16 goals against Gold Coast the in round 18.
Unfortunately they lose Tory Dickson to a quad injury, having been a key contributor in the Dogs win last Sunday with 3 goals. Bob Murphy won’t play, his absence listed as ‘travelling emergency’ on the team sheet. What that means is anyone’s guess, but he won’t be out there to lead the troops in to action at the Gabba.
The Lions welcome back star midfielder Dayne Zorko, as well as impressive youngsters Eric Hipwood, Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry. Daniel McStay also strengthens the Lions defence having missed the trip West last Sunday.
It appears Brisbane have set themselves for this contest, making no less than 5 changes for a six day turnaround. The Bulldogs have not won at the Gabba since 2009, having lost their past four games at the venue. They should break that losing run here, but might not have it all their own way. Western Bulldogs by 23 points.
North Melbourne v Collingwood
Huzzah! North Melbourne finally won a close one! Roos fans wondered if they would ever see the day where their team was on the right side of a close result after the season they have endured. But the rub of the green finally went their way against the Demons in Hobart last Saturday, giving them just their 5th win of the season.
They get a second consecutive home game, this one back at Docklands against Collingwood who must still be kicking themselves over the fact they botched a 50 point third quarter lead against ladder leaders Adelaide and were forced to share the points thanks to a Mitch McGovern goal after the siren to draw the match.
Nathan Buckley has come out in the media this week and said that the club will look to recruit key position players in the off-season, which is an odd comment to make considering he is yet to be handed a new contract to coach the club in 2018 and beyond.
Perhaps it is a sign that he will soon be given the reins for a further period, or maybe it just shows you how obvious Collingwood’s recruiting deficiencies have been, that the outgoing coach knows he made a mistake in failing to lure talls in the latter years of his coaching tenure.
Daniel Wells was in blistering form last Sunday against the Crows, recording 34 disposals and 3 goals in his best performance yet in the black and white jumper. He will face his old side for the first time on Saturday night, no doubt with a point to prove.
The Roos lose Majak Daw (foot) and Jarrad Waite (calf) to injury, recalling Todd Goldstein to lead the ruck and youngster Nick ‘Souv’ Larkey as a forward option. Larkey failed to touch the ball on debut a fortnight ago, so expect a huge roar from the Roos faithful when he gets his hand on the pill. Who am I kidding, they don’t have any supporters so expect Bronx cheers from Pies fans instead.
The Pies need to keep winning to give Buckley a chance of keeping his job, Roos coach Brad Scott rumoured to be the favourite to take over in 2018. A win over the Pies wouldn’t hurt his chances, would it?
The 1977 premiership team for the Roos will be in attendance on the night, and who knows, it might lift the current day playing group. Probably not enough to get past the Pies though. Collingwood by 27 points.
ALL IS WELLS: Daniel Wells was in dominant form against the Crows last Sunday. He will face his old side for the first time on Saturday night. SOURCE: Fox Sports.
Fremantle v Gold Coast
I wrote earlier nearly every game in this round means something. This one does not. But these games bob up at this time of year. Last season there was five of these every round in the last 6 weeks of the season. But if you have the option of watching this game or going out on Saturday night, go out for heaven’s sake. This game will make you want a drink.
The Dockers nearly caused one of the upsets of an already unpredictable season last Saturday against the Giants, but faded like a young team often does in the last quarter of an interstate road trip.
Connor Blakely became the latest Doig Medal (Fremantle’s best and fairest award) favourite to suffer a season ending injury, following on from Michael Walters the week previous against Hawthorn. The Dockers appear to be limping to the finish line in 2017, but are showing some encouraging signs along the way.
Young ruckman Sean Darcy has been rested after a terrific start to his AFL career, Jonathon Griffin with perhaps his last chance to press claims for a contract extension in 2018. Danyle Pearce also appears on borrowed time, but returns to the Dockers lineup for the first time since the 100 point defeat at the hands of Adelaide in round 10.
The Suns welcome back star players Gary Ablett and Sam May who were both late withdrawals last week, Trent McKenzie another experienced player welcomed back in to the fold for the injury hit Suns who are just playing out another underwhelming season. Expect a large clean out at the club at the end of the season, senior coach Rodney Eade one of many expected to lose their job at the Suns.
Gold Coast won their last match in Perth against the Dockers back in round 2 of last year. Gary Ablett declared it as a defining win for his club after that game, but sadly little has gone right for the Suns since.
I can’t see the visitors getting a victory this time, the Dockers probably deserve a win for all of their hard work in 2017. Fremantle by 24 points.
St Kilda v West Coast
Absolute genius public relations from St Kilda this week. The Saints lost by 2 points with the last kick of the day against the Power in Adelaide, glaring defensive errors at a stoppage in the last 20 seconds allowing Robbie Gray to kick the match winner.
The footy media was ready to whack them come Monday. So what does Nick Riewoldt do? He announces his retirement to deflect the media criticism and turn the it in to praise of him and his club. Ah Nick, a team player right to the very end.
The man affectionately known as ‘Roo’ called time on his career on Monday, effective at the end of the season. He will be hoping for one last finals appearance, having played 333 games and kicked 714 goals for the Saints in 17 seasons of largely memorable football. He is one of the St Kilda greats, not only of this era but of all time.
It will no doubt spark his team in to action this week against the Eagles, who had the softest of home victories over Brisbane last Sunday. Josh Kennedy was magnificent yet again with another 6 majors, and remains a chance to win the Coleman Medal despite missing 5 games.
What a player he is. Imagine if he played for Carlton, he would be talked about as being a modern day great! Sorry though Josh, you play for the Eagles. Just a solid footballer who can’t kick goals at the MCG.
If either team harbours ambitions to play finals, and you would hope both do, this is a must win game. The Eagles haven’t lost to St Kilda at home or away since round 17 2011, West Coast winning the past 8 encounters including three at Docklands.
Sam Mitchell joined the retirement club mid-week, the ex-Hawthorn superstar calling time on a decorated career that has included four premierships, five club best and fairests, 3 All Australian jumpers and a retrospective Brownlow Medal. He will now transition seamlessly in to coaching at the Eagles, teaching the next crop of midfielders the tricks of the trade.
The Saints will still be stinging from last week’s heartbreaking loss, and will lift to keep the fairytale alive for their champion ex-skipper in this contest. St Kilda by 29 points.
CHAMPION OF THE GAME: Nick Riewoldt announced his retirement from the game after 17 seasons of AFL football on Monday. SOURCE: ABC.
Richmond v Hawthorn
I thought the Hawks were finished? Gone, forgotten and set for a long rebuild two months ago? Now on the cusp of being a finals chance! No one wants to play Hawthorn in a final. Not when Alastair Clarkson is at the helm. What an incredible coach he is.
He masterminded yet another magnificent victory over Sydney last Friday night, completely shutting down the Swans midfield and dominating uncontested possession. They now face Richmond at the MCG in another do or die contest, needing to win almost every game from here on in to make the finals for an 8th consecutive season.
The match is Jarryd Roughead’s 250th game, a brilliant achievement from one of the most popular footballers in the competition. To overcome cancer and return to the playing field in 2017 has been an inspiration to many, and what’s more he has played every game and looked like he hasn’t missed a beat. Don’t rule out ‘Roughy’ playing on a couple more years yet.
Long-time team mate and former captain Luke Hodge will miss the match after copping a one week ban for a dummy tap on Tom Papley, the outgoing veteran accruing an automatic suspension due to the fact it was his 3rd offence of the season. An appeal on Tuesday night came up short, meaning he will watch Roughead’s milestone match from the stands.
Richmond will be looking to spoil the party and keep their own top four chances alive, a remarkable effort from Damien Hardwick’s men considering they were expected to be one of the cellar dwellars in 2017.
They will be without Jack Riewoldt for another week due to an eye injury sustained at training last week. Dion Prestia should be a welcome inclusion having missed the match against his old side last week due a knee concern.
You wonder when (or if) the Tigers bubble is going to burst, as they have been one of the few teams to show something resembling consistency in 2017. If they could win the close games, heck the Tigers would probably be minor premiers this season! If they secure the double chance, who knows where they could end up come finals time.
The Hawks are playing impressive football at the moment, and might just put Richmond back in their place in this fixture. Roughy to emerge a winner in game 250. Hawthorn by 15 points.
AN INSPIRATION TO MANY: Hawks skipper Jarryd Roughead will play game 250 on Sunday. SOURCE: SEN.
Adelaide v Port Adelaide
I love Showdowns. Unlike Western Derbies, or Q-Clashes, or Battle for the Bridge matches, these two clubs genuinely hate each other. It goes right back to when Adelaide gained rite of passage in to the AFL before the Power did, despite the Port Adelaide Magpies being the most successful Australian football team in history at the time.
It has only grown since then, the teams playing in some memorable matches over the years, as well as an infamous Showdown brawl that ended up at the Ramsgate Hotel in 2002. I reckon the owner of that bar counts his blessings every week a Showdown comes up, as he/she knows that it means free publicity for the establishment.
Both teams are coming off thrillers in round 19, the Power recording a memorable victory thanks to Robbie Gray with just 7 seconds on the clock. Paddy Ryder deserves a fair share of credit too, thanks to his brilliant hitout that put Gray in to space. The Crows have Mitch McGovern to thank for their great escape, a clutch contested mark on the siren allowing him to go back and slot the goal to draw the game.
Adelaide remain on top of the table and appear well placed to secure the coveted double chance with four matches remaining, but won’t have it all their own way against the Power.
They will have the crowd support in the majority, as it is a Crows home Showdown. Don Pyke’s men also regain the services of Eddie Betts, Brad Crouch and Jake Lever for the game, out of contract Lever the talk of the football world this week when he reportedly met with Melbourne and Collingwood officials over a potential off season trade.
Port lose the services of veteran defender Matthew Broadbent due to an ankle injury, Angus Monfries a chance to play his first game for the Power since 2015. The former Don kicked a memorable goal in the final Showdown at Football Park in 2013, and could bob up as a surprise packet late in the season.
These games don’t always go according to script, but the Crows have won the past four Showdowns and appear the classier side. If the Power get their running game going though, look out. A cracking game to finish the round. Adelaide by 11 points.
EXPERIENCED INCLUSION: Angus Monfries could play his first AFL game since round 22, 2015 on Sunday. Here he tangles with Rory Laird back in 2015. SOURCE: Adelaide Advertiser.
By Jacob Landsmeer.
Jacob Landsmeer is a sports broadcaster on 91.3 Sport FM in Perth. He blogs here at zombiecrowscricket. Follow him on Twitter: @jlandsme_93
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