Eagle Ant
20 Jun 2008, 16:12
Where and when: Subiaco, Saturday, June 21, 5.40pm (local time)
Head to head: West Coast 21 wins, Geelong 15 wins, one draw
Last time: Geelong 16.13 (109) def West Coast 10.10 (70), round seven, 2007 at Skilled Stadium
FORM
West Coast: LWLLL
Geelong: WLWWW
SUMMARY
These two teams haven’t met in more than a year, and the rise and fall of each club in that time could not be more contrasting. The Cats, reigning champs, are 11-1 and perhaps looking stronger after arguably their best performance of the season last week. The convincing 59-point drubbing of Port Adelaide ranked alongside its round two shellacking of Essendon, such was the domination Mark Thompson’s men and the fact they did so without Matthew Scarlett was more inspiring.
West Coast’s formline doesn’t look quite so peachy. Just two wins from 12 matches is not good reading for any Eagles fan. Injuries have not made things any easier, with the non-appearance of some big names last week leading some to raise the dreaded topic of tanking in recent days. Coach John Worsfold, however, will field his best-possible line-up for Saturday night’s clash with the Cats. The Eagles have not been in great nick but they can be very dangerous on home turf – as Adelaide found out just a few weeks ago.
KEY MATCH-UP
Daniel Kerr v Cameron Ling
For West Coast to be any chance, one would think Kerr has to dominate. Ling is the master shut-down man, and has down the job on the Eagles champ in the past. The last time these two sides met, Kerr didn’t get near it after half-time and the Cats went on to record a healthy win. With no Chris Judd or Ben Cousins to help him, Kerr must fire against a mighty Geelong midfield.
WILDCARDS
West Coast – Adam Hunter
Always trying to ruffle a few feathers, Eagle Adam Hunter is the ultimate swingman. With the ability to play in defence or pinch-hit in attack, the versatile tall is an invaluable part of the West Coast line-up. With the Eagles light on for genuine goalkickers, he might again be used up forward.
Geelong – Cameron Mooney
Seven goals straight two weeks back, three behinds last week … what will Big Bad Cam pull out this week? Mooney did take 13 marks against Port Adelaide and seems to be nearing some of his best form, although he has had trouble finding his range from set shots this season. He’ll be likely to provide the Eagles headaches at some point.
QUESTION MARKS
Geelong’s back six had a pretty easy time last week in the absence of champion full-back Scarlett. However, will the Cats’ defence be just as solid should the ball be pumped inside defensive 50 more regularly at a vocal Subiaco?
West Coast’s young midfield was okay last week against an Essendon team whose on-ball brigade isn’t among the competition’s best. How will it stack up when it goes head-to-head with the likes of Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey and co?
BLUFFER'S GUIDE
Geelong had only been doing enough to scrounge their wins before last week although they looked to click into another gear against Port Adelaide, controlling the match from start to finish. West Coast is down on personnel from previous seasons and is struggling to match it with the AFL’s best on a weekly basis. The Cats look to have too much class on most lines and should continue their good recent travelling form.
Head to head: West Coast 21 wins, Geelong 15 wins, one draw
Last time: Geelong 16.13 (109) def West Coast 10.10 (70), round seven, 2007 at Skilled Stadium
FORM
West Coast: LWLLL
Geelong: WLWWW
SUMMARY
These two teams haven’t met in more than a year, and the rise and fall of each club in that time could not be more contrasting. The Cats, reigning champs, are 11-1 and perhaps looking stronger after arguably their best performance of the season last week. The convincing 59-point drubbing of Port Adelaide ranked alongside its round two shellacking of Essendon, such was the domination Mark Thompson’s men and the fact they did so without Matthew Scarlett was more inspiring.
West Coast’s formline doesn’t look quite so peachy. Just two wins from 12 matches is not good reading for any Eagles fan. Injuries have not made things any easier, with the non-appearance of some big names last week leading some to raise the dreaded topic of tanking in recent days. Coach John Worsfold, however, will field his best-possible line-up for Saturday night’s clash with the Cats. The Eagles have not been in great nick but they can be very dangerous on home turf – as Adelaide found out just a few weeks ago.
KEY MATCH-UP
Daniel Kerr v Cameron Ling
For West Coast to be any chance, one would think Kerr has to dominate. Ling is the master shut-down man, and has down the job on the Eagles champ in the past. The last time these two sides met, Kerr didn’t get near it after half-time and the Cats went on to record a healthy win. With no Chris Judd or Ben Cousins to help him, Kerr must fire against a mighty Geelong midfield.
WILDCARDS
West Coast – Adam Hunter
Always trying to ruffle a few feathers, Eagle Adam Hunter is the ultimate swingman. With the ability to play in defence or pinch-hit in attack, the versatile tall is an invaluable part of the West Coast line-up. With the Eagles light on for genuine goalkickers, he might again be used up forward.
Geelong – Cameron Mooney
Seven goals straight two weeks back, three behinds last week … what will Big Bad Cam pull out this week? Mooney did take 13 marks against Port Adelaide and seems to be nearing some of his best form, although he has had trouble finding his range from set shots this season. He’ll be likely to provide the Eagles headaches at some point.
QUESTION MARKS
Geelong’s back six had a pretty easy time last week in the absence of champion full-back Scarlett. However, will the Cats’ defence be just as solid should the ball be pumped inside defensive 50 more regularly at a vocal Subiaco?
West Coast’s young midfield was okay last week against an Essendon team whose on-ball brigade isn’t among the competition’s best. How will it stack up when it goes head-to-head with the likes of Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Corey and co?
BLUFFER'S GUIDE
Geelong had only been doing enough to scrounge their wins before last week although they looked to click into another gear against Port Adelaide, controlling the match from start to finish. West Coast is down on personnel from previous seasons and is struggling to match it with the AFL’s best on a weekly basis. The Cats look to have too much class on most lines and should continue their good recent travelling form.