Game Day Rd 11, Cats v Dogs Thu May22 7:30pm (AEST) @ GMHBA

[cats_09]

It’s been 642 days since Bailey Smith

3

Bailey Smith

Age

24

Ht

185cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

18.3

5star

K

8.5

3star

HB

9.8

5star

M

2.3

2star

T

3.8

5star

CL

2.7

4star

D

19.8

5star

K

9.6

4star

HB

10.2

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

3.2

4star

CL

3.2

4star

D

14.8

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

7.2

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.4

5star

CL

1.6

4star

last shared the playing field with the Bulldogs, and tonight he’ll face his former since for the first time since his ACL & trade last year - this is the story that so many in the media are focused on and the theatre they’re hopeful it will bring

But for Geelong fans there’s a much more significant moment occuring tonight, one that started 5,537 days ago when a fresh faced Mitch Duncan ran out for his debut in front of 57k fans at the MCG when we took on Essendon in round 1 2010 - he finished that match with 10 disposals, a couple of marks and 6 tackles, not a bad effort on debut

Tonight he becomes the 7th Cat to run out in the hoops on 300 occasions; while he is the last Cat on our list to have made his debut prior to Scott’s appointment, it’s under Chris that he made name for himself as an ever reliable member of the 22 and adapting to the roles that’s been asked of him across his career

He’s kicked a goal in every grand final he’s played, but it may be the 65m barrel after the siren that will long be the most remembered - maybe he can pull one out tonight and show Holmes how it’s done




But back to tonight briefly - it’s predicted to be a big test for both teams, we’ve lost Dangerfield for a couple of weeks but we welcome back VC Stewart and Stanley who will help balance the team

We should know this ground better than our opposition and it’s time to start returning it to the fortress it was in previous years

Have at it

 

[goyoucatters]

But for Geelong fans there’s a much more significant moment occuring tonight, one that started 5,537 days ago when a fresh faced Mitch Duncan ran out for his debut in front of 57k fans at the MCG when we took on Essendon in round 1 2010 - he finished that match with 10 disposals, a couple of marks and 6 tackles, not a bad effort on debut.

That is a seriously long time ago. Only around 2000 days short of Essendon's finals win drought...

#upnext8000

 

[cats_09]

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Hoping big Rhys repeats his five goals.

Rhys Stanley

1

Rhys Stanley

Age

34

Ht

200cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.6

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

6.4

4star

CL

3.4

5star

HO

27.6

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

7.5

3star

HB

4.5

3star

CL

5.0

5star

HO

21.5

5star

D

11.8

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

6.4

4star

CL

3.0

5star

HO

33.0

5star

kicked 5 goals in this GMHBA encounter between the Cats + Dogs in Round 19, 2016.

“Two monumental milestones dominated the headlines in the build up to the Round 19 clash with the Bulldogs; Corey Enright was set to break Ian Nankervis' Geelong games record + Jimmy Bartel reached his 300th AFL game.”

Tonight is Mitch Duncan’s 300th game, may it be a good win to honour such a respected player.

 

[patience]

Prematch I suppose the commentators will bang on about Bailey vs Bulldogs. Mitch deserves the accolades.

I never feel like we aren’t a chance for any game. It won’t be easy but it can be done. Go Cats.

 

[Lingsface]

Bews on West not Mullin, West will out smart and body him.

 

[My Tilly]

Surprised we are slight favourites.
I wouldn't be surprised we lose and lose well.
Still give a fight as always but are going to get hammered through the middle and we have to hope Naughton remains relatively subdued as he has to date.

 

[year of the cat]

Surprised we are slight favourites.
I wouldn't be surprised we lose and lose well.
Still give a fight as always but are going to get hammered through the middle and we have to hope Naughton remains relatively subdued as he has to date.

I’m quietly confident. Think we match up well with them.

 

[cats_09]

 

[cats_09]

 

[bulletproof]

I reckon I am almost 10 from 10 on Geelong this year. Probably thought we would beat St Kilda but was very worried about that game. Giants always looked ropey with state of backline that day.

I am very confident we will win this.

Our stoppage work has improved to not be thrashed in there and their forward line does not present enough of a threat.

Classic Scott shutdown of their weapons and do enough going forward to edge it by 3-4 goals.

I will be less confident at MCG in finals if they have Darcy back, so muted celebrations please Baz.

 

[goyoucatters]

22 hitouts...

And yet we still have some posters speculating on the need for us to pick up another ruckman in the MSD.

#basescovered

 

[goyoucatters]

I reckon I am almost 10 from 10 on Geelong this year. Probably thought we would beat St Kilda but was very worried about that game. Giants always looked ropey with state of backline that day.

I am very confident we will win this.

Our stoppage work has improved to not be thrashed in there and their forward line does not present enough of a threat.

Classic Scott shutdown and do enough going forward to edge it by 3-4 goals.

Have always seriously rated your posting. And there is so much here that I find compelling. But you absolutely lost me when you suggested that you thought we would beat the Saints.

Even though it was hard to understand why we couldn't just get that done, I felt I knew that was four points gone begging long before the first bounce.

 

[Heckler]

Bulldogs have been in good form lately
Easily accounted for Giants and Power
Almost beating Suns in Fortress Darwin.
Match up particularly well against Cats
Have taken the points past 2 at GMHBA
Dogs midfield strength is Cats weakness
Their defensive group ain't too bad either
Cats midfielders will be given a big ask.
Made more difficult with Danger missing
Stanley releases Blitz to tag Bontempelli
Mullin also tagging will slow but not stop'em
Dogs are very efficient moving ball into F50
Slick ball movement through zone defence

Cats defenders will need to repel / rebound
Defenders rely on enormous team pressure
Turnovers must rebounded fast and directly
Need lots of run and carry, even chaos F50's
Cats forwards started to find form last week.
F50 has the talent to convert half chances
Problem will be getting enough F50 entries.
Steward needs to find instant form to win

 

[Play it Sam]

That pic is stunning, Lawson and Sister must get it made into a poster for the pool room.

Can't go tonight, because once again the booking agency for accessible seats, stuffed us around badly.
Never missed a Cat's milestone, but Maybe okay- It's cold here now will be freezing later!
So take your puffa, and extra cheers for us. Winners.

 

[Jeff76]

Wow, just checked out the Dogs board, they’re not well, hoping BS gets hit by a bus before the game. Gee I hope we make all their supporters and players feel very uncomfortable tonight. Cats by 22pts for Mitch Duncan.

 

[My Tilly]

I’m quietly confident. Think we match up well with them.

Can't see it.
I think there will be a lot of disappointed fans tonight.

The good news is we have West Coast next week so it's one of those topsy-turvy years, win, lose, win, lose.

 

[cats_09]

It's strange the things that pop into one's head, and I know this is a randomish thought but who chairs off Duncan tonight because it'll be the first milestone of his career where it's not the 3 Amigos in that moment

Game #150



Game #200



Game #250

 

[Play it Sam]

Wow, just checked out the Dogs board, they’re not well, hoping BS gets hit by a bus before the game. Gee I hope we make all their supporters and players feel very uncomfortable tonight. Cats by 22pts for Mitch Duncan.

Not to mention the usual pile on for our shit ground. Someone called us the Library.
Obviously because (unlike them), we don't foam at the mouth screaming for frees that aren't there.
Rather be a fair football supporter than a one eyed football fanatic.

 

[STPer18]

Wow, just checked out the Dogs board, they’re not well, hoping BS gets hit by a bus before the game. Gee I hope we make all their supporters and players feel very uncomfortable tonight. Cats by 22pts for Mitch Duncan.

Are some still wishing another serious knee injury on him like they were when the trade was finalised? Must've been harrowing for the dredges amongst them to be hoping for that only to see their brightest young talent have his knee explode a month ago. Hopefully they've moved on from wishing ill on him after witnessing that.

 

[Grimoz]

I dont get what they are pissing and moaning about with Bailey, he had given them good service, did his knee and had some mental health issues and wanted a change, whats with all the bashing? Shows exactly how much of a ****ed up club they are both internally and externally, to wish death or injury on anyone regardless of hate is lowest of the low

 

[cats_09]

KEY DETAILS​

2025 AFL Season - Round 11
Western Bulldogs v Geelong Cats
GMHA Stadium, Geelong
Thursday 22nd May, 7.30pm (AEST)

*Gates open at 5:30 PM. To avoid queues and enjoy a smooth entry, we recommend arriving at the venue as early as possible. PLUS if you're a member, arrive before 6.30pm for your chance to WIN a double pass into the Open Air Boxes. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your match day experience! Be in your seats by 7pm for team entry.

NGA Showcase Games​

Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy teams will feature in showcase games from 6.00pm on Thursday night.

The Cats NGA Under 15 boys' and Under 15 girls' teams will take on the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, prior to the AFL match at 7.30pm.

 

[cats_09]

We all knew the media want this to be the focus of promotion for tonight

 

[cats_09]

 

[standupand]

It’s been 642 days since Bailey Smith last shared the playing field with the Bulldogs, and tonight he’ll face his former since for the first time since his ACL & trade last year - this is the story that so many in the media are focused on and the theatre they’re hopeful it will bring

But for Geelong fans there’s a much more significant moment occuring tonight, one that started 5,537 days ago when a fresh faced Mitch Duncan ran out for his debut in front of 57k fans at the MCG when we took on Essendon in round 1 2010 - he finished that match with 10 disposals, a couple of marks and 6 tackles, not a bad effort on debut

Tonight he becomes the 7th Cat to run out in the hoops on 300 occasions; while he is the last Cat on our list to have made his debut prior to Scott’s appointment, it’s under Chris that he made name for himself as an ever reliable member of the 22 and adapting to the roles that’s been asked of him across his career

He’s kicked a goal in every grand final he’s played, but it may be the 65m barrel after the siren that will long be the most remembered - maybe he can pull one out tonight and show Holmes how it’s done




But back to tonight briefly - it’s predicted to be a big test for both teams, we’ve lost Dangerfield for a couple of weeks but we welcome back VC Stewart and Stanley who will help balance the team

We should know this ground better than our opposition and it’s time to start returning it to the fortress it was in previous years

Have at it

Was sitting right behind Mitch in the 2020 GF when he nailed that set shot from the boundary. Had we won it might've been remembered as fondly as his goal in 2011. Had ice in his veins to slot the drop punt from that angle when the game was there to be won that night. Would love to see us get the win in his 300th.

Also loved seeing him choke up talking about his partner and family this week in the press conference. Relatively unemotional about football, but emotional about the things that really matter. A good role model for those of us who get emotional about football.