Round 23 - 7:40PM August 30, 2014 @ Simonds Stadium
After 22 weeks of football the final eight is still unresolved. There are 11 sides with a realistic chance of participating in September and seven of the nine remaining games can influence the make up of this year’s finals series. Geelong have long since guaranteed their place in the eight and have secured a double chance. Various permutations are still possible but for the Cats the equation is relatively simple. Win and they will finish third and almost certainly face Hawthorn in a qualifying final at the MCG. If the Cats lose they could be forced to face the Swans in Sydney. Geelong hosted Brisbane at this time last year under similar circumstances. With one eye on the finals, they came within a Paul Chapman fingernail of losing that match, which could have cost them a home final. Leading into round 23 last season the Lions had won three of their past five games and they have once again enjoyed three wins in their last five outings. On paper the Cats should account for Brisbane quite comfortably, but should the similarities continue the result will be close.
At tomorrow night's Thank you Members' Round, the Cats hope to see a full house at Simonds Stadium, as they have a special announcement to share with you. Click here to purchase tickets.
KEY MATCH-UP - TRAVIS VARCOE vs DAYNE ZORKO
Travis Varcoe delivered his best game for the year against the Hawks last week, reminding the football world of just how dangerous he can be when he plays to his potential. Varcoe struggled for consistency last year due to a stress fracture in his foot and has taken time time to acclimatise to his new role in defence. His ability as a defender, particularly one on one, has improved significantly. On Saturday he combined strong defence with hard running and silky skills, collecting 25 disposals with 80% efficiency. Varcoe is suited to shutting down a high half forward and part time onballer like Zorko because he can match them in both areas of the field. Varcoe’s continued improvement will impact Geelong’s premiership chances and be particularly important with Motlop and Christensen both omitted.
Dayne Zorko first nominated for the draft in 2007 but had to wait another four years for an opportunity at an AFL club. During that period he won four consecutive best and fairest awards with Broadbeach in the Queensland conference of the NEAFL. In his debut season with the Lions, Zorko ranked fifth in the AFL with an average of six tackles per game and led the competition with 25 pressure acts each match. He continued to chase and harass in his second season and once again led the AFL in pressure acts. Zorko is the fastest player on Brisbane’s list and has an insatiable appetite for the ball, particularly when the opposition are in possession. He started his career as a small forward and has this year spent more time in the midfield, utilising his pace and aggression all over the ground. He still scores one goal per game and over the last five weeks has averaged more than 30 disposals. Zorko tallied a career-high 36 possessions in round 21, a milestone he quickly surpassed last week with 38 disposals against the Dockers. His foot speed can unsettle any defender which, combined with his a new-found ability to accumulate possessions, can cause headaches for the Cats.
LAST TIME THEY MET
GEELONG 13.15 (93)
BRISBANE 10.8 (68)
Memories of the final quarter capitulation in the Cats’ 2013 trip to the ’Gabba were still fresh when the the two teams met in Round 2. Following the departure of several talented young players and the appointment of a new coach, Brisbane were a great unknown when the season commenced. Despite uncertain expectations Geelong were heavily favoured to beat the Lions. After a half of football just nine points separated the two sides and it wasn’t until the third term that the Cats showed their class and opened up a six goal lead. They conceded a few late goals to the home side, with a 25 point win the final result. Steve Johnson was the stand out performer, collecting 37 disposals and making 10 tackles.
DID YOU KNOW?
Brisbane onballer Tom Rockliff is set to become the first Lion to average more than 30 disposals in a season. At the height of their powers Brisbane boasted a midfield with Brownlow medalists Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and Simon Black, but have never had a player match Rockliff’s season average of 32.7 disposals.
Brisbane farewelled their last remaining premiership player, Ashley McGrath, who retired after their final game of the season. The Geelong coaching box includes three Brisbane premiership players - Chris Scott, Nigel Lapin and Blake Caracella.
