OPPONENT: Brisbane Lions
VENUE: Simonds Stadium
DATE AND TIME: Saturday, August 1, 1.45pm AEST
WEATHER FORECAST: Morning shower or two, 13 degrees

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FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

1. THE RETURN OF 'COCKY'
Nakia Cockatoo has been recalled to the senior side for the first time since round six, and Cats fans are in for a treat if he brings some of the tricks that have been on show in the VFL in recent times. The young gun, who has been playing across half-back in the twos, took a sensational mark against Footscray a couple of weeks ago (watch it here). He's sure to bring some spark to what shapes as an intriguing contest against the Lions. Cockatoo has replaced Cory Gregson in the AFL team. Gregson was due for a spell after playing every game so far in the home and away season.

2. ALLEN CHRISTENSEN RETURNS TO THE CATTERY
Geelong was stung by the defection of the 2011 premiership player to the Lions at the end of last season, and on Saturday the gifted midfielder will take on his former teammates for the first time. Senior coach Chris Scott reflected the thoughts of everyone at the Cattery when he said that we should respect our former players. Nevertheless, Christensen won't be caught off guard if a bit of heckling comes his way. "I expect a few boos and a bit of nice language thrown over the fence," he said earlier this week. "It doesn’t faze me that much. I can't wait to get out there and get the first one out of the way."

Read the rest of what Allen Christensen had to say earlier in the week

3. ANOTHER BIG GAME FROM 'TOMAHAWK'
Tom Hawkins was the match-winner against the Giants last week, taking five contested marks and kicking five goals. And he's cherry ripe to do the same this weekend against the boys from Brisbane. When the Cats last met the Lions, in round 23 last season at Simonds Stadium, big Tommy kicked a career-high seven goals as the home side dominated the inside-50 count 58 to 35. 

4. A GEELONG WIN
The Cats lost their first 10 games to the Lions, who were formed by a merger of the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy in the lead-up to the 1997 season. Geelong finally broke through to defeat the Lions when the teams met at Simonds Stadium in 2004. Since then, the Cats have held the upper hand, winning 14 of their past 18 matches against the boys from Brisbane.

Relive the breakthrough win in 2004 by watching this week's episode of Thirsty Camel Throwback Thursday

5. AND HERE ARE SOME FROM OUR FANS