Three-time-premiership player, Jimmy Bartel, says the Cats realize they’re going into Friday night’s Preliminary Final as the underdog, having taken the longer road around.
 
Also, the absence of certain key players, including Corey Enright and Paul Chapman, contributes to the Cats dark horse status.

Hawthorn on the other hand, made an easy entrance into September with a 54-point win over last year’s premiers, which gave them a well-deserved break.

''Quite naturally, we do (feel like the underdog),” Bartel told Fairfax Media.

Despite the Cats winning streak of 11 games over the Hawks, Bartel confirms that those results will count for nothing on Friday night.  

''You can't do anything about previous results. Hawthorn finished on top of the ladder, they won quite convincingly in their first final … they have a full list to pick from. I think they quite deservedly are favourites.”

''What happened in previous games doesn't matter. If you go all the way back to 2008, I think only about half of each side is still remaining. I don't think 2008 plays any sort of factor.''

However, the Cats remain confident they have the tank to defeat a top-side like Hawthorn, because they’ve got the résumé to prove it.

''Obviously, this year it's been Hawthorn, Fremantle, Sydney - they have been the best sides. We have been able to beat each one of those at some stage during the year. I think that's the confidence we get out of it.”

''I don't think it's purely a Hawthorn thing. If we can play, as they say, the Geelong way, and we play it for four quarters, we are more than a chance to get the result.''

Bartel says the number one key that will unleash the Cats on Friday, is bravery.

That Geelong way, as Bartel says, is ''being brave with your ball use''.

''It's really taking the game on, it's playing a pretty defensive game, yet still be creative and attack (and) being brave with your ball use,'' he said.

With or without back issues, Bartel believes the tall forward Tom Hawkins always delivers a vital role to the Cats structure, which is exactly what he did against Port last week when he kicked the Cats off in the second half.

'He is right to go. He was so important for us, especially in that second half '' Bartel said.

''I think it's been a little bit undersold how important that first goal he kicked after half-time was.

''He got the whole thing going. He took a nice mark and threaded it from the pocket, everyone got up and about.''

Since 2007 the Cats have been one of the most ominous teams in the competition and this year has been no different.

''We have been pretty fortunate, pretty lucky … it has to do with the culture and the program we have down at Geelong,'' Bartel said.

''No matter who you bring in, they slot into the system. That's more got to do with the personnel off the field and the teaching of young players.''