KEY MELBOURNE V GEELONG TACTICS
DEFENCE OR ATTACK
An age-old AFL debate: some pundits maintain defence wins premierships; others reckon attack prevails. This fixture is between the league’s highest-scorers, Melbourne, and the competition’s best defence in terms of points conceded, Geelong. Cracking Geelong’s defensive code is easier said than done: the Cats have conceded 100 or more points just twice this season.
GAWN SHARKING
Melbourne’s All Australian ruckman Max Gawn will be pitted against a Geelong novice – three-gamer Ryan Abbott. Gawn will dominate the hit-outs just like he has against more seasoned opponents all year – the Demons are ranked first for centre clearances. The Cats will be plotting to shark Gawn’s taps but can they read the crafty Demon sufficiently to break even at the clearances?
BIG TOM CAT
Geelong’s attacking ace is Tom Hawkins, renowned for out-muscling opponents. Often overlooked is his footy smarts: astute timing of leads and finding forward-line space. If Melbourne’s Oscar McDonald plays Hawkins too tight, he’ll get tossed around by the 101kg Cat; too loose and he’ll get done on the lead. McDonald will be hoping his midfielders gain control to stop supply to Hawkins.
THE X-FACTORS
A puzzle for Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is how much attention does he pay to Geelong wizards Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Ablett. Goodwin will likely back his own onballers to make the most of Gawn’s expected ruck command around the packs, but then faces another quandary: who minds Dangerfield and Ablett when they take spells in attack?
HOW MANY CATS’ LIVES?
Geelong pipped Melbourne by two points in round 18 when Zach Tuohy kicked a goal after the siren; and by three points in round one when Gawn sprayed a set shot which could have delivered the Dees victory. In both games, the Demons had more scoring shots and dominated the inside 50 counts – by 14 last time and by 23 in the season-opener. Goodwin will demand his players use the ball better when entering attack because bombing away plays into the hands of the Geelong backline.