SUMMARY
Geelong has had the week off following its shock loss to St Kilda and faces the Sydney Swans, who were left licking their wounds after Western Bulldog Jason Johannisen's game-winning goal in the dying seconds at the SCG last Saturday. The Swans would've held top spot on the ladder with a win over the Dogs and can't afford to let too many more slip if they're to keep their top-four hopes alive. The Cats, meanwhile, have performed admirably against top-eight sides this season, winning six of their seven matches, and will be hoping that trend continues in this finals-shaping clash. It will be worth noting whether the Cats start the game a little rusty after their mid-season bye, or if the Swans are still feeling the effects of their last-second defeat to the Bulldogs.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Friday, July 8, 7.50pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2015, Geelong Cats 14.11 (95) d Sydney Swans 9.9 (63) at Simonds Stadium
R7, 2015, Sydney Swans 18.12 (120) d Geelong Cats 11.11 (77) at ANZ Stadium
R11, 2014, Sydney Swans 22.16 (148) d Geelong Cats 5.8 (38) at the SCG
R22, 2013, Geelong Cats 13.14 (92) d Sydney Swans 7.6 (48) at Simonds Stadium
R4, 2013, Geelong Cats 19.10 (124) d Sydney Swans 16.7 (103) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Lance Franklin kicked four goals in the first match between the sides last year. He didn't play in the return clash and the Swans had just one multiple goalkicker.
2. This game could be won or lost in the middle. The Cats are ranked No.1 for centre clearances with 14.4 per game, while the Swans are ranked equal-14th.
3. The sides meet for the 218th time, with 120 wins to 97 in Geelong's favour. The Cats have dominated the past decade against the Swans, winning 13 of the last 18 contests.
4. Both teams have been strong for taking the ball inside 50. The Swans are ranked No.1 with 57.9 per match, just ahead of Geelong in second with 57.4.
5. The Cats are ranked No.1 for marks inside 50 with 15.6 per game courtesy of Tom Hawkins, who is ranked equal-second with 48. The Swans are 12th in this area.
6. Luke Parker climbed eight places, from No.26 to No.18 overall, in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after his 34-disposal, three-goal game against the Bulldogs. He's now the third-highest Swan.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Kieren Jack.
The Swans' co-captain is embroiled in a bitter family dispute with his parents – rugby league legend father Garry and mother Donna – which has overshadowed his 200-game milestone this week. Jack will need to put his personal issue aside and focus on his on-field matters in what looms as a critical game under lights at Simonds Stadium.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Geelong by 13 points
