Preview: Swans v Cats
Saturday's twilight clash at Simonds Stadium looms as one of the season's most critical games
This clash, which is essentially a shootout for a top-two spot, shapes as the biggest game to take place at the Cattery for many a year. Both teams head into the match on the back of impressive wins last weekend, although both have their share of injury concerns. But with a home qualifying final up for grabs, there is everything to play for.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Saturday August 24, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2013, Geelong 19.10 (124) d Sydney 16.7 (103) at the SCG
R23, 2012, Geelong 17.10 (112) d Sydney 11.12 (78) at Simonds Stadium
R13, 2012, Sydney 12.8 (80) d Geelong 11.8 (74) at the SCG
R23, 2011, Sydney 15.9 (99) d Geelong 12.14 (86) at Simonds Stadium
R4, 2011, Geelong 11.15 (81) d Sydney 7.12 (54) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Cats have had the better of the Swans recently, winning 11 of the past 13 contests, including a club-record nine straight victories between 2006 and 2011.
2. The Swans' win over Geelong at Simonds Stadium in late 2011 broke the Cats' run of 29 consecutive wins at the venue.
3. Geelong and the Swans have met 57 times at Simonds Stadium over the years. The Cats have won 39 of those games.
4. The Swans are ranked first for clearances this season, while the Cats are 16th.
5. Geelong is ranked first for inside-50s, while the Swans are equal third. The Swans are first when it comes to tackles and the Cats are seventh.
6. Geelong's Corey Enright is close to reclaiming the title as the No. 1 defender in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Enright is rated the second-best defender in the competition, nine points behind the top-rated backman, West Coast's Shannon Hurn. On the overall ratings table, Enright is 36th.