St Kilda vs. Geelong – Round 13 Match Preview

2nd vs. 1st

It is finally upon us the Grand Final rematch, this game last year was huge in the season and produced a classic as did the Grand Final will this match be able to continue this great rivalry? The AFL has got it right this season by playing this match at the MCG.

The Cats go into this game sitting on top of the table after only losing 2 matches for the season. While the Saints despite the absence of captain Nick Riewoldt sit in 2^nd after only dropping 3 games this season.

Both teams have their injury concerns going into the clash, it is expected the Cats will be welcoming back both Scarlett and Mooney while the Saints will have to make do with Riewoldt for a couple more weeks.

Previous Encounters:

AFL Grand Final, 2009
St Kilda – 9.14 (68)
Geelong – 12.8 (80)

The best Grand Final of the last three years. The sweetest victory for Geelong and the bitterest of defeats for St Kilda. The Saints didn’t make the most of their opportunities when they were dominating the game. St Kilda couldn’t find the goal kickers to secure the victory and create the scoreboard pressure that they desperately desired. Geelong sticked in there and managed to pull through for a great victory. Paul Chapman was the Norm Smith Medalist but it was hard to seperate the players. The Norm Smith could have been given to any one of about six players in a hard fought contest that made for a great Grand Final

Key Players for St Kilda:

Stephen Milne – He has been terrific in the absence of Riewoldt and is very dangerous as we all know in front of the goals. Geelong has on occassions struggled to cover him but managed to last time they met. Milne needs to have an influence.

Brendon Goddard– Is having his best AFL season to date and would have to be thinking a Brownlow is not beyond the realms of possibility. He faces a big task this week against the Cats midfield group. Goddard needs to have a great game to break even with what the Cats can produce.

Key Players for Geelong:

James Podsiadly – I find it difficult not to mention him every week due to his ability to kick goals consistently. With Dawson maybe not playing Podsiadly can push the Saints defence. He has been able to make the Cats attack better in 2010 can he continue this form?

Steve Johnson – With Paul Chapman out with a hamstring injury, Stevie J will need to step up in his absence and provide a second strong target up forward for the Cats alongside Podsiadly. A big game from Johnson could ensure the Cats the four points.

Prediction:

These two teams are pretty evenly matched in my opinion and both have been putting the wins on the board without some big names. The Cats have again shown their best is almost unstoppable while the Saints have been able to shut down teams on a regular basis. Best defence vs. the best attack equals a great contest. I have the Cats winning by 16 points in another great game.

Teams:

St Kilda

B: Steven Baker, Jason Blake, Sam Gilbert
HB: Jarryn Geary, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt
C: Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Farren Ray
HF: Clinton Jones, Justin Koschitzke, Adam Schneider
F: Brett Peake, Ben McEvoy, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Robert Eddy, Jack Steven, Andrew McQualter, Rhys Stanley
Emg: Sean Dempster, Zac Dawson, Adam Pattison

In: Steven
Out: Raphael Clarke (hamstring)

Geelong

B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Mathew Stokes, James Podsiadly, Shannon Byrnes
F: Travis Varcoe, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood
I/C: David Wojcinski, Taylor Hunt, Trent West, Tom Lonergan
Emg: Mitchell Duncan, Ryan Gamble, Simon Hogan