The vets talk it over
Patrick Dangerfield, his back to the photographer here, is fresh off the back of a five-goal elimination final against Carlton. Tom Stewart remains one of the most significant and influential defenders in the game, his absence in last year’s grand final a critical blow for Geelong’s chances.
So much of Freo’s hopes rest on youth tonight, but Geelong on the other hand will be turning to the tried and tested.
How the teams got here
It was a chastening Thursday night for Fremantle last week. Riding into the finals series with boundless confidence after a dominant home and away season and minor premiership, the Dockers were taught a lesson by the relentless Hawks.
Too many went missing, too many failed to step up on the big stage, and overall the Hawks looked a more powerful and finals-ready unit than their rivals from the west. Freo were well beaten, never in the contest, and copped a pasting in the media for their efforts.
Geelong was challenged early by Carlton and looked in strife during periods of the first half, but after the long break flicked a switch and rather cruised to victory in their elimination final.
The best word to sum up the Cats’ performance was professional. It was a “been there, done that” finals win from a side packed with experience and premiership players. They didn’t panic when things weren’t going well, and they didn’t let up when the worm turned.
So tonight then. The Dockers will be breathing fire, certain they can’t put in two stinkers in a row. This will be their last chance to play in front of their home crowd, and those fans will be just as ferocious the players.
But the Cats will look at Hawthorn last week and see a blueprint. Geelong is as well position as any of the remaining contenders to take a scalp like Freo’s on the road, and might sense they are there to be taken.
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