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Geelong face a must-win game to keep their top-four hopes alive in 2023 when they face Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
After a slow start to the season and something of a revival, the Cats have slipped back into poor habits, beaten by the Giants and Power over the last three weeks and sitting outside the top eight as the AFL competition enters its final third. A full win behind the Crows in eighth spot entering the weekend, Chris Scott’s team has few chances remaining if they are to dream of consecutive premierships, with a spot outside the top four rarely bringing success to teams in September.
In contrast, the Dees are rolling after a stunning win against the Pies on the King’s Birthday holiday and a valuable four points against the Blues a week earlier. Now third on the ladder, Simon Goodwin’s team are building nicely into a season that began somewhat awkwardly for them.
Team news sees the home side without Patrick Dangerfield, despite the star midfielder declaring himself fit during the week. Rhys Stanley is set to make his first appearance in the senior team since Round 5. The Dees, however, are missing a star too, with Clayton Oliver to miss once again.
Prediction
Whilst conditions will suit the home side, the Demons are by far the better unit right now and despite the conditions and familiarity of the venue, the Cats’ season could be effectively over this evening.
Game information
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong First bounce: 7.20pm (AEST) TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy Streaming:Kayo Sports Betting: Geelong $2.00, Melbourne Demons $1.80 – odds via PlayUp
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Teams
Geelong
B: Z. Guthrie, S. De Koning, Z. Tuohy
HB: T. Atkins, T. Stewart (c), J. Henry
C: M. Holmes, M. Duncan, I. Smith
HF: O. Henry, J. Cameron, T. Stengle
F: G. Rohan, T. Hawkins, B. Close
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R: R. Stanley, M. Blicavs, T. Bruhn
I/C: J. Kolodjashnij, J. Bews, G. Miers, M. O’Connor
EMG: M. Knevitt, J. Bowes, O. Dempsey, O. Mullin
IN: Stanley.
OUT: Dangerfield.
Melbourne
B: T. Rivers, S. May, J. McVee
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HB: A. Brayshaw, J. Lever, C. Salem
C: A. Neal-Bullen, J. Viney, E. Langdon
HF: K. Pickett, B. Fritsch, T. Sparrow
F: J. Smith, M. Gawn (c), K. Chandler
R: B. Grundy, C. Petracca, L. Hunter
I/C: J. van Rooyen, M. Hibberd, J. Jordon, H. Petty
EMG: C. Spargo, A. Tomlinson, T. Woewodin, B. Brown
