How they got there
Their trip to the Grand Final could not have been more different. Geelong walked in with a clinical display over West Coast (Geelong 17.15.117 WCE 10.9.69). The Cats started slowly but lifted, especially in the last quarter. The score shows a dominance, but even their defense shows brilliance with 70 tackles for the Cats to 49 WCE. Geelong have the complete game and will be going into this week's match confident of a victory.
Collingwood, however, scraped in with a come-from-behind victory in the last minutes (Pies 10.8.68 to Hawks 9.11.65). Hawthorn were the more aggressive side and punished Collingwood who never seemed to get momentum. In the end, the Pies lifted to just get ahead, giving them one more chance at defending their 2010 victory. The result brought tears of emotion from both sides.
The Verdict
Geelong is the team to beat. They are big and strong and ready to inflict another defeat on the Pies. However, injuries will soften their firepower. The other "however" is Pies' coach Malthouse who is the master at focusing his players before big games. Collingwood have the players and experience to shock the Cats. This will be a game to remember.