MCG will play host to Saturday's Round 27 AFL game between Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans. The game kicks off at 2:30 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday September 24, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans Odds
Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans Preview
The final stop on the road to the Holy Grail has arrived with Grand Final festivities already underway in Melbourne.
Saturday’s decider between the Cats and the Swans is set to be a cracker, and although the Cats have looked unstoppable throughout the year, there’s a genuine case to be made for a Swans upset not unlike their famous win in 2012.
This year’s Grand Final features a great mix of veteran leadership mixed with the excitement of some of the game’s young stars, while the general excitement of the big dance finally returning home to Melbourne is almost impalpable.
Looking back, there is plenty we can learn from the last meeting between the Cats and the Swans in Round 2.
The Cats leaped out to an early lead in the first quarter, but the Swans responded well to lead by two goals at the first break. From there, it was all one-way traffic as Sydney ran out comfortable 30-point winners on the back of some good tackling and clean hands through the midfield.
Of course, Geelong will take plenty away from that previous meeting themselves, and it’s worth noting the Cats uncharacteristically kicked 10 goals and 17 behinds.
Most importantly, however, the Cats dominated around the stoppages – one of the key areas of weakness for the Swans throughout the year.
Winning the ruck battle will be crucial on Saturday, but surprisingly, this game might boil down entirely to the first quarter.
Geelong has made a habit of starting fast this year, ranking second in first quarters won. Sydney, on the other hand, have gone 12-9-1 in the first term – a worrying statistic against a Cats outfit that can hand out punishment in a hurry.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Geelong Cats to win at $1.48 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Tom Hawkins at $8.00.
Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans Teams
CATS
B: J.Kolodjashnij, S.De Koning, J.Bews
HB: M.Duncan, T.Stewart, J.Henry
C: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, Z.Tuohy
HF: B.Close, J.Cameron, I.Smith
F: T.Stengle, T.Hawkins, G.Rohan
FOLL: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield, C.Guthrie
I/C: Z.Guthrie, G.Miers, T.Atkins, M.Holmes
EMG: B.Parfitt, M.O?Connor, S.Menegola, J.Ceglar
IN: Nil
OUT: M.O?Connor (sub)
SWANS
B: O.Florent, T.McCartin, D.Rampe
HB: N.Blakey, P.McCartin, J.Lloyd
C: C.Mills, C.Warner, J.McInerney
HF: I.Heeney, S.Reid, W.Hayward
F: T.Papley, L.Franklin, E.Gulden
FOLL: T.Hickey, J.Rowbottom, L.Parker
I/C: R.Fox, D.Stephens, R.Clarke, H.McLean
EMG: B.Campbell, H.Cunningham, L.McDonald, W.Gould
IN: H.McLea
OUT: L.McDonald (omitted), B.Campbell (sub)