SUMMARY
This clash between two top-four sides is undoubtedly the pick of round 15 and could be a chance to break the attendance record of 13,766 for a non-Sydney derby at Spotless Stadium.
The GIANTS bounced back from their shocker against Carlton before the bye with a clinical win over the Brisbane Lions last week, while Geelong was less than impressive in a tight one against Fremantle, but managed to get the points with an injury-hit line-up.
If two of the game's most explosive midfielders in Patrick Dangerfield and Dylan Shiel go head to head, the fans will be in for a treat. But there will be plenty of intrigue elsewhere in the midfield with Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie taking on Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield and Tom Scully.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, July 1, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R11, 2016, Geelong 14.14 (98) d GIANTS 14.4 (88) at Simonds Stadium
R2, 2016, GIANTS 13.11 (89) d Geelong 11.10 (76) at UNSW Canberra Oval
R17, 2015, Geelong 9.15 (69) d GIANTS 6.6 (42) at UNSW Canberra Oval
R18, 2014, Geelong 13.16 (94) d GIANTS 12.15 (87) at Spotless Stadium
R11, 2013, Geelong 24.13 (157) d GIANTS 15.8 (98) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Cats could have won by a lot more the last time these sides met. They dominated the inside 50s (74-48) and had 28 scoring shots to 14. Patrick Dangerfield starred with 32 disposals and 11 inside 50s.
2. This will be a contest between two of 2017's highest scoring teams. The GIANTS are ranked third, averaging 103 points per game, while the Cats are fifth with 100 points.
3. This is the seventh time these teams have met and the Cats have dominated, winning five games to one. Three of the last four clashes have been decided by less than three goals.
4. Both sides have been strong in clearances in 2017; the GIANTS are ranked first, averaging 42.2 per game, ahead of the Cats, who are fifth, with an average of 38.6.
5. The teams have played only twice at Spotless Stadium with Geelong winning both games. The GIANTS are undefeated at the venue so far in 2017, winning four from four.
6. Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield remains the No.1 ranked player on the AFL's official player ratings, and could find himself up against in-form GIANT Dylan Shiel, who is ranked 22nd.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Phil Davis
The GIANTS co-captain will resume his long-running battle with Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins, and his influence in the back half will be crucial to his team's chances of maintaining their perfect record at Spotless Stadium this season.
PREDICTION: GIANTS by 11 points
The GIANTS take on Geelong in a blockbuster Saturday night clash at Spotless Stadium, click here to get your tickets now.
