First Qualifying Final

GEELONG V ST KILDA
Venue MCG Date Sunday, September 7
Time 2.40pm Head.to.head Geelong 121 St Kilda 79 Drawn 0
Finals record
Geelong played 92 won 37 lost 54 drawn 1
St Kilda played 41 won 16 lost 25 drawn 0
Last time Geelong 21.10 (136) bt St Kilda 13.16 (94) R4 2008, Telstra Dome
Betting TABSportsbet Geelong $1.14 St Kilda $5.25 Centrebet Geelong $1.14 St Kilda $6

Summary No sane football observer gives St Kilda a prayer in this game. Cats coach Mark Thompson has an over-supply of talent and with up to four fresh players available for selection he just can't see that many changes, if any, because what he has already is too good for any other side. Last time, back in round four, the Cats won by 42 points doing what they've done all year, strolling though a ho-hum first quarter then piling on the pressure to steadily leave the opposition choking in their wake. The Cats' finals campaign won't be harmed by yesterday's re-signing of hard-working midfielder Paul Chapman, who joins the side's other stars as committing for a further couple of years. With all the leaders in place the Brisbane-style dynasty might have begun, but there are obstacles to be overcome in the immediate future, chiefly Nick Riewoldt, the big forward on whom the Saints will be pinning much of their hopes. Riewoldt will have to play to peak form to present Geelong with any problems. The Cats are more than stocked with capable defenders, from Tom Harley to Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn and Andrew Mackie and even Harry Taylor, a tall defender with pace and endurance but nevertheless a first year player. St Kilda's on-ballers and midfielders, Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne, Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna and the retiring Robert Harvey are a potent group but Geelong's are simply better. Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Ling, Chapman and co. are a fearless bunch who have overcome virtually every challenge in a season in which the Cats have dropped just one game.

Key St Kilda will have to start strong and stay strong if they are to have any hope at all. If the Saints all play to their peak ability they may lose by a respectable margin

Tip Geelong by 40 points