SINCE the 2003 "spat" between St Kilda and Geelong about the quality of their respective lists and who would be first to a grand final, the rivalry has developed through competitive contests and a growing foundation of mutual respect.

The clubs' paths have taken similar routes over recent years. St Kilda has been seen to be the beneficiary of more early draft choices, which is where the aggravation started. The Cats always have felt they could put their lower draft choices against the Saints' selections and prevail. On a few occasions, they have.

Geelong is redefining itself after some inconsistent performances. The players have sat down and spoken honestly to each other and decided on team standards. The result is a rejuvenated zest for the contest. The Cats are playing with passion and intensity and are displaying excellent "team" values of support, care, hardness at the contested ball and hardness at the opponent with the ball.

Team values have been questionable in the past, when some members played as individuals and some displayed petulance under pressure. The "coming together" has been significant, allowing a very talented group to unify — with instant rewards.

The Cats have defended very well when the opposition has the ball and scored heavily with extremely quick movement when the ball is in their hands.

The Saints are playing man-on-man, leaving their back six in defence and not allowing opposition running forwards to drag them up the ground.

The only blemish on the Saints is their reluctance to move the ball quickly and decisively forward to enable the big boys — Fraser Gehrig, Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke — to strut their stuff, with a ravenous Stephen Milne snapping at their heels.

The most intimidating aspect of the Saints' style has been negated by the slow ball movement. I am certain coach Ross Lyon is adapting their style with the ball to a more conservative, maintain-possession, hit-the-lead-up-player-type brand.

The team is adjusting to the subtle changes, but seems in two minds. In the brutal environment of AFL football, he who hesitates is lost.

Having Gehrig, Riewoldt and Koschitzke pushing up the ground to block space has its disadvantages when you cause a turnover. There is no one to direct the ball to and the big men are gasping for air while trying desperately to get back to their preferred positions.

Big forwards need the ball delivered to them rather than receiving it sliding forward and going the same way as the footy. Riewoldt has the aerobic capacity to handle this situation, but I am not certain it suits Gehrig and Koschitzke.

It will be an interesting game for both clubs. One has redefined itself spiritually, and the other has redefined itself from a playing perspective. Neither needs any incentive or motivation today. Every ball will be well earned. Mental toughness will decide the outcome.

Geelong's excellent attack lines up against a depleted and underdone Saints defence. If the Geelong forwards stay at home and keep the Saints' back six accountable, the Cats will enhance their chances. At the other end, the Saints' forward line has the potential to explode and humble the Cats' defence. No doubt Darren Milburn will be sweeping and blocking space. His opponent must keep him accountable.

The midfield battle will be enthralling. Jimmy Bartel is in outstanding form and Cameron Ling's influence is compelling when negating an opponent and sliding forward to score.

Luke Ball loves a challenge and will have one hand-delivered today. Like Bartel, he is hard, tough, relentless, but he hasn't provided the same output in recent weeks and that will not sit well with him. He is a proud man who leads by example.

Nick Dal Santo has had good weeks and not-so-good weeks. Today, he must bring his A-grade game. His ability to cope with a heavy tag has restricted his development into one of the game's elite. He will sit just below that category until he can overcome that adversity.

Geelong can provide power plays through the midfield by rotating Gary Ablett and Paul Chapman on ball. I have great admiration for Chapman. He has been the constant at Geelong over the past few years when others have been found wanting. It was no surprise to see that his stern words provided the catalyst for the team's self-analysis and resurgence.

No doubt Steven Baker will make a pest of himself, against Ablett, Chapman or Bartel, and throw in a desperate Lenny Hayes making up for lost time and the script is even tastier.

Brad Ottens has been a real key for the Cats, as has the vastly improved Mark Blake, but Michael Rix is competitive and thrives on a challenge. I would dearly love to see "Kosi" lining up for the first centre bounce. He is undoubtedly the key to St Kilda's ruck. When fit, he sets the team up perfectly.

This game will not be decided on a list ruling, it will be won by the side that does not relent in the mental and physical battle. Gentlemen, start your engines!