Teams

The Cats have made just the one change to the side that defeated North Melbourne by 31-points, with key forward Tom Hawkins returning to the side after serving a one-week suspension, with Darcy Lang making way.

Stats box

-          Ranked 1^st in league for contested marks

-          Ranked 1^st in league for marks inside 50

-          Ranked 1^st in league for centre clearances

-          Ranked 1st in league for the least opponent kicks per game

-          Ranked 2^nd in league for least opponent disposals per game

-          Ranked 3^rd in league for points per game

Talking heads

“Their ability to win the ball at Etihad means that the ball is in their forward half a lot and it’s hard to get it out.

“I think the battle inside against them – they’re clearly the best in the competition according to the numbers – is our first step in trying to mitigate their home ground advantage.”

-          Geelong coach Chris Scott

"We are going to need to be right on. If we do anything below our best, we'll be chopped up.

"We're just going to have to be really good around the ball again, take it forward and try to lock it in our forward 50.

-          Mark Blicavs

Last time we met

Round 16, 18 July 2015. Western Bulldogs defeated by Geelong 64-72 at Simonds Stadium. Luke Dahlhaus had 37 disposals, Jack Macrae had 29 disposals and Troy Dickson kicked three goals.