As Round 22 of the AFL season approaches, a crucial showdown is set to take place at Optus Stadium this Saturday, where Fremantle will face off against Geelong in what promises to be a decisive match for both teams. The Cats, buoyed by a thrilling five-point victory over Adelaide last week, have climbed to fifth on the ladder. With the top five teams closely bunched, every game is critical. This encounter represents Geelong’s final clash against a top-eight side, with their remaining fixtures against St Kilda and West Coast to round off the home and away season.
The game will also mark a significant milestone for Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron, who will be playing his 250th AFL match. Cameron’s journey in the league has been nothing short of remarkable, and this game adds another chapter to his illustrious career. Fremantle, on the other hand, is coming off a narrow one-point defeat to Essendon, which saw them slip to sixth position. They will be eager to bounce back and regain their footing as the season nears its climax.
In their previous encounter, Fremantle narrowly defeated Geelong by seven points in a tight contest at GMHBA Stadium last year. The match saw Michael Frederick and Lachie Schultz secure the win with the final two goals, despite neither team managing to pull away significantly throughout the game. Geelong’s Tom Stewart was notable in that clash, recording 25 disposals and 12 rebound 50s, showcasing his key role in the defense.
Historically, the match-up between Geelong and Fremantle has been fairly even. The Cats have won six of their last ten encounters dating back to 2016. The overall record between the teams is balanced, with Geelong winning ten of the past twenty games. At Optus Stadium, where Fremantle has hosted AFL games since its completion in 2017, Geelong has won two of their four matches.
Team selections have brought some changes ahead of the game. For Geelong, Gary Rohan and Mitch Duncan are back in the side, while Sam De Koning is out due to injury, and Jed Bews has been omitted. Fremantle, meanwhile, has made several adjustments, including the return of Nat Fyfe from suspension and the inclusion of Matthew Johnson, Pat Voss, and Karl Worner. Josh Treacy is out due to injury, and James Aish, Tom Emmett, and Neil Erasmus have been omitted.
Key players for Geelong include Tom Stewart, who has consistently performed well against Fremantle, and Tom Atkins, who has shown strong form in past match-ups with the Dockers. Stewart’s ability to dominate in defense and Atkins’ impact around the midfield will be crucial for the Cats. For Fremantle, the return of Nat Fyfe adds significant experience and capability, as he averages a high number of disposals and clearances against Geelong.
The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and streamed on Kayo from 4:30 PM AEST, with the first bounce scheduled for 4:35 PM. Fans can also catch the action on K Rock Football starting from 3:00 PM. As Fremantle celebrates its 30-year anniversary with a Retro Round, donning the iconic 1995 jumper, and Geelong aims to capitalize on their recent form, this clash is set to be a high-stakes, thrilling encounter.
As both teams look to solidify their positions in the final rounds of the season, the battle at Optus Stadium will not only be a test of skill and strategy but also a showcase of pivotal moments that could define their campaigns.
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