Geelong Prepares for High-Stakes VFL Battle Against GWS Giants
It’s a crucial weekend for the VFL Cats as they head to ENGIE Stadium to face off against the GWS Giants in what’s shaping up to be a massive Round 16 clash. With just weeks left in the home and away season, the significance of every match ramps up—especially when finals aspirations are still on the line. Geelong, currently sitting at 5-8, are hungry for a momentum-shifting win, while the Giants are flying high at 9-4 and aiming to further cement their place near the top of the ladder.
The spotlight this weekend is firmly on both teams' recent form and the key inclusions that could shape the match. For the Giants, the return of Max Gruzewski is a massive boost. The towering forward has been brilliant this season, notching up 33 goals and sitting fifth in the league’s goalkicking tally. His presence will add a real focal point inside 50. Alongside him, the experience of Stephen Coniglio, playing his second VFL match since returning from a long-term injury, will be invaluable. With 23 disposals and six clearances in his comeback game, Coniglio is clearly looking to force his way back into the AFL side and could be a real game-changer at this level.
Also Read:- Upgrading My PS5 Storage This Prime Day Was the Best Decision Yet
- Randy Orton Opens Up About Mental Health and His Battle to Return Stronger
Geelong, meanwhile, will be looking to address a pattern that’s haunted them in both VFL and AFL encounters against GWS—inefficiency inside forward 50. Despite often winning the inside 50 count, the Cats have struggled to convert that advantage into scoreboard dominance. Against a Giants team stacked with intercepting talent—think Connor Idun and Leek Aleer—the Cats must be clinical in delivering the ball to their forwards. Interestingly, Sam Taylor, a defensive linchpin for GWS in past matches, is out with injury, offering a potential advantage Geelong simply must capitalize on.
For the Cats, this isn't just about points—it’s about pride, finals hopes, and reversing recent trends. The Giants have had Geelong's number lately, winning the past three meetings across both levels of competition. But the margins have been tight, and there's a clear sense this could finally be the moment the Cats turn the tide.
The midfield battle also looms large. GWS’s Tom Green has been an unstoppable force in the AFL, and while he won't feature in the VFL, the club's midfield depth remains a concern. Geelong will need to be aggressive and disciplined through the middle if they’re to limit supply to Gruzewski and Co.
This Saturday’s match is more than just another fixture—it's a defining moment in Geelong’s 2025 VFL campaign. Whether they can rise to the challenge at ENGIE Stadium, snap the losing streak, and reinvigorate their finals dreams is the question that will be answered when the ball is bounced at 12:15pm. Make no mistake, both clubs are bringing the heat. It’s Cats v Giants, and it’s going to be a cracker.
Read More:
0 Comments