Geelong midfielder James Kelly admits the Cats deserve their underdog status for Friday night’s AFL preliminary final against Hawthorn.
Geelong have beaten the Hawks in their past 11 meetings.
But Kelly, one of his side’s best in Friday night’s comeback win over Port Adelaide, says Hawthorn’s form is clearly superior.
“This time I think deservedly Hawthorn are the favourites,” Kelly told the Seven Network’s AFL Game Day on Sunday.
“They’ve been the dominant side all year and they’re in better form than us at the moment.”
The Hawks have had the weekend off after thrashing Sydney by 54 points in their qualifying final and expect to regain Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli for the clash with the Cats.
Geelong have lost one final, to Fremantle, then produced a poor first half before overcoming the Power in Friday night’s semi-final.
They also have injury and tribunal concerns, with defender Jared Rivers injuring an ankle on Friday night and Paul Chapman facing a possible ban over a high bump on Port’s Robbie Gray.
Chapman starred with four goals against the Power.
“Chappy’s been great since he’s come back into the side and he’s obviously a really special and important player for us,” Kelly said.
“Hopefully he can get off and he’ll be important for us this week.”
Concerns about spearhead Tom Hawkins have eased, after he returned from a nagging back injury to face the Power and afterwards said he came through the game with no ill effects.
“I felt like he was moving really well and he’s going to be really good for us this week,” Kelly said.
He said Josh Caddy was expected to return from an ankle injury, potentially as Chapman’s replacement.
Kelly also admitted Geelong were concerned about their inaccurate kicking for goal, having notched a total of 37.58 over their past three games.
“Going into finals and big finals like this weekend, you’ve really got to take your chances,” he said.
“It nearly cost us the game against Brisbane (in round 23) and probably had a bit to do with (losing) the (qualifying final) against Fremantle.
“It is something we’re going to look at during the week.”
