Saturday’s AFL 2018 Round 23 match is between Geelong Cats and Gold Coast Suns. The opening kick is set to commence at 13:45 local time with the game to be played at GMHBA Stadium. The home team Geelong Cats are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Geelong Cats and Gold Coast Suns.
When: 13:45 | Saturday 25/08/2018
Where: GMHBA Stadium
Preview:
After their demolition of the Dockers, I’m expecting the Cats to win easily against the Suns and secure their spot in the finals.
First year player Tim Kelly was strong for Geelong and he has been a great find for the Cats.
He wins a lot of the ball but still needs to tidy up his disposal.
The Suns had a go last week in a heated Q Clash against the Lions, but it will be a different story against Geelong this week.
KEY BATTLE: Tom Hawkins v Steven May
The Gold Coast captain will put his hand up to play on the red-hot Hawkins.
I’m not sure May will be able to control him and Hawkins should kick another bag.
The Verdict
Geelong, who lead the Gold Coast 7-2 since 2010, to win comfortably at home.
Unibet Odds:
Geelong Cats at $1.01
Gold Coast Suns at $21.00
Odds:
Tip: Geelong Cats at $1.01
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: Harry Taylor at $10.00
More Info:
Teams:
Geelong Cats: 
B: Kolodjashnij, Henderson, Stewart
HB: Bews, Taylor, Tuohy
C: Blicavs, J. Selwood, Murdoch
HF: Menegola, Ablett, Duncan
F: Menzel, Hawkins, Henry
FOLL: Abbott, Dangerfield, Kelly
I/C: C. Guthrie, O’Connor, Parfitt, S. Selwood
EMG: Narkle, Simpson, Thurlow, Smith
IN: Bews
OUT: Thurlow
Gold Coast Suns: 
B: Joyce, May, Harbrow
HB: Ah Chee, Leslie, Heron
C: Barlow, Swallow, Weller
HF: Holman, Crossley, Sexton
F: Ainsworth, Lemmens, Young
FOLL: Witts, Bowes, Miller
I/C: Rischitelli, Fiorini, Lyons, Scheer
EMG: Scrimshaw, Spencer, Dawson, Schoenfeld
No changes
AFL News:
Chris Scott says the length of his new deal reflects both his commitment to Geelong and the size of the job still ahead of the AFL club.
The Cats announced Scott, who was contracted for next year, signed a three-year contract extension on Monday that ties him to the club until the end of the 2022 season.
Since he arrived at the end of the 2010 season, Geelong have won the 2011 premiership, reached the finals six times in seven attempts and are on the verge of playing finals again this season.
“It’s a commitment to the path that we’re on as a group,” Scott said on Fox Footy’s AFL360 of the length of the new contract.
“We have been through a period probably over the past seven or eight years of transitioning our list and trying to rebuild on the run a little bit.
“(The long-term deal) is probably a reflection that we still think there’s a fair way to go on the journey we’re on.
“We’ve got young players in our team … who we’ve got high hopes for.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Tim Kelly for a long time. Esava Ratugolea, Tom Stewart, Lachie Fogarty, Charlie Constable … it’s a big group of players who are quite new to our club.
“So it still feels pretty fresh for us all and we’re aware there is still a lot of work to be done.
“… When we look at the possibilities in front of us it’s really exciting.”
If Scott sees out the term of his new deal he will be second only to club great Reg Hickey in the number of games coached, passing fellow premiership coach Mark Thompson who is currently second.
The Cats need to defeat lowly Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday to secure a top-eight berth.
After back-to-back losses put their finals spot at risk, Geelong pummelled Fremantle by 133 points last week.
The Cats kicked a record 23 goals in a row in the powerhouse performance that Scott hopes is the start of a premiership-winning run of form similar to those enjoyed by Richmond last year and the Western Bulldogs in 2016.
“They built some momentum, they were playing their best footy when it really counted,” he said.
“Once you’re in the tournament that is the finals that’s the most important part.
“Qualifying high helps you to some degree, but it’s only marginal … especially in today’s comp.
“Momentum counts.”
CHRIS SCOTT’S COACHING RECORD AT GEELONG
* Premierships: 1 (2011)
* Games coached: 188
* Wins: 130
* Losses: 56
* Draws: 2
* Winning percentage: 69.5 per cent
