Geelong's Next Match

GEELONG, traditionally a poor performer in pre-season fixtures, did quite well in 2003, going down to Collingwood in the semifinal. But they will be without Captain Steven King, who's likely replacement as first ruck is former Hawthorn fringe player David Loats.

Other Geelong players who should be champing at the bit are Ben Graham, who is likely to feature up forward, Shannon Byrnes, and David Spriggs. After missing the entire 2002 season and having a lean 2003, Spriggs is just about on his last chance. After making headlines in recent weeks for his sprinting ability, he finally has a chance to perform where it matters: with a football in his hand.

The great 'Ben Graham up forward' experiment enters its third field test this season, but this time Graham won't be THE target up forward. Instead, Graham will be teaming with the likes of David Haynes, Matthew McCarthy, Kent Kingsley and even possibly Cameron Mooney as the tall forward rotation.

Rookie listed Shannon Byrnes, after making a good impression in the VFL last season with his speed and agility, is certain to play against Port. A spot may well open up for Byrnes on the senior list, albeit temporarily, should Steven King be forced to take an extended injury layoff.

Look for recruits Loats, forward Haynes, and 2002-draftee Andrew Mackie to also be looking to impress.

Bundaberg Rum Stadium, Cairns 7:10pm (AEST), Saturday, 21 February
Geelong Squad New players in bold Tom Harley, James Bartel, David Spriggs, Ben Graham, David Haynes, James Kelly, Kane Tenace, Joel Corey, Tom Lonergan, Cameron Thurley, Peter Riccardi, Ken Kingsley, David Loats, Cameron Mooney, Henry Playfair, Matthew McCarthy, Brenton Sanderson, David Johnson, Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chambers, Brent Moloney, Jared Rooke, James Rahilly, Darren Milburn, Josh Hunt, Corey Enright, Cameron Ling and Shannon Byrnes.		Port Adelaide Squad Matthew Primus, Brett Montgomery, Gavin Wanganeen, Brendon Lade, Peter Burgoyne, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Carr, Cain Ackland, Chris Hall, Rob Forster-Knight, Warren Tredrea, Kane Cornes, Matthew Bishop, Michael Wilson, Josh Mahoney, Brad Symes, Damon White, Domenic Cassisi, Stuart Cochrane, Jared Poulton, Adam Kingsley, Troy Chaplin, Steven Salopek, Stephen Gilham, Luke Peel, Chad Cornes, Michael Pettigrew and Jacob Surjan.
Last time these two teams played, it was a thriller; Geelong winning the Round 14 clash between top of the ladder Port and bottom Geelong in the final seconds thanks to a combination of Ben Graham's long bomb and Matthew Scarlett's shepherding skills. And that isn't to mention Scarlett's theatrical skills, demonstrated on the right. Relive last year's thriller: Match Report Both teams have something to prove; Geelong has to deliver on their potential while Port's shocking run in September will have them with a heavy chip on both shoulders. Read about both teams below. Tip? Port by 11 points
GEELONG, traditionally a poor performer in pre-season fixtures, did quite well in 2003, going down to Collingwood in the semifinal. But they will be without Captain Steven King, who's likely replacement as first ruck is former Hawthorn fringe player David Loats. Other Geelong players who should be champing at the bit are Ben Graham, who is likely to feature up forward, Shannon Byrnes, and David Spriggs. After missing the entire 2002 season and having a lean 2003, Spriggs is just about on his last chance. After making headlines in recent weeks for his sprinting ability, he finally has a chance to perform where it matters: with a football in his hand. The great 'Ben Graham up forward' experiment enters its third field test this season, but this time Graham won't be THE target up forward. Instead, Graham will be teaming with the likes of David Haynes, Matthew McCarthy, Kent Kingsley and even possibly Cameron Mooney as the tall forward rotation. Rookie listed Shannon Byrnes, after making a good impression in the VFL last season with his speed and agility, is certain to play against Port. A spot may well open up for Byrnes on the senior list, albeit temporarily, should Steven King be forced to take an extended injury layoff. Look for recruits Loats, forward Haynes, and 2002-draftee Andrew Mackie to also be looking to impress.		PORT ADELAIDE will be looking to continue their good run in pre-season competitions, having won the 2001 and 2002 premiership and been a semi-finalist last season. But they must do so without Josh "Yeah Yeah" Francou and Nick Stevens, Francou tragically 'doing his knee' again, and Stevens seeking asylum at Carlton. Port is also nursing a captain back to fitness, in former Grovedale and Geelong player Matthew Primus. Ignored in last year's finals campaign and very nearly made obsolete via new rule changes, Primus has no lack of motivation for the match. Coach Mark Williams will be expecting nothing less than an annihilation of the Cats in this game, as his side marches into yet another Wizard Cup final. But after wielding the axe (and surviving his very own axe, fashioned by the ageing transport king and club sponsor, Alan Scott) to the likes of Steven Paxman and 'the Cocky', Che Cockatoo-Collins, expect to see the most inexperienced Power lineup in years. It is not yet known whether or not Port Adelaide will unveil their new 'clash strip', pictured above.