Geelong Captain, Steven King
Bulldogs Captain Chris Grant
Skilled Stadium
Sunday February 23rd (2:30PM)
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Geelong Captain, Steven King
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Bulldogs Captain Chris Grant
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This season the pre-season comp, or the Wizard Home Loans Cup, reverts back to a knockout format. For the past few years, as it has been a round robin comp, the pre-season cup has struggled for an identity. Now it's back to the 'traditional' sudden death format, which is sure to get larger attendances. Unfortunately, Club Members from all AFL teams no longer get free entry to a pre-season game. Instead it costs about $14 for adults, $9 concession, kids $2.20. We say 'about' as on the AFL's site there is no prices for Skilled Stadium matches, but every other venue is listed there.
These two teams also play each other in round one of the 2003 AFL Premiership season at Telstra Dome, however this time it's on the Cats' home turf. The last two times these teams have played down at Geelong for premiership points, the Western Bulldogs came from 40 odd points behind to win. In 2001, in front of 22,000 fans, Geelong led by more than eight goals in the 2nd quarter, only to see the Bulldogs kick the final 5 goals of the half. Although Geelong had chances to win the game as late as the final quarter, kicking only one goal five behinds to the Bulldogs' six straight, top dog Chris Grant sealed the match. Something then Geelong captain Ben Graham could not do on several occasions in front of goal. Bulldogs win by 7 points.
2002 was a near carbon copy, also in front of 22,000 fans, the Cats leading by 40-odd points in the second quarter, only for the Dogs to take the lead into the half time break. Tony Liberatore played his 300th club match, while Rohan Smith and Scott West played their 200th Premiership match each. Captain Chris Grant stole the show in the second half, with nearly 20 kicks for the match. The Dogs won by 12 points.
This time, Geelong go in with a near full strength lineup, under a new Captain. The Bulldogs, too, are relatively free of injury, but this time do not have serial pest Tony Liberatore.
Next VFL Match
Northern Bullants v Geelong
Saturday March 1st; 2:00PM Optus Oval