Friday Night 'Bloke-buster' (...a.k.a. "Who Wants a Grand Final Shot?")

Qualifying Final 2 - Geelong -v- Hawthorn

So, its de-ja-vu all over again (thanks Yogi) as we see the Cats v Hawks again go at it in the 'mental showdown' QF. Read that how you want... 

 - mental:  as in they will be not holding back and charging in as if there is no tomorrow, or

 - mental:  as in psychological. Will Geelong hold their promise to not lose to Hawthorn again, or will the Hawks break the nexus and get a W.

One thing most people say (yeah... unsubstantiated guff!) is that the winner will go through the to Grand Final. Expect this to be fiercest final of the weekend.

1. Geelong
So at one stage during the season, I said that Geelong were 'virtually invincible', and any objective supporter would have thought that was a fair call too. At that stage they were undefeated, able to win anywhere, against anyone, and even come home to get the close ones.
And then of course, they beat Collingwood, the supposed indestructible team of 2011. Suddenly, people remembered that the team now without a coach or Brownlow Medal winner were still a big chance for the flag. A big chance!

Great form all year by Geelong, bar three losses near then end. Picked up all the finalist scalps that could be considered genuine Premiership contenders. Also were able to work a win when close... mentally tough set of blokes.
You would also think the late season losses were 'good to get out of the way', and would 're-focus' them. Either that, or the first signs the wheels were falling off.


2. Hawthorn
Steady and consistent all year, possibly underrated as well. Done very well to pull through without really much tall down the back (hoping you are the same).
Kids look good too... Puopolo, Bruest, Itzhak Shmith. Finals ready kiddies? Lets see.

Twice beaten by Geelong in close ones, and done over by the Wobblers. Is there any way for them to overcome that and grind a win? If it is a close one, will they be strong enough to push it over the line?


Verdict:
Close. Hard. Tough. Geelong by the cats-whisker for me... but its no lock. If Hawthorn are mentally tough, this is the day to show it.
Could even be a draw decided in extra time.