Apparently there’s a big event in Perth this Saturday night, one that has never taken place before in the city. Unless you don’t listen to the news or read the papers, you’d know that Matthew Pavlich plays his 300th game and becomes the first player from Freo or West Coast to hit triple figures. It’s a remarkable achievement from the club’s greatest ever player, given the impact travelling has had on the longevity of WA-based AFL players’ careers. The tributes have been flowing from around the league for our captain.
Pav ‘one of the greats’
The greatest team of all
With three premierships since 2007, Geelong has claims to be one of the greatest teams to have ever played the game. Matthew Pavlich certainly thinks so. The Cats have managed to remain an absolute force in the AFL even through the retirement of club greats. The form of Steve Johnson in the midfield has been a major instigator of their success this season. It’s highly probable he’ll reacquaint with his old friend Ryan Crowley, who tagged the superstar after quarter time in last year’s Qualifying Final. Freo coach Ross Lyon had admitted he’d erred by not sending his star tagger to Johnson in the opening term, which the Cat dominated.
Cats best of all-time: Pavlich
The rivalry
A great rivalry has been brewing between Freo and Geelong. Who could forget the Anzac Day Classic in 2008. An upstart Freo, led by the heroic efforts of Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands, almost toppled the juggernaut that was then-reigning premiers Geelong at Subiaco Oval. A valiant effort from ‘Pav’ to win the game from 50m out on the boundary hit the post in the dying seconds. Last year’s Qualifying Final at Simonds Stadium was also epic, as Freo waltzed into the heart of the Cattery and crushed Geelong’s spirits with a stirring win. In between, there have been many moments of brilliance and some spite between these two great competitors.
Freo and Cats rivalry
Cats off the bye
Geelong will enter Saturday night’s game off a week’s rest, while Fremantle played a tough match in Adelaide. The Cats have won four of six after a bye and their senior coach Chris Scott says he’d rather be playing off a break.
Selection
Geelong will regain All Australian defender Andrew Mackie, while Freo will test its own All Australian Luke McPharlin. Zac Dawson is a strong chance to return, while Hayden Ballantyne and Stephen Hill are also wait and sees.
