GEELONG’S getting ready to return to Kardinia Park this weekend, hosting Sydney in a Grand Final rematch in front of a sellout Cats crowd on Saturday night.
Fans will get the chance to see the 2022 Premiership Flag unfurled ahead of the game, following Geelong’s 81-point win over the Swans in last years decider.
Veteran and two-time premiership player Mitch Duncan said the team won’t be approaching the clash too differently, but expected the in-form Swans to present a tough challenge.
“Obviously it’s a completely different season, there’s a lot of different personnel playing in the game as well,” he said.
“I think it’s just another challenging game throughout the home and away season which most games are at the minute, it’s exciting.
“We’re trying to get our brand of footy to where we want to get to.
“It’s going to be a great game.”
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Duncan said the Cats won’t be underestimating the Swans despite their mounting injury list, with up to 11 players unavailable.
Sydney Coach John Longmire said Lance Franklin is highly unlikely to return for the clash, while important defenders Dane Rampe and Tom McCartin are racing the clock to prove their fitness.
Young forward Joel Amartey will also miss a significant chunk of time after badly injuring his hamstring in the Swans’ 44-point win over Richmond during Gather Round.
“They had a great win on the weekend – albeit undermanned, but they managed to find a way,” Duncan said.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to getting our game going and getting it to the best we can.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
