Round 19

The cats keep rolling along, 12 points and 31% points clear on top of the ladder, the minor premiership wrapped up. Once again, the Cats have the best attack (Pts for) and the best defence (Pts against) in the league. Rohan Connolly writing on Real Footy also highlighted a couple of other facts and figures worthy of note.

"All the while notching little pieces of history along the way.
There was another achieved in Friday night's 116-point demolition of Melbourne, the Cats becoming the first league team in 112 seasons to complete three consecutive winning streaks of 10 games or more. The only comparable feat is Hawthorn's effort in 1988-89 of four streaks of eight or more wins.
They're sneaking up on longer-term milestones as well, like the most wins over 50 games. The Cats are 37 from their past 39. And you'd get reasonably short odds on that having progressed to 43 from 45 come 5pm on grand final day. If it's not quite a case of handing over the premiership cup right now, the AFL's official engraver might as well drag out last year's template."

Their domination is continuing despite a heavier injury list than last season. Chapman and Wojinski are still to return, along with Milburn from suspension. Then there's the almost forgotten Matthew Egan, the All Australian centre half back who has missed the entire season due to a foot injury. Throw in Tom Hawkins waiting in the wings for a drop in form or injuryto get another chance, and Nathan Ablett to return in 2009 and Geelong have an embarrassment of riches.

There's nothing certain in football and Geelong haven't won the flag yet, but their focus and determination are so intense that it will take something truly extraordinary to stop them.

Meanwhile, the battle for 4th and 8th spots are still live. The Kanroos make a habit of defying critics and expectations and have won their last 5 in a row, on Sunday towelling up the more fancied Bulldogs. Only a Matthew Pavlich slip-up that opened the door for a stunning Sydney come back to beat the Dockers and keep the Swans ahead of the Roos in 4th spot.

Of course, there is a growing feeling that 4th spot is a poisoned chalice this year. Sure it guarantees a double chance, but whoever finishes there is very likely to need it considering they'll have to play Geelong in the first week of the finals. People talked up North Melbourne's chances against the Cats in the corresponding game last year and went home with their tails between their legs after a 100+ point mauling.

The most recent final between Sydney and Geelong was a heart breaker for the Cats who lead all night but succumbed in the final seconds of the game to a Nick Davis freak show. The Swans went on to win the 2005 premiership and they are a resilient team but a long way short of that sort of form nowadays. I'm sure Geelong would enjoy the possibility of avenging that defeat if they play the Swans. Talking of which, the Cats play the Swans this weekend at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney. It represents a challenge but Geelong's interstate record is unblemished and I expect it will remain so after this week's game. It will highlight the contrast in styles between the Swans defensive tempo shut down footy and the Cats play on up the guts attacking style.

Round 20 Tips

Port Adelaide v Collingwood

Essendon v Adelaide

Melbourne v West Coast

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

Sydney v Geelong

Richmond v Hawthorn

Carlton v North Melbourne

Fremantle v St Kilda