FORTUNE FAVOURS BRAVE

Geelong’s fringe players had a solid one-hour training hitout at Deakin University on Saturday, comprising match simulation and drills. Little doubt he will play after the Cats made one of the worst selection decisions in recent history by dropping him. Geelong didn’t have many forward entries, but players such as Menzel only need a couple of chances. It’s a case of goals v defensive pursuits. It’s like dropping your second-best batsman because he’s prone to misfielding. “Obviously you want to play every game and you want to play a final, but that’s just how it is. And like I said, I’ve just got to train well and hopefully put my best foot forward,” Menzel said. “We had a good, solid training session (on Saturday) and there is a number of guys putting their hands up for selection, which is important.” Expected omission from the qualifying final based on his size, but will be in the mix again. If not for a few missed shots, could have kicked three goals against GWS Giants in Round 23. Has looked a shadow of himself this year in his return from a knee reconstruction. But provides a more-thancapable replacement option for injured Cam Guthrie and Jake Kolodjashnij. Out of contract and hasn’t played an AFL game since Round 4. But his VFL form has been very solid. Played 18 games last year before being dropped after a shaky qualifying final. Has not been selected since Round 14. Averaged five tackles a game at AFL level this year. Crafty in front of goal. There are worse options for a side that can’t tackle inside 50 or kick enough goals. Not great timing to get injured in Round 21 against Richmond. Hard to read where the Cats see him. The Cats would love his pace, explosiveness and defensive pressure, but even if he is fit, Cockatoo is a risk, given his hamstring issues. Pinged the hammy three times this year, including Round 19 in his return game. Which players might be at risk and what did the coaches get wrong? Looked hampered by a knock in the first half and came into the game under a little injury cloud. Kicked a crucial snapped goal to start the third term, but no tackles, no marks and just two of his six touches were effective. No impact. Been very solid in the back end of the season, but hasn’t had a great record in finals over his career. Had two shots at goal from difficult angles in the first quarter, but put both out on the full. The promoted first-year rookie had a big role on Rioli and did it rather well. Stood up better than some of his teammates. No shame in his performance. Might be a case of first in, first out if the Cats make a change. Looked like he was going to have an impact early, but his influence waned after half-time. No danger of being dropped, but the Cats needed to send him down back, or at least do something structurally to help him out. Hit the post after the quarter-time siren in a pivotal moment. Had minimal impact playing forward and simply couldn’t replicate his performance on Rance from earlier in the season. The Tigers went to school on how the Cats beat them in Round 21 and Geelong allowed it to happen. Rhys Stanley (calf) available Cam Guthrie (calf) TBC Jake Kolodjashnij (calf) TBC Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) test Josh Cowan (Achilles) season Cory Gregson (foot) season Lincoln McCarthy (hip) season The matchwinning ingredient in Richmond’s game plan was pressure. The Cats were not allowed time and space and consequently even the most experienced players were forever fumbling and turning the ball over. The Swans are as good as — if not better than — the Tigers at bringing heat. The challenge is there for Geelong, who will also be feeling the pressure of winning just two of their past nine finals matches. Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon named Lonergan best-on-ground when the Cats and Swans clashed at Simonds Stadium in Round 20. The veteran defender kept Swans star Lance Franklin to just 1.1 from eight disposals for the night. A similar performance will be required from Lonergan if the Cats are any chance on Friday night as Franklin has 21 goals from his past four matches. Ever since its 0-6 start to the season, John Longmire’s side has played virtual elimination finals on a weekly basis. The Swans have won 15 of their past 17 matches, and have beaten the Cats in five of their past six meetings. The Swans have won just four of their past eight matches at the MCG. The MCG is 18m longer and 12m wider than the cosy SCG that suits Sydney as a contestedball winning side without a great deal of speed. Geelong $3, Sydney $1.40 Geelong $17, Sydney $4.25 Round 20, Geelong 8.13 (61) def by Sydney 16.11 (107), Simonds Stadium.