The Stats Zone
September 13 2019, 12:38 · Ash Wheldon

2019 AFL – Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Preview & Prediction

2019 AFL – Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS

When is Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles taking place? Friday 13th September – 10:50 (UK) / 19:50 (AEST)

Where is Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles taking place? MCG, Melbourne

What television channel is Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles on? BT Sport 3 in UK / Channel 7/Foxtel in Australia

Where can I stream Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / This match can be streamed live via the AFL Live app in Australia

Where can I get tickets for Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles? https://www.afl.com.au/tickets

THE TEAM NEWS

GEELONG CATS

  • Minor premiers Geelong Cats came unstuck in their qualifying final with Collingwood Magpies and now must take the long route to the Grand Final with a tough game against West Coast Eagles their first worry.
  • The home side has not lost a meeting between these two teams since 2013 when the Eagles were defeated 41-107 and you have to go all the way back to 2006 for the last time the Cats lost a home game to their opponents on home soil.
  • The Cats have been forced into making two changes for this clash as they look to avoid an early exit despite claiming the minor premiership with Gary Rohan and Mitch Duncan both ruled out through injury with Cameron Guthrie and Rhys Stanley coming into the side.

WEST COAST EAGLES

  • West Coast Eagles had little trouble in overcoming Essendon Bombers in their elimination final as they put their back-to-back defeats at the end of the regular season behind them with relative ease.
  • They now travel to Melbourne to face Geelong but the reigning champions have suffered a huge blow as they look to defend their title having being caught up in a drug scandal this week.
  • Willie Rioli has been suspended and will miss this huge clash as a result after he allegedly tried to manipulate a urine sample and his loss will be greatly felt with Jack Petruccelle handed the call-up.

THE PREDICTION

West Coast Eagles could have done without the drama in their camp this week after losing key man Willie Rioli to suspension. They will have to overcome his loss and the potential impact it has had on the camp as they travel to Geelong looking for their first win over the Cats away from home since 2006. That means the Cats have won the last seven encounters when hosting the Eagles which should make home advantage crucial here with Geelong able to progress to the preliminary finals.