GREG BAUM
So long the bridesmaid, Geelong are observably improved this year in personnel and game style. Their long unbeaten streak testifies to it. Sydney are even – but Geelong are even better.
Prediction: Geelong by 19 points.
Norm Smith: Tom Stewart (Geelong).
LIBBY BIRCH
Geelong have got there team humming to perfection for the biggest game of the year. It’ll be a game of swinging momentum, but the chemistry and connection from Geelong’s back half to their forward half will overwhelm Sydney over four quarters.
Prediction: Geelong by 15 points.
Norm Smith: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong).
WAYNE CAREY
Geelong’s best footy has been better than anyone’s for the year.
Prediction: Geelong by 8 points.
Norm Smith: Mitch Duncan (Geelong).
MICHAEL GLEESON
Sam Reid injury swings it Cats way.
Prediction: Geelong by 10 points.
(Michael Gleeson is on the voting panel for the Norm Smith medal).
BEC GODDARD
Geelong out to a fast start with Tyson Stengle hitting the scoreboard early. Sydney will hold space in attack for Buddy to carve up the MCG centre, however it won’t be enough. Geelong’s offence will be too strong for Sydney’s tight back shoulder defence.
Prediction: Geelong by 17.
Norm Smith: Isaac Smith (Geelong).
EMMA KEARNEY
The two teams are equally good in the contest and defensively. It will be the break-away speed of the young Sydney mids that’ll cause issues for the Geelong defensive system.
Prediction: Sydney by 12 points.
Norm Smith: Chad Warner (Sydney).
SAM McCLURE
The Swans have proven time and time again they are capable of conquering all in front of them. They have the utensils and the tactical nous to pick Geelong apart.
Prediction: Sydney by 3 points.
Norm Smith: Luke Parker (Sydney).
JAKE NIALL
Geelong are strong all over the field and have the more potent attack with Cameron and Hawkins.
Prediction: Geelong by 18 points.
North Smith: Tom Stewart (Geelong).
JON PIERIK
The Cats are fresh, haven’t been beaten since May and have weapons across the entire field. Expect Dangerfield to look to make an imprint early, as he did against the Lions.
Prediction: Geelong by 15 points.
Norm Smith: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong).
PETER RYAN
Geelong’s game is in good shape but they will need to be at their best to beat Sydney who are tough and skilful enough to rattle the Cats if they are not at their sharpest. Geelong’s scoring power just gives them an edge.
Prediction: Geelong by 8 points.
Norm Smith: Cam Guthrie (Geelong).
SCOTT SPITS
Geelong are as well prepared and evenly balanced as you’d like any premiers to be. Expect one of Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins to boot a handful of goals and put the Cats in a winning position.
Prediction: Geelong by 28 points.
Norm Smith: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong).
MATHEW STOKES
Evenly matched across the three lines but I think it’s won with Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron.
Prediction: Geelong by 13.
Norm Smith: Jeremy Cameron (Geelong).
CAROLINE WILSON
Almost everything has gone right for the more experienced and marginally more talented Cats. It would prove a major upset if they fell at the final hurdle.
Prediction: Geelong by 20 points.
Norm Smith: Tom Stewart (Geelong).
ANDREW WU
With the exception of their first final, the Cats have hardly been challenged in three months. This leaves them vulnerable to be jumped by a tough and slick Swans side hardened by September combat.
Prediction: Sydney by 6 points.
Norm Smith: Luke Parker (Sydney).
