The Cattery is set to ignite on Thursday night as Geelong hosts the Western Bulldogs in a highly anticipated clash to kick off Round 11. Both teams are coming off dominant victories, with Geelong demolishing Port Adelaide by 76 points and the Bulldogs dismantling Essendon by 91 points. This fixture carries an extra layer of intrigue, marking the first time Geelong's new recruit, Bailey Smith, faces his former club.
Bailey Smith - Distraction or Brownlow Threat?
Smith's departure from the Western Bulldogs during the off-season was a saga, fuelled by cryptic social media posts, comments from both camps, and even some barbs about Ballarat. After missing the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury, Smith has made a blistering start to 2025 with the Cats, averaging a career-high 30.1 disposals and 4.9 clearances from eight matches. His form has been so exceptional that Smith's currently in the top 5 in our Brownlow Predictor. This back-and-forth between he and his old club adds significant spice to what is already a crucial contest for both sides.
The Stats That Matter
Advanced stats highlight the strengths of these two well-matched teams. Geelong's offence has been potent, as evidenced by their 115-point haul against Port Adelaide. They have been efficient with their inside 50 entries, and their forward line, spearheaded by Jeremy Cameron, is firing. However, the Bulldogs' defence has shown significant improvement, holding Essendon to just 36 points in Round 10. They average 53.7 tackles per game and generate an impressive 10.5 more inside 50s than their opponents, demonstrating their ability to control territory and apply pressure.
The Bulldogs' midfield, led by Tom Liberatore (averaging 6.9 clearances per game), has been dominant, winning the clearance battle by an average of 5.2. Bailey Dale has been fantastic across half-back, coming off a club-record 49 disposals against the Bombers.
Cats or Dogs? Here's our Geelong vs Bulldogs Tip
While Geelong has historically dominated this fixture, especially at GMHBA Stadium, the Bulldogs have had recent success there, winning their last two encounters at the venue. This suggests a shift in the dynamic, and with both teams in strong form, this promises to be a tight contest. Geelong will be without star Patrick Dangerfield and Jack Bowes due to hamstring injuries, while Mitch Duncan will play his 300th game for the Cats - a remarkable milestone.
Despite the Cats' home-ground advantage, the Western Bulldogs' current momentum and robust midfield should prove too much. Expect a fierce battle, but for the Bulldogs’ ability to win contested ball and transition swiftly from defence to ultimately see them prevail.
