Geelong versus Port Adelaide looms as one of the defining games remaining in the 2020 season.
So, what’s at stake when they meet on Friday night? Gerard Whateley believes it could be the difference between Port locking away a home Qualifying Final or potentially getting overtaken by the Cats.
Both teams have reasonable fixtures ahead of them, Geelong playing teams outside of the eight and Port Adelaide hosting the majority of their games at home.
“Port at 9-2, in the fixture today we knew they had a set of games coming at Adelaide Oval, they only travel once more after tonight,” Whateley told AFL Nation.
“If they go 10-2, they lock in top two because it pushes Geelong three games behind them.
“West Coast is going to hit the road and it’ll be Brisbane and Port who will pair off as the top two.
“So the stakes for Port, I think, are locking in a home Qualifying Final.
“If (the Cats) win and get within one game of Port Adelaide they’ll figure they’ll either mow down Port or Brisbane.
“If they fall three behind Port with four to play, they’re not catching them.”
Four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis is bullish about both teams.
“I would say right now they’re premiership favourites … and Geelong closely second,” he said.