MILESTONE man Jarrad McVeigh says quelling the influence of Geelong’s experienced creative defenders will be a key when the Sydney Swans play the Cats at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
McVeigh will play his 250th AFL game against the Cats this weekend, and believes his side can use the larger surface at ANZ Stadium to try and isolate Geelong's experienced backmen.
Harry Taylor, Tom Lonergan and Jared Rivers read the play superbly, and along with the likes of Corey Enright, often start Geelong's attacks from deep in defence.
The Swans smashed Geelong by a record 110 points at the SCG in round 11 last season, but McVeigh says his side can use the extra space at ANZ to their advantage.
"It’s a lot skinnier than the SCG and a bit longer so you don't get caught in the pockets or around the wings too much, but our forwards and their defenders is going to be a really good contest," McVeigh said.
"They're such beautiful intercept marks and can kick the ball really well out of the backline, so that’s going to be a really good match-up.
"If we can get one on ones we'll get them but if not, we know their guys can roll back."
The Cats bounced back from a slow start to the season when they thumped the in-form Collingwood by 41 points last Friday night.
Geelong’s established stars have been in mixed form so far this season, but coach Chris Scott has again unearthed some exciting young talent.
Eighteen-year-old Cory Gregson was the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for his 18 possessions and three goals against the Pies last week, while Nakia Cockatoo, the 10th pick in last year's NAB AFL draft, has also bobbed up and showed glimpses of brilliance in his five games in 2015.
"He can do the special things. He's very fast and really aggressive at the ball for a young fella," McVeigh said.
"You've got (Steven) Motlop down there as well and their experienced players. You never take the Cats lightly because you know what they can bring.
"With those new guys coming through, they've got a great ability to get their young players up to speed really quickly."
While Geelong's teenagers are providing plenty of buzz, McVeigh played down his own special week.
The 2012 premiership captain, dual club champion and 2013 All Australian is happy to focus on his side's massive clash with the Cats, but did concede his 250th game is a significant mark to reach.
"To do it at one club, I'll look back on it and feel very proud that its something I've been able to achieve," McVeigh said.
"When you first arrive to the footy club you want your name on the locker as a life member and to play 150 games, so to play a few more than that is something that I'll definitely look back on and treasure."
