Geelong coach Chris Scott reckons it will be an emotional day at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, as Cats fans get set to farewell some club greats.
This weekend’s match against West Coast will be the final game at the Cattery this season, with Tom Hawkins getting the chance to say goodbye to the home crowd following his retirement announcement.
Zach Tuohy has been named to play in the side, following his decision to hang up the boots at the end of the season, announced earlier this week.
While there’s a lot to play out still this season, Scott said it’s a great opportunity for Geelong fans.
“It should be a joyous occasion but there’s going to be a tinge of sadness as well,” he said.
“These moments, although they do happen every year, players finish and play their last game for the club but it doesn’t make it any less emotional.”
A win for the Cats would see them secure a spot in the top four, but a big enough margin could mean they squeeze inside the top two.
Geelong would be needing other results this weekend to go its way to lock in a home final.
Scott said his team is just focused on beating the 16th-placed Eagles, which he believes won’t be an easy task.
“If you look at team’s ladder position and think that’s going to translate into the way they’ll play against you, you’re making a big mistake,” he said.
“We obviously have a healthy respect for their midfield.
“Harley is obvious, Yeo over the course of his career is obvious and Tim Kelly we know better than most and hold him in very high regard.
“You look through their players and you can’t help but respect what they can do.
“So that has us on edge a little bit more.”
Tuohy has been recalled after he was managed last weekend, while Jed Bews gets another chance and Tanner Bruhn returns from concussion.
Oisin Mullin and Mitch Knevitt have both been dropped while veteran Gary Rohan is being managed.
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