Geelong coach Chris Scott is approaching the upcoming match with cautious optimism as his team prepares to face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, March 22, 2025. This clash is more than just another game for the Cats; it’s a chance for redemption after the disappointment of last season’s unexpected defeat against the very same opponent.
Last season, Geelong entered their matchup with St Kilda as favorites, only to be shocked by an 18-point loss at the same venue. Since then, the Saints have been a formidable opponent at Docklands, winning their last three encounters against the Cats at this location. “St Kilda would be rightly confident they have a method at Marvel that has worked at least in patches against us, so that's our challenge,” Scott stated on Friday, highlighting the significance of past performances in shaping the upcoming contest.
As the matchup approaches, Scott emphasizes the need for his players to learn from their previous mistakes. “It's good to acknowledge that, because one of the greatest mistakes you can make in footy is look at a game seven days ago and assume you're going to get something similar the next week,” he noted, stressing the importance of focusing on the unique challenges presented by each matchup. “We disregard that to an extent and focus a little bit more on what they have been able to do to us,” he added, indicating a determined mindset from the Geelong coach.
Scott also pointed out that the Saints have become accustomed to playing at Marvel Stadium, having played there thirteen times this season alone. In contrast, Geelong faced some unfamiliarity, having not played at Docklands last season before their unexpected loss. “We didn't adjust well enough,” Scott reflected concerning the round-24 loss to St Kilda in the previous season, adding that conditions at the venue tend to favor a faster game. “Last week was 30-odd degrees, and a hard, fast deck, the game was played a little bit like it would be played under the roof at Marvel,” he elaborated.
This season, the Saints displayed a lackluster performance in their opener, suffering a heavy 10-goal defeat to Adelaide. By contrast, Geelong is coming off a decisive 78-point victory over Fremantle, reinforcing their status as a top-four contender. The contrast between the two teams goes beyond their recent results; it reflects the varying levels of confidence as they readjust for the upcoming match.
New recruit Bailey Smith has made a noticeable impact since joining the Cats, and Scott recognizes the potential attention his star midfielder may attract from St Kilda’s coaching staff. “It would make sense,” Scott said regarding any defensive strategies the Saints may implement against Smith. “My read on the Saints is they're always thoughtful around the opposition playmakers and the guys who make a difference,” he observed. “I assume if he was asked about [Tom] Stewart, [Patrick] Dangerfield or [Max] Holmes or whoever, he would have said a similar thing,” Scott added, stressing the strategic nuances in the match.
In other news, the Cats have announced that young ruckman Toby Conway has re-signed with the club for two additional years. This update comes amid efforts to build a young and competitive squad capable of challenging for the title in the seasons to come.
As the game draws near, all eyes will be on Marvel Stadium, where the stakes are high not just for the teams but for the fans who expect a thrilling encounter. Adjustments will be key as both teams seek to impose their style on the game, making for an entertaining matchup that promises to deliver excitement and drama. For Geelong, it’s about regaining control over their losses at Docklands, while St Kilda will look to build on their past success and further establish their momentum this season.
The resilience of the Cats will be tested against a determined Saints side, who will be eager to bounce back from their recent heavy loss. As supporters anticipate another encounter between these two storied rivals, the outcome remains uncertain, adding to the excitement surrounding this encounter.
