It’s set to be a clash of the titans.

The Hawks take on the Cats shortly at the MCG, while in Perth tomorrow, the Dockers face the Swans.

The winners will face off in next weekend’s Grand Final.

Rebecca Gillies reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It’s one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Geelong takes on Hawthorn tonight at the ‘G’ in the first of this weekend’s two preliminary finals.

While the Hawks are the favourites, they haven’t beaten the Cats since the 2008 Grand Final.

The bitter rivals have very different sides.

Geelong has been ravaged by injury and suspension, while Hawthorn welcomes back Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli.

The Hawks coach believes his team can win.

Alastair Clarkson, Hawthorn coach: “We know their best is very, very good but we’ve also seen them not at their best in the last three or four weeks as well.”

Hawks legend Mark Yeates agrees.

Mark Yeates, Former Hawthorn player: “I’m confident that we will rise to the occasion and certainly if we’re in touch we can take it out just like them.”

Over in the west, the Dockers are preparing for war.

Matthew Pavlich, Fremantle Captain: “We’re preparing ourselves for what we call footy war, because it’s going to go to the end.”

Saturday’s game against reigning Premiers Sydney also should be a ripper.

Fremantle is chasing their very first Grand Final.

The Swans want back to back wins.

Both teams are missing several players due to injury.

But, the return of Michael Johnson has boosted Fremantle, and they’ll enjoy a home-ground advantage.

If Sydney and Hawthorn both win this weekend, footy fans can look forward to a repeat of last year’s final.

Rebecca Gillies, QUT News.