Cats rate Giants as toughest AFL challenge

Geelong star forward Daniel Menzel says taking on the competition front-running Greater Western Sydney is the biggest challenge of the AFL season so far.

The Giants celebrate a goal.

Geelong's Daniel Menzel rates the ladder leading Giants as the Cats' biggest challenge this season. (AAP)

Geelong star Daniel Menzel rates their trip north to take on ladder-leading Greater Western Sydney as their toughest task of the AFL season.

The third-placed Cats meet the top-ranked Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night, and could be without their skipper Joel Selwood.

The captain, who was knocked out early against Fremantle, made the trip to Sydney and Menzel said he was expecting him to play.

"He's pretty good; we knew that Joel out of anyone was going to put his hand up and we're expecting him to play although they still have to assess it over the next 24 hours," Menzel said.

The Cats won by 10 points in their last meeting in round 11 last season while three of the past four clashes have been decided by less than three goals.

Menzel expected another tight affair, with the midfield battle between Patrick Dangerfield and rising star Dylan Shiel an expected highlight.

Asked if it was the biggest challenge of the season so far Menzel said it was.

"Obviously we're going interstate to play the top team who have been very good all year," the in-form forward said.

"It's probably our biggest challenge so far but at the same time we welcome it."

The Giants are missing injured trio Zac Williams, Tim Taranto and Harry Himmelberg from the 22 that thrashed Brisbane last round but Menzel said it wouldn't change their quick and skilful style of play.

He said to topple GWS the Cats needed to match them at the contest.

"Our best games have been when we've been hard around the footy and have been tackling well and our pressure's been good and the rest of our footy comes off that," Menzel said.

"We need to match them inside and then go with them on the outside as well."


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Source: AAP



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