Twenty-five rounds of footy have passed since the Lions last met the Geelong. Midfield Coach Dale Tapping told lions.com.au the group have come a long way since their clash at GMHBA Stadium in Round 19 last year, when they were beaten by seven goals.

“I think we have, the results will say that because we’ve won a lot more games of footy,” Tapping told lions.com.au.

“There was a lapse in concentration, particularly through our centre bounce staff after half time from that game.

“We’re clearly a better team and a more mature team since then and you have to say they are too.

“I think both teams have improved.”

The last time the Lions beat the Cats was the infamous “Miracle on Grass” in 2013. Tapping said Saturday afternoon’s game will come down to a battle between the midfield. Geelong boast some of the most famous ball-getters in the game including Paddy Dangerfield, Gary Ablett Jnr and Joel Selwood.

 “Their greatest strength Geelong at the moment is their midfield group as a collective,” Tapping said.

“It’s more how they connect together as a group and the patterns they play around that.

“We’ll be doing our best to nullify that and create opportunities for ourselves.”