Final word: Herald Sun footy experts answer the burning questions for Geelong v Port Adelaide

ROBBO says back Tom Hawkins in, Ralphy says it will blow up in Geelong's face. Our big names answer the big semi-final questions.

WILL Tomahawk play? Is there an answer to the Cats' ruck crisis? Our big names answer the big semi-final questions.

GEELONG v PORT ADELAIDE
MCG, Friday 7.50pm

1.Should the Cats play Tomahawk?

Mark Robinson: If he’s fit, clearly yes, but no one outside of the close-knit football department at Geelong really knows the extent of the injury. There are problems playing injured players, but there’s also problems playing players not up to it (Josh Walker). I’d play him.

Rookie could replace Tomahawk

Jon Ralph: No, for all the talk about him being the reigning best-and-fairest winner, there is no point believing he can perform heroics this year. Better to play Harry Taylor forward from the start given Port only really play one key tall in Jay Schulz, with Justin Westhof as the wildcard. Then let Lonergan and Rivers take care of business down back.

Hawkins OK for now, future unclear

Jon Anderson: Yes. Josh Walker will hopefully become a good player but his time is not now judging by the Fremantle game. The way that game was played Hawkins would have been good for at least a couple. But he will need protection at ground level from his crumbing teammates to prevent the Port run-off factor.

Mark Blicavs

2.How does Geelong solve its ruck problem?

Mark Robinson: Love to say bring in Trent West, but I reckon Blicavs was solid against the Dockers and Vardy is more a forward than ruckman and, if Hawkins misses, he becomes even more important. So, no to West.

Injury latest for every finals team

Jon Ralph: It doesn’t. Get set for Matthew Lobbe to again dominate given bringing Trent West isn’t really the answer. Their mids just need to get to work once the ball hits the ground.

Jon Anderson: I think the Cats have to play Trent West and hope he can at least provide a neutralising effect against Matthew Lobbe. Lobbe is a promising player but far removed at this stage from the daunting Sandilands-Clarke double act.

Paul Chapman

3.Can the old Cats learn new tricks? 

Mark Robinson: Yes, of course. Expect them to win. Port is run and gun and so are the Cats via Motlop, Christensen, Mackie, Stokes et al.

Jon Ralph: Pods certainly isn’t the problem, and Corey isn’t either. Against Fremantle Joel Selwood was quiet and Steve Johnson was helpless against the Crowley tag. No disgrace there, because he’s smashed all the stars this year. But time to activate Chapman and let him start. He proved he can do the business with two goals and 26 touches against Brisbane, so why can’t he do it again.

Jon Anderson: The Cats can win with the older bodies this week but going forward the physical aspect would become an issue. The good news is the MCG allows Motlop, Varcoe and Christensen to showcase their running talents.

Port Adelaide

4.Has Port played its Grand Final?

Mark Robinson: No. Momentum really means self belief and Port is flying in that regard.

Jon Ralph: Port had played its Grand Final just getting to September, or so we thought. But this side believes, and surely after knocking over Collingwood it won’t be content. The experienced brigade – Boak, Westhoff, Carlisle, Cassisi – are surely mature enough to ensure the Port goes to the well again. Even if they trail early through a touch of complacency, their big final quarters mean they only have to be in touch late before roaring home.

Jon Anderson: It has got to the stage where you under-estimate them at your peril. When youthful sides grow in self-belief they can over-achieve and that’s where Port is at. But I think their best will come in two years’ time and expect Geelong’s finals know-how to prove the difference.