3 minute read

Star forward Jeremy Cameron is yet to fire against an AFL flag contender this season but Geelong's blockbuster clash with Richmond could change that.

Geelong's milestone man Jeremy Cameron is determined to display his best against a resurgent Richmond in a blockbuster AFL showdown at the MCG.

Cameron, who will play his 200th AFL game on Saturday, has rocketed into contention to claim his second Coleman Medal with 39 goals this season.

The 29-year-old only trails leader, Carlton's Charlie Curnow, by one goal heading into round 15.

Cameron has dined out on teams outside the top eight this season, booting bags against North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and GWS, but has struggled against finals contenders Sydney, the Brisbane Lions and Fremantle.

The former Giants star, who is in his second season at GMHBA Stadium, wants to lift his underwhelming performances in big games this year.

Richmond have jumped into sixth with a 8-5 record by winning four of their last five games to put themselves in genuine premiership contention.

"I like playing against the best sides in the comp because you get a good feel for where you're at," Cameron told reporters this week.

"(Richmond) are going really well at the moment and they're playing some really good football.

"It's exciting my 200th has fallen on his game because it's going to be a really good game."

Cats coach Chris Scott has lauded the Tigers' charge this year after Damien Hardwick's team failed to play finals last season for the first time since 2016.

"I can come up with 15 reasons why I admire them, but the one that I keep going back to is that they probably had the best player (Alex Rance) in the competition retire prematurely," Scott said.

"He went out and they just rolled on, their system was that good, it's a credit to them."

Geelong will welcome back defender Jack Henry, young midfielder Max Holmes and forward Gary Rohan for the battle with the Tigers.

But veteran star Patrick Dangerfield will sit out another game as he works back from a troublesome calf having not played since May 21.

The Cats insist Dangerfield has not had another setback and simply needs more time to prepare.

It is a major blow for Geelong as Richmond will be bolstered by the return of triple Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin after illness.

However, Kane Lambert (hip), Trent Cotchin (shoulder) and Noah Balta (hamstring) will not be available for the Tigers.