Coach Brenton Sanderson says Geelong is still the team to beat ahead of Adelaide’s clash with the Cats at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.

Only a week ago, critics were questioning whether the reigning premiers could do the unthinkable and miss the top eight altogether, but the Cats responded in characteristic fashion last Friday night, disposing of finals contenders Essendon by 67 points.

A former player and assistant coach at Geelong, Sanderson said his old Club was still a genuine premiership threat.

“The Cats looked good on Friday night. Their pressure around the ball was great in the first quarter and they made Essendon turn the ball over … their best is the best in the competition,” Sanderson said.

“Geelong has been the envy of the competition for five years now and our boys have watched them with great interest and almost jealousy when you see them winning premiership after premiership.

“If they play well they’re almost impossible to stop, but we think we’re going okay too. We’re playing good footy, putting pressure on the opposition and moving the ball well.

“It’s a good challenge for us to go over there. Geelong in Geelong … I reckon it’s the toughest road trip in footy. To beat them at home would be a great win if we can get it … the confidence grows if you can beat the good sides … but we’ll need to be at our very best.”

The Crows forward line has been a talking point this week, with Taylor Walker set to return from a three-game suspension but fellow tall target Kurt Tippett (concussion) set to miss. Defender Andy Otten has also been ruled out after having minor surgery on his knee.

However, it’s the battle of the two in-form midfields Sanderson is looking forward to.

“We’ve got a really red-hot midfield,” he said.

“Our boys just keep going from strength-to-strength and it’ll be a great battle against Geelong’s premiership midfield of Joel Corey, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood, James Kelly and Mitch Duncan.

“They’re full of stars too, but we like our boys and we think it’s going to be a great battle in the midfield.”

Respected Geelong stalwart Joel Corey will play his 250th against Adelaide this weekend.

Sanderson expressed admiration for the decorated Cats veteran, but was also wary of the Cats lifting for the occasion.

“I love Joel as a player. I loved playing with him and loved coaching him. I just wish it wasn’t his 250th this week,” he said.

“I’m really proud of him. He’s achieved so much in his career, two-time best and fairest winner, All-Australians and premierships. I’m really happy for him that he can reach this milestone … I just hope he doesn’t play well on Saturday.”

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Saturday’s match will also be a significant event for Sanderson, as he returns to his “second home” of 16 years for the first time in the opposition camp.

“I feel good about going back,” he said.

“It’ll be interesting for me, but I’m looking forward to it. It was my second home for a long time, but I couldn’t be happier with where I am now and it’s a good chance to go back to Simonds Stadium and beat Geelong.

“I’ll have to work out which door to go in and find my way to the opposition rooms … but that (unfamiliar feeling) won’t last for long.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll get into the groove pretty quick and Geelong will be just another team we need to beat if we’re to maintain our spot on the ladder.”