Geelong forwards Tom Hawkins and Dan Menzel combined for eight goals as the Cats extended Adelaide’s miserable record at Simonds Stadium with a 30-point AFL victory.
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Hawkins had only managed nine goals in his previous nine games against the Crows, but was able to turn that history on its head with a four-goal haul on Saturday night.
Menzel also slotted four majors, including the sealer early in the final term as the Cats won 12.13 (85) to 7.13 (55) to vault back into the top four.
Adelaide arrived in Geelong riding high in second spot on the ladder and on an eight-match winning streak.
Their sorry record at Simonds Stadium now reads just three wins from 19 attempts – with the most recent of those victories taking place way back in 2003.
Adelaide will be sweating on a hip injury which prematurely ended the night of key defender Daniel Talia, who has been widely tipped to be named the 2016 All-Australian fullback.
Geelong made a late decision to rest ruckman Zac Smith, leaving Rhys Stanley to go one out against star Adelaide big man Sam Jacobs.
The decision paid an early dividend with Stanley pushing forward to kick the home side’s opening goal, although Jacobs was to remain an influential contributor throughout the night.
It was a big win for the Cats, as they get enter the top four. It was a tight first half, as the two sides traded goals for the majority of the period. Josh Jenkins kicked three goals for the Crows, and they trailed by a single point going into the second half.
Then the Cats blew it open in the third quarter, as they kicked five goals to nothing in a game-winning display.
The fourth quarter was a bit of a non-event, as the Crows never really challenged. They will fall outside the top four on the back of this loss, and they could face a tough task getting back in considering the quality of the sides above them.
On the night he tied Ian Nankervis’s club record of 325 games, defender Corey Enright was among the Cats’ best players.
Fringe players Jed Bews and Sam Menegola were also impressive, with Bews shutting down dangerous Crows’ goalsneak Eddie Betts for the second time this year.
The Cats have another home clash against fellow top-four contenders in the Western Bulldogs on Friday night, while Adelaide should have little trouble getting back onto the winners’ list when they host Essendon on Sunday week.
Geelong coach Chris Scott was pleased with the victory – and the fact that the load was spread much wider than just champion midfielders Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood.
“We’ve had a few guys that have been down and a few guys who have been under pressure internally,” said Scott.
“I know the external focus has been on a couple of guys, most probably Hawkins and (Steven) Motlop, who were pretty good tonight.
“I can honestly say we’re excited about what we can do if we get a lift from probably a third of the team who are below expectations.”
Crows coach Don Pyke said Talia had suffered a corked hip and captain Taylor Walker had hurt his ankle, although neither injury appeared serious.
“Full credit to Geelong, I thought they came out and played a really solid game,” said Pyke.
“We had patches where I thought we were looking promising but in the end they were too good.”
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3. Corey Enright: What a display from the “old-timer”. 31 disposals, and seemed to repel any attack that came towards his general vicinity. A big reason why the Crows couldn’t score tonight.
2. Jimmy Bartel: From one old fella to another. Bartel was rested last week, and he looked to have appreciated that rest with 34 touches and 9 clearances. A lot of his work came with the game in the balance during the first half.
1. Patrick Dangerfield: He wasn’t in the running at three quarter time if I’m honest, but his numbers were once again too good to ignore. Led all comers with 36 touches, and combined that with 6 clearances and 6 tackles for a well-rounded performance.
With AAP.
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