Sydney versus Geelong clashes in the past decade have more often than not provided us with some classic contests, often only decided in the last few minutes. This one was different, but still an intriguing match.
They have often been dour, low scoring affairs, due mainly to the defence-based, accountable style of the Swans.
Sydney started 3-0, although it has been hard to read their form given Greater Western Sydney and the Gold Coast have been two of their first opponents.
The Cats, too, started the year undefeated, with wins over finalists Hawthorn and North Melbourne. However, these wins have been patchy, with the Cats starting slowly in all of their matches before storming home.
At their best they have been irresistible, but they would need to compete at that level for four quarters against the reigning premiers.
The first quarter at the SCG saw 15 goals scored in the most exhilarating end-to-end goal fest we’ve seen this year, with both teams looking like they were about to blow the other away.
The Swans’ captains Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack led the way, with McVeigh particularly damaging with two first quarter goals, while Ted Richards completely blanketed Tom Hawkins.
Joel Selwood looked hellbent on redeeming an unusually quiet game last week, combining with Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen to provide the main drive for the Cats, with Harry Taylor the surprise goal kicker with two first quarter majors.
The coaches obviously had a bit to say at quarter-time about their respective team’s defences, as the second quarter became more like what we expect from these two power clubs.
The Swans kicked two early goals to jump away to a handy 17 point break, but the Cats clawed their way back to break even for the quarter.
There was a clear increase in the tackling pressure from both teams, and the amount of space for the attacking runners disappeared as goals became difficult to conjure, after coming so easily earlier in the night.
The second half began with the Cats looking more likely to score and, despite grabbing the lead, had to work extremely hard to break the Swans defensive pressure.
The Swans were hampered a little by the loss of Lewis Roberts-Thompson to a knee injury late in the second quarter, and looked like being further restricted after Dan Hannebery copped two heavy knocks in the third term.
As you would expect, Hannebery soldiered on under significant duress, however it was not enough to prevent the Cats kicking clear.
Tom Hawkins began to make his presence felt, and Selwood and impressive youngster George Horlin-Smith continued to drive the Cats forward.
Selwood’s brilliant win of a disputed ball on the wing set up a goal for Taylor Hunt with only two seconds left on the clock to give the Cats a well deserved 31 point lead going in to the final break.
There has already been a lot written about the talents of Joel Selwood, and there are not enough superlatives to describe his performance in yet another big game the Cats. It seemed whenever the Cats needed a goal, Selwood was able to win a hard ball or provide the run they needed.
Josh Kennedy was unusually subdued, with Horlin-Smith doing a superb job on the Sydney star, and Taylor Hunt destroyed Lewis Jetta, whose lack of early season form would be a concern for coach John Longmire.
Sam Reid is another of the Swans’ young premiership winning stars whose confidence seems strangely low.
The Cats continued to dominate around the ground, and if there was ever any doubt about whether they could again be a serious threat, surely that has been erased now.
It is quite amazing, and disturbing for the rest of the competition, they have continued to add to a team that is already rated as one of the best of all time.
The Swans will still be a force this year, but will need to work harder on playing their style of football for longer than a quarter or two when coming up against the good teams.
They will come back as all good teams do, and I suspect there will be a stronger performance against the Saints next week.
A few late goals reduced the margin to a respectable 21 points, but Geelong would be well pleased with what was a decisive victory over one of their major challengers for this year’s flag.
Those who have written off the Cats, possibly not for the first time, should realise such stances are fraught with danger.
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