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The Geelong Cats have sent a warning to the rest of that AFL, dealing with a disappointing West Coast Eagles team to the tune of 44 points on Saturday.
REPORT: CATS DEFEAT EAGLES BY 44
With the home crowd in full voice, Geelong announced that they are back, at times humiliating the visiting Eagles. If not for a combined half hour of decent football from West Coast, the margin might have been much greater.
The first quarter was all about momentum, as the Cats got the early jump before the Eagles were able to wrestle back the lead and go into the first break with a slender lead. From that point on the Geelong machine switched into full gear, smashing the Eagles in centre clearances and leaving them looking lost as goal after goal was conceded by the under siege defence.
Selwood and Dangerfield were blistering all day in their attack on the ball, electric around contests and sparking many forays forward. Things began to get really ugly for the Eagles in the third term, before a seven-minute purple patch in which they were able to kick five goals in a row and bring the margin back down to a few goals.
However, any chance of a comeback were extinguished early in the fourth quarter, with the ferocious Cats able to kick four goals in the first ten minutes and put the result to bed.
Geelong had many influential players, in particular Steven Motlop, who kicked a game-high four goals and troubled defenders all day with his speed and flair. Shane Kersten was also brilliant with 18 touches, nine marks and three goals, as well as couple of goal assists.
The Eagles had few players who could be proud of their efforts, but Brad Sheppard, Jeremy McGovern and Scott Lycett should hold their heads high.
The perceived lack of intent from West Coast was troubling, asking many questions as their bad road record continues. It was a very different effort to what they served up last week, and they will be hoping they can recapture that form next Sunday back in Perth against the Saints.
The Cats now travel to Adelaide to take on the Crows on Friday night in another blockbuster. With a fairly healthy list and plenty of players knocking on the door for an opportunity, the Cats almost couldn’t be in better shape. Could 2016 be the year of the Cat? It’s becoming very hard to dispute.
Final score
Geelong 18.15.123
West Coast 12.7.79
The West Coast Eagles travel to Simmonds Stadium to take on the Geelong Cats in an epic clash this Saturday. Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary!
Geelong comes into this game on the back of an enormous 120-point demolition of the Gold Coast Suns, reaffirming their return to true heavyweight status. West Coast also got the job done at home, surviving a minor scare to put Collingwood away in the last quarter and sail home 62 point winners.
The Geelong home ground advantage looks to be well and truly alive, and the Cats will take even more confidence in the fact that the Eagles haven’t been unable to pinch victory at Kardinia since 2006. The narrower dimensions of the ground are starkly different to the wide expanses of Domain Stadium, which is sure to benefit the home side.
Jake Kolodashnij, Nathan Vardy and Jed Bews should all count themselves very unlucky to be dropped for the Cats, as they make way for Andrew Mackie, Rhys Stanley and Tom Ruggles. The Eagles will travel with just one change from last week’s victorious team: Elliot Yeo comes in for the injured Sam Butler.
The long hoped-for duo of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood is starting to dominate, with both players clearly benefiting from having the other in the team. The supporting cast isn’t bad too, with Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy and Mark Blicavs all continuing their good form. New additions Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith are also earning their stripes, playing well and looking right at home as Cats.
West Coast’s forward line is one of the most dynamic and damaging in the league, as shown last week with a huge game from Mark LeCras and nine scoring shots from reigning Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy.
However, their defence cannot be underestimated, as many of their forward pushes are generated by intercept play and relentless pressure from the backline. Young general Jeremy McGovern is having another great year, and with support from Eric Mackenzie and Will Schofield, the big Geelong forwards might struggle to really get off the leash again.
This is a huge, huge game, as both teams are widely considered to be genuine top four sides. The midfields are similar in quality, with plenty of stars present. I can’t see this one turning into a high-scoring, free-flowing shootout, as both sides will look to lock down and torment the other with ferocious pressure and harassment – much like a final.
It might only be May, but whoever wins this will take another huge step towards September by getting the jump on another rival. Strap yourselves in, this could be a classic.
PREDICTION
Almost too tough to call. Changing my mind every five minutes – at the moment it’s the Eagles though.
West Coast by 5.
Can the Geelong Cats defend their home fortress or will the West Coast Eagles swoop in to steal victory? Join The Roar from 2:10pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary, and join in the discussion!
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