Led by a stunning virtuoso performance from star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield, the Geelong Cats recorded an excellent 31-point victory over top side North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
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Dangerfield finished with an astonishing 48 possessions including 23 contested, 13 marks and 13 clearances.
The highlight was an extraordinary passage late in the last quarter that saw Dangerfield start the attack from half-back. After hand balling to Steven Motlop, Dangerfield out sprinted forward to receive the pass, and kick a goal from 40 metres out – an extraordinary effort after the ground he’d already covered for the game.
He was ably supported by his partner in crime Joel Selwood who finished with 38 touches. The two combined to account for half of the Cats’ clearances. Zac Smith in the ruck also performed well against Todd Goldstein, who seemed off his game.
The Cats started the game better and controlled it for most of the game except the second quarter which saw the Roos kick six goals as they enjoyed their best period of the game.
The Roos pressure lifted as they continually launched attacks from half-back and veteran Brent Harvey was using all his guile to create space in the forward line, kicking four first half goals all from marks inside forward 50.
The Cats looked like they missed big Tom Hawkins as they wasted opportunities and lacked a focal point.
That all changed in the third quarter where the Cats set up victory with five quick goals in the opening eleven minutes, again led by Dangerfield who racked up ten possessions in the opening 15 minutes of the quarter.
Shane Kersten and Daniel Menzel were superb up forward kicking five goals between them for the quarter. Kersten finished the game with three goals but had a hand in several others. Menzel was mercurial with four goals.
For the Roos, it was a courageous effort for most of the night as they were hampered by injuries to key players. Captain Andrew Swallow suffered concussion in the first quarter and was not seen again. Ben Cunnington copped a corked thigh early and battled on but was clearly effected. Nick Dal Santo also battled with a groin injury.
Daniel Wells and Sam Gibson tried hard all night and Robbie Tarrant continued his good form in defence. Their tall forwards struggled all night against the Cats’ experienced defence, but also through lack of opportunities. In the end North just couldn’t keep up the pressure, and were overrun in the second half.
Final score
Geelong Cats 15.15.105
North Melbourne Kangaroos 12.2.74
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3. Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) – no brainer here, just continually won the ball and used well. Work rate was extraordinary. Dominated like no player has for a long time.
2. Joel Selwood (Geel) – worked superbly with Dangerfield and they accounted for half of Cats’ clearances.
1. Shane Kersten (Geel) – could have given this vote to a number of Cats – Taylor, Menzel, Smith – but the Cats were struggling up forward until late in the second quarter when Kersten started to become influential. Kicked three in the third quarter onslaught and had a hand in a couple of others, including a clever tap to Menzel.
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