Geelong have sent a powerful message to the rest of the competition after defeating premiership-hopefuls Richmond by 14 points at Simonds Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following a week of questions surrounding Geelong’s premiership hopes, and whether they would be able to compete in September following an embarrassing 46 points defeat to Sydney the week before, the Cats were out to prove a point.
While they looked sluggish early on, Geelong came roaring back into the contest, booting three unanswered goals to go into the first break only two points down.
It was the second quarter where the Cats broke open Richmond, with their defense holding strong. Harry Taylor led the way with two goals in the quarter, and Geelong would eventually go into half time four goals up.
Richmond came storming back into the game in the third quarter, however, with Geelong unable to make the most of their opportunities early in the third.
Majors to Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Bachar Houli all proved vital in sending Richmond into the last quarter only seven points down.
In a frantic final term, both sides threw themselves at the ball, but it was Geelong who were able to make the most of their chances, eventually running out 14 point victors.
It was an important win for Geelong, who have now seemingly locked up a top four spot with two rounds left until finals action in September, while Richmond were left to rue a chance to announce themselves as a serious premiership threat.
Geelong was led by Harry Taylor, in the absence of Tom Hawkins, who kicked four important goals. Patrick Dangerfield was back to his best with 30 touches, whilst Cam Guthrie and Lachie Henderson were outstanding in defense.
Richmond were supported by Dion Prestia, who had 29 disposals, while Brownlow favourite Dustin Martin had 21 touches and two goals.
Geelong will now head to the MCG, where they will play Collingwood in a blockbuster match on Saturday afternoon, while Richmond will travel up to Domain Stadium to take on a struggling Fremantle unit on Sunday evening.
There were no reports, but an injury to Josh Caddy will be worrying for the Tigers, with what is likely to be a hamstring complaint.
David C
Guest
Caddy might miss a couple. Nice to see Graham get a run.
truetigerfan
Guest
Agree, Philby. Didn't play well at all yet not much in it. Would fancy a rematch at the G!
Philby
Guest
Good win to Geelong, but as a Richmond supporter, while I don't like losing, not too upset. Having Rance and Dusty (among others) well down and still only lose by 2 goals, is not a bad indication of where we are at. There may be more important occasions coming up in which to break the Cat's run over us.
Cat
Roar Guru
Yet your side lost there this year so not sure that is a well reasoned analogy.
jonboy
Guest
Hardwick is Pathetic even Freo beat Cats in a final down there same length ground,same one eyed fans,tricky wind Vic.Umpires....Full strength side...not good enough. Weak Hardwick is why tigers won't make GF.
Angela
Guest
Some teams play better away than at home. Doesn't worry the Swans when they play against the Geelong home crowd. Quite the reverse, seems to make them play better. Didn't worry GWS - who are still trying to generate a home crowd of their own - playing against the booing, cider-throwing, wildly gesticulating Bulldog supporters. The big test for Swans - against that parochial Crows mob next week. I have a weird feeling we might do okay.
Danny
Guest
Yes, home crowds can definitely lift a team and make the visitors feel deflated to win against quality opposition away in front of a big crowd takes resilience for 4 quarters I dont think umpires are biased but they being human are influenced by the roar Having said that I think Adelaide got a good deal yesterday playing away
Cat
Roar Guru
Can't train for the crowd factor though, that part is completely out of clubs hands.
Danny
Guest
narrower grounds suit some game styles more than others i think Sydney with their defensive style play smaller grounds better Yes preparation plays a part but training for it and playing aren't the same
Cat
Roar Guru
Cats still shouldn't be favorites and I'm just fine with that. Being Favorite is worth 0 points anyway. With Duncan, Hawkins and Dangerfield all having enforced week(s) off and Motlop and Menzel having had 2 weeks each off they should be well rested for the Finals. If Joel, Cockatoo and Blicavs can make it back Geelong will be a much stronger side also.
Cat
Roar Guru
Any team worth a salt can mark lines out and train for any ground size/shape they need to. Dimensions shouldn't be an issue for a well prepared team.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Richmond Being Richmond! Cats still behind Crows, Giants & Swans for Premiership chances. Selwood getting back probably could tip it the other way.
Danny
Guest
i think the shape of the ground is as much of an advantage as the crowd factor.
Cat
Roar Guru
That's why Geelong should never be forced to play home games in Melbourne. Why should we give up the advantage when we're supposed to be the home team?
peter chrisp
Guest
And when you play at home there is absolutely nothing wrong supporting your own side in actual fact there is nothing better & the umpires influenced the outcome of the game all in all The Cats outclassed the Tiges
peter chrisp
Guest
Good win against the Tigers looking forward to the game next week on form Cat your Cats should be fine against us The Pies but you never know
Cat
Roar Guru
Seventeen teams won't be Premiers this year. Picking out a couple and potentially getting them right doesn't show much of anything.
David C
Guest
Certainly a chance at the MCG. A loss now is not such a bad thing, time to reset before the finals. Going into finals on the back of string of victories can bring added pressure.
Swannies
Guest
Neither team will be premiers this year but Tigers will cause an upset or two in the finals. I would back them to beat Geelong if they meet in September.
Cat
Roar Guru
Aww sooky sooky. Most of the frees paid were for holding the ball. Richmond are just too slow. https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_team_rankings?year=2017&type=DA&sby=8 Tigers ranked dead last giving up an average 3.8 more frees per game than their direct opponent. It's not a one time thing. For a team that supposedly ' ... always have had the umpires assistance ... ' Cats average giving up 0.4 more frees per game than their direct opponent.