Geelong is one win away from the 2017 AFL Grand Final, ending the dream run of Sydney, smashing them by 59 points at the MCG on Friday night.
Geelong was ruthless in a game many expected them to lose, bursting out of the gates after Sydney kicked the first goal of the game.
They went into the first break with a slim lead over the Swans, but broke the game open in the second quarter, kicking six goals to Sydney’s one, heading into half time with a 36-point lead.
No matter how stern the words were from John Longmire, they seemed to fall on deaf ears, as Sydney were unable to find a goal until the final minutes of the third quarter, despite ample opportunities.
It was only a matter of time in the fourth quarter, with Geelong running out the game with ease, after Daniel Menzel kicked a goal early in final term to wrap the game up.
Patrick Dangerfield was outstanding for the Cats, booting four first-half goals, while also picking up 26 touches.
Mitch Duncan was just as good, with 2 goals and 36 disposals, while Scott Selwood and Sam Menegola were also fantastic.
For Sydney, they struggled in a forgettable night, and their dream run is over. Dan Hannebery was the best for the Swans with 27 touches, whilst Kieran Jack had 23 touches and a goal.
Geelong now will travel to Adelaide, where they will face the Crows in the preliminary final. All eyes will be on Patrick Dangerfield, who will be facing his old club for a spot in the 2017 AFL Grand Final.
There were no reports from the night, but a mild hamstring injury to Tom Stewart will be of concern.
Cat
Roar Guru
Was surprised by his selection, especially after it being made public he isn't getting a new contract from the Cats this offseason but very happy with his performance, especially early when the game was still anyone's.
HarryK
Guest
Great article Dylan Carmody
anon
Roar Pro
In the 2014 Grand Final he was the only Swan to have a respectable game with 4 goals. When he missed the 2015 finals the Swans went out in straight sets.
Slane
Guest
Ridiculous comments. Buddy kicking his 7th goal to win the 2007 elimination final with 20 seconds on the clock xomes to mind.
anon
Roar Pro
I tipped 3/4 last week and 99% of people tipping Sydney last night. So I'm 3/5 in the finals. Most people would have picked Geelong last week so are on 2/5.
anon
Roar Pro
What part is cliched? Tough to win against a top 4 team interstate. True. Tougher to win on a 6-day break. True. The Grand Final MCG contract puts an interstate team at a big disadvantage to a Victorian team. True. Chris Scott has three wins from 11 finals since he seagulled the 2011 premiership with Bomber's boys and game plan. True.
anon
Roar Pro
Franklin always has a confident air about him, went into the match with a leg injury. And look, Franklin could have kicked 5 goals last night it wouldn't have made a difference. Geelong controlled the game in the midfield. Franklin's 69 goals from 23 finals in what is a low-scoring era stands up against anyone.
Chris
Guest
I tipped Geelong to take out the flag some seven weeks ago. Lets see if they make it to the last Saturday and then we can make proper prognostications....Adelaide at home can turn wobbly with the pressure of an expectant home town crowd, just like Port Adelaide last week. A GWS win will mean Richmond won't have it their own way, either.....
Chris
Guest
Their era is over and done with. Buddy is on the way out, too......
Chris
Guest
I know my footy and stick to facts and figures....Unlike some of the scribes and pundits on display in many media outlets.....
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
True - some of those dives for free kicks in the first quarter included a half somersault with pike on the way down - hope the umpires don't fall for the same rubbish next week.
Chris
Guest
He always has bad games in big finals. I stick by my judgment...An arrogant cocky overrated player-...Take it or leave it! That's your problem .....Deal with it as you see fit. I simply think he is no way near the greats of the game. Give me a Royce Hart or Jason Dunstall any day....
Jon boy
Guest
My team not in the finals,but i think it is sad that Dangerfield the champion he is continues to throw himself around trying to win the free kick , but that is the umpires fault of course,he conned the umps twice in the first quarter which he kicked two gifted goals which set the tone for swans night. ... good tactic by danger terrible decisions by umps. ,they have woken up to Thomas,Walters and others it is time to wake up to Patrick..Full credit to Cats for a great win.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Thanks, Paul. I actually enjoyed the SCG experience in Purple. Josh wanted to hold off on my article until after the GF - he thinks a few Roarers might find it humorous. You'll see just how much fun I had at it. Really enjoyed writing the article also. Took forever putting it all together. Hope you guys like it.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Well done Rick - I bet last night more than made up for your day at the SCG wearing a dockers guernsey this season
Paul D
Roar Guru
It's like a grabbag of footballing cliches. I swear you're an experimental chatbot at times.
Col in paradise
Guest
The above is spot on - and this is Longmuirs weakness he is slow to react . I stopped watching after QTR time as could see the Swans were flat and the Cats were out to prove a thing or two .....the writing was on the wall....
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I don't think they capitulated at all against the Tiges. It was an arm wrestle for most of the match, with all credit given to the Tigers for breaking the Cats. I have no doubt, should my boys be good enough, they will rectify their mistakes against the Tigers. Sydney were poor last night at the contest, an area I didn't expect the Cats to win in. However, their outside runners did stand a good 5 metres off the contest this time allowing for a cleaner exit strategy. They also sent one very clear message to Richmond and the Crows: we will play with width now. Their use of switch-play was impeccable last night, something they didn't do once last week. I made comments to this very issue yesterday and I'm extremely proud of Scott mixing it up agains the Swans. He did everything he could to bring chaos to the situation, whilst maintaining sound defensive structure. Just brilliant last night from Scott and his boys.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"I think tonight showed you can’t underestimate just how hard it is to go interstate to win a final" Unless you are the WCE. Nice tipping so far champ. Starting to remind me of 2 years ago when you tipped 1/9 in the finals. Yes, I remember your other pseudonym.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Bounce back factor Rick. The Cats were copping it all week from opposition supporters and commentators about their poor recent finals record and the manner in which they capitulated against the Tigers in the final quarter. They were always going to come out pumped. While the Swans have been up for months and may have come in to the game complacent after thrashing the Bombers last weekend. I guess the surprising thing was the fact that the Swans couldn't respond. I was expecting them to make a charge at any time but it just didn't happen.