Gary Ablett wound back the clock on Saturday at the AFL venue where he regularly produced command performances earlier in his career, inspiring Geelong to a 37-point victory over North Melbourne.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Geelong Cats 14.12.96
North Melbourne Kangaroos 8.11.59
The Geelong Cats welcome the North Melbourne Kangaroos to GMHBA Stadium in a game that should be a cracker. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:45pm (AEST).
Geelong gave the Gold Coast a hiding last week at Metricon Stadium. The Cats never let the Suns get near them, and it was a percentage-boosting.
Gary Ablett was the star of the show against his former side, kicking three goals alongside 37 disposals. Tom Hawkins also proved to be a solid contributor, bagging three majors.
With five games left at GMHBA Stadium, the Cats will be looking to consolidate a top-four finish.
In team news, Geelong are unchanged for the first time this season.
As for North Melbourne, it was another convincing performance from Brad Scott’s men against the Brisbane Lions last weekend.
Jack Ziebell’s move forward has proven positive, as he kicked three goals. After that, there were plenty of contributors when it came to goals also. Shaun Higgins was the most impressive, gaining 38 disposals and using the ball to great effect.
It really has been a surreal start to the season for North, and there’s absolutely no reason why they cannot play finals this season.
In team news, Jed Anderson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, with Cameron Zurhaar his replacement.
Prediction
How the Kangaroos deal with the Geelong midfield of Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood will have a major factor if they are to push or beat the Cats.
However, the home-ground advantage should be the difference between the two sides.
Geelong by 19.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:45pm (AEST).
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Have you ever read your responses when others make that kind of claim?
Cat
Roar Guru
For someone who is supposed to be a teacher and educated you sure are thick. I wonder if you could find a tree in a forest if someone didn't spray paint it purple for you. All I said was the umpires are crap. I did not claim they were favoring one side or the other. I did not imply they were costing anyone the game. I wasn't using it as an excuse. I made a very simple statement and I stand by that statement. The umpiring was crap.
Joe
Guest
Geelong ended up with more behinds anyway, both sides missed plenty.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Thanks for the blog,Lachlan, no FTA here of the game. Were the Cats just that much better or did the Roos' early misses cost them too much in playing catch up?
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Predictable twaddle from you. Check out their injury list and RB's statistical analysis of every team thus far,if you can be bothered
User
Roar Rookie
Geelong need to take this to MCG next week
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Cheers for joining me today everyone. I hope you enjoyed the call!
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
How impressive was that 10 minute patch from Geelong in the final quarter Roarers?
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Full Time Geelong too strong come the final quarter. They ran away with it in the end and get a big four points. North were brave and looked as if they might just steal the game from the Cats early in the fourth quarter, but they just weren't polished enough all day going inside 50. Gary Ablett was best on with 34 disposals and kicked a goal. Geelong Cats : 14.12 (96) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 8.11 (59)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 00.13 - Minor for North. Geelong Cats : 14.12 (96) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 8.11 (59)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 01.04 - Higgins gets another for the day on the snap. Geelong Cats : 14.12 (96) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 8.10 (58)
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Have you ever read your responses when others make that kind of claim?
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 08.37 - Floodgates open up and Kelly marks inside 50. He goes back and misses. Geelong Cats : 14.12 (96) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)
Swannies
Guest
Predictable result. North are not a top 8 side and have been favoured by a good draw and nil injuries.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 11.13 - Another for the Cats. Bews with a beautiful finish. Geelong Cats : 14.11 (95) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 12.15 - Ablett gets another for the Cats and it's damage control for North now. Geelong Cats : 13.11 (89) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 13.27 - Kelly seals the deal with a crumbing goal. North have nothing left here. Geelong Cats : 12.11 (83) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 14.18 - Hawkins marks directly in front of goal and converts the set shot. Geelong Cats : 11.11 (77) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 15.05 - Another minor for the Cats. North living on the edge here. Geelong Cats : 10.11 (71) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 15.20 - Another minor for the Cats. Geelong Cats : 10.10 (70) North Melbourne Kangaroos : 7.10 (52)