North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Geelong Cats: AFL live scores, blog

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The Geelong Cats remain a game clear on top of the ladder after a 24-point win over the North Melbourne Kangaroos on Sunday afternoon. Under the roof at Marvel Stadium, the game had huge momentum swings, with both teams going on runs of three or four goals several times throughout the afternoon. Early days Geelong were solid in defence, tested by the Roos repeat entries, before going forward and kicking accurately to take the lead at the first change. North Melbourne hit back each time Geelong looked to be taking the game away, but never enough to hit the front. The Kangaroos had patches of good play, but only that. They had their chances, despite being dominated around the contest, though struggled for accuracy in front of goal. Geelong, clearly a class above at times, did enough in the end to put another win on the board. Ben Brown dominated a patch in the third term, kicking three goals straight and finished with five for the day. His fellow North forwards struggled to kick accurately though, 14 behinds registered by the Roos today. Shaun Higgins (31 disposals, 17 contested, 7 clearance) and Ben Cunnington (29 disposals, 6 clearances) led through the midfield for the Roos, while young Tarryn Thomas showed signs of his talent with some classy ball movement to help his side going forward. Gary Ablett was super up forward for the Cats, kicking four goals and pretty brilliant ones too. Tom Hawkins also kicked four, including two composed goals in the dying minutes of the third term. Tim Kelly (36 disposals, 11 clearances, 2 goals) dominated for Geelong, helped out by Mitch Duncan (29 disposals), late inclusion Charlie Constable (29 disposals) and Patrick Dangerfield (27 disposals, 1 goal). North Melbourne made two late changes, one yesterday – Scott Thompson out, replaced by debutant Curtis Taylor – and one today, with Marley Williams (personal reasons) replaced by Sam Durdin. Geelong also made a late change today. At first Joel Selwood came in for Sam Menegola (knee), and then Charlie Constable replaced skipper Joel Selwood. Geelong’s trainers were kept busy all afternoon, with Tom Stewart going down with what appeared to be a concussion, but was later cleared of whiplash and any neck injury. Tom Atkins got plenty of treatment on his hamstring, battling for much of the afternoon on one leg. In the third term Gary Rohan was involved in a heavy collision, which left him very groggy and ended his day. Sam Durdin could find himself in trouble for his contact with Rohan; it wasn’t too nasty, but because he elected to bump and Rohan was concussed it will be looked at by the Match Review Officer. The MRO will also have a decision to make regarding high contact with the elbow made by Gary Ablett. Next up for the Kangaroos is a Saturday night game in Hobart against the Swans, while Geelong host the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA on Saturday afternoon. Final Score North Melbourne 80 Geelong 104

Full Time North Melbourne had their chances, but Geelong were clearly a class above for periods of today's match, piling on the goals in a game full of momentum swings. Ablett put on another great display up forward with four goals, Hawkins also hitting the scoreboard with four. Ben Brown was instrumental in the Kangaroos' comebacks, but his five goal haul wasn't enough to help his side to the win today. Tom Stewart went off with what appeared to be a bit of whiplash/neck issue, but returned to the field. Tom Atkins also went off a number of times with hamstring issues, but continued to play. Gary Rohan's day was done after a heavy collision with Durdin, who could find himself in trouble because he elected to bump. Goals North: Brown 5, Polec, Larkey, Higgins, Wood, Thomas, Zurhaar Geelong: Ablett 4, Hawkins 4, Clark 2, Kelly 2, Miers, Dahlhaus, Rohan, Dangerfield Disposals North: Higgins 31, Cunnington 29, Dumont 27 Geelong: Kelly 36, Duncan 29, Constable 27 North Melbourne 11.14. 80 Geelong 16.8. 104

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Full Time The Geelong Cats have defeated the North Melbourne Kangaroos by 24 points at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon. North Melbourne 11.14. 80 Geelong 16.8. 104

Q4 1' - Behind Cats Kelly, slows up on the press forward, sees Miers and hits him in the pocket. Miers goes for the drop punt and puts it through to the near side. North Melbourne 80 Geelong 104

Q4 1' - Behind Roos Kangaroos go wide to go forward from the next centre, but Duncan gets back to help the ball over the line for a rushed behind. North Melbourne 80 Geelong 103

Q4 2' - Goal Cats Free kick at the centre, Geelong go forward and hit the leading Ablett! Ablett goes back and slots the goal. Four goals today, these two have sealed the win for the Cats. 24 points the margin, 2 minutes left. North Melbourne 79 Geelong 103

Q4 3' - Goal Cats Good call, that is a miracle goal. Far out, from the stoppage, Ablett dribbles it through for a bouncing goal. Brilliant goal that one, all but seals it. North Melbourne 79 Geelong 97