The Cats in Season 2000

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PRESEASON

January 30: Geelong lost to St.Kilda in their opening game of the Round Robin Ansett cup preseason series at Waverley Park. It was New Coach Mark Thompson's first game as coach and a determined effort but the Cats was just not good enough. Costly was the fact that Cats kicked 9 straight behinds before they registered their first goal. One of the Culprits was goal sneak Jason Snell who kicked 3 points early and missed a kick off the ground as the ball came off his knee. Ben Graham was the Cats best kicking a game high 5 goals from full forward. The Cats trailed by 23 points midway through the third term but stormed back to only trail by 2 points at the last change. The lead changed a couple of times in the last term and with seconds left a long kick to the goal square to a 2 on 2 contest could not produce a mark and the siren sounded. Final Score: St.Kilda 11.12.78 Geelong 10.14.74

February 6: Adelaide knocked Geelong out of semi final contention with a 22 point win at Football Park. Geelong won their previous Ansett Cup meeting here in 1997. Geelong kicked with the breeze in the first team and after a slow they hit top form. Graham and Arnott kicked a couple of goals and then Riccardi stole a handpass and kicked a goal from 50 metres. Ronnie Burns was wasteful. Jarman kick 2 late goals to reduce the margin to 9 points at quarter time. It was all Adelaide in the second term kicking 6 goals to 0 to lead by 28 points at half time. They retained that lead during the third term until the Cats slammed on 4 goals in 5 minutes to hit the lead just before the last change by 4 points. Adelaide got away early in the last but the Cats did not give in and reduced the margin to 11 points. 2 late goals to the crows and the final margin was 22 points. Graham and Riccardi kicked 3. Final Score: Adelaide 19.10.124 Geelong 15.12.102.

February 14: Geelong won their first match of the year with a very good 32 point win against Melbourne at Waverley after the match was transferred from Shell Stadium on Sunday. In a tight high scoring first term the Cats kicked 6.4 to 6.2. Graham kicking the first for the game, but was later send back to defence. Schwartz was a hand full for McGrath early on and McGrath was moved to full back. The second term was the Cats term as they kicked 4 goals to 2 with Lowther kicking a couple. The third term was even, but Melbourne was inaccurate and reduced the margin to 5 points at the last change. It was all Geelong in the last term as Mooney and Bizzell added 2 goals each. Burns finished the match with 3 goals. Final Score: Geelong 17.12.114 Melbourne 11.16.82.

ROUNDS 1 - 22

ROUND 1 FREMANTLE V GEELONG SUBIACO OVAL

The Cats first game of the season was in Perth at a new look Subiaco Oval against Fremantle. Fremantle upset the Cats at this ground last year after the Cats lead by 6 goals during the second term. Fremantle started the better in this match and dominated the first quarter. Modra taking a screamer in the first couple of minutes. They had 2.2 before the Cats finally got onto the board. Stoneham kicked 2 goals for the term as the Dockers lead by 7 points at quarter time. The start of the second term was all Geelong. They slammed on 4 goals to 0 and they lead by 21 points and they were looking good. But Fremantle came back and after Mooney was reported on the siren and a 50 metre penalty resulted in a goal to Fremantle and a 10 point lead at half time. The third term was the Cats term as they started to look good and they slammed on 4.4 to 1.4 to turn that 10 deficit into an 8 point lead going into the last term, and kicking with a slight breeze. The last term had plenty of goals with the Cats getting away early, then Fremantle twice getting back to only 8 points. The Cats kicked 8 goals to 6 with Paul Lynch returning to the side with 3 goals in the last quarter and 4 for the match. The Cats home by 22 points.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 19.15.129 Fremantle 16.11.107
BEST CAT: Darren Milburn
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Paul Lynch 4 goals
CROWD: 21,103
LADDER POSITION: 7th (1-0)
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ROUND 2 GEELONG V ST.KILDA SHELL STADIUM

Geelong lost Clint Bizzell before the game and they replaced him with Adam Houlihan. St.Kilda started the game better kicking against the breeze in the first term with Spider Everitt looking very dangerous in front of goal. But from mid way through the term the Cats transformed a 10 point deficit, into a 22 point lead at quarter time by kicking 5 unanswered goals at the end of the quarter. The Saints took advantage with the Wind in the the Second with the Spider having 6 goals to Half time. Robert Harvey also came into the game that term and they reduced the deficit to 12 points at half time. The third term was fairly even with the Saints doing enough to make a charge with the wind in the last term. Paul Lynch came on and kicked 1.3 for the term, while Graham was moved off Everitt. The Cats lead was 3 goals at the last change. The Saints looked like they were going to Run all over Geelong in the last term but in the opening minutes missed several chances at goal. The Cats capitalized on this and with Burns, Graham and Mooney kicking goals, they slammed on 6 goals to 2 for the term to run out 40 point winners.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 21.13.139 St.Kilda 15.9.99
BEST CAT: Garry Hocking
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ronnie Burns 3 goals
CROWD: 20,476
LADDER POSITION: 4th (2-0)
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ROUND 3 ADELAIDE V GEELONG FOOTBALL PARK

Geelong were back at Football Park where they had never beaten the Crows in 7 attempts and only won one game there for premiership points, against Port Adelaide last year. In a blow for the Club Garry Hocking withdrew from side with the flu. The Cats started better in the first quarter with Ronnie Burns looking very dangerous kicking 2 goals for the term. Houlihan snapped a goal and the lead was out to 19 points. The Crows steadied however and kicked the last 3 goals of the term to reduce the margin to 1 point at quarter time. The Cats were once again on top in the second term kicking 4 goals to the Crows 2. Jason Mooney kicked two of those Cat goals, with Burns adding his 3rd after a fine shepherd from Mooney. The Cats by 11 points at half time. Geelong dominated the 3rd quarter with Paul Lynch coming off the bench and kicking 2 goals 1, while Burns kicked his 4th and Bizzell added one as well. They kicked 6 goals to the Crows 4 to lead by 19 points at the last change. Stoneham marked strongly and goaled from the goal square early in the last as the Cats looked home leading by 25 points. But no that was not that case as the Crows slammed on the next 4 goals to hit the front by a point after Rehn kicked his second goal. But a different Geelong side steadied as Kilpatrick dribbled one through to regain the lead for the Cats and then after a great Riccardi tackle King marked inside 50 and kicked his second goal and the sealer for the Cats. The Cats home by 11 points, for their first win against the Crows at Football Park.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 17.9.111 Adelaide 14.16.100
BEST CAT: Steve King
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ronnie Burns 4 goals
CROWD: 39,011
LADDER POSITION: 3rd (3-0)
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ROUND 4 NORTH MELBOURNE V GEELONG COLONIAL STADIUM

Geelong's first game at Colonial Stadium, on a perfect night for football and the roof was open for the match. Colbert was included in the Roos team for his first game since walking out on Geelong. His first kick was greeted with Boos and then cheers as it only dribbled 10 metres. His next 2 kicks however were Goals and he got the Roos going. But Geelong fought back with great goals to Stoneham and Burns which lifted the side to a 7 point lead at quarter time. The Cats played the better footy in the second term but they did not put the scores on the board and in fact the Roos won that term by a point. It was all North in the third term as the bad umpiring upset the Cat Fans. The inconsistency of the deliberate out of bounds rule was a worry as was a holding the ball decision against Hocking where he was clearly caught too high. North kicked 6 goals to 2 for the term to lead by 20 points at the last Change. But Geelong did not lie down. Graham was moved to full forward and he took 2 contested marks for 2 goals and then a snap from Adam Houlihan put the Cats in front. North then grabbed back the lead and with a couple of minutes left lead by 12 points. Burns kicked his second running in and the margin was back to a goal. North went into attack but Geelong got the ball and Mooney handballed to Bizzell who let go with a 75 metre torpedo punt kick that missed by less than half a metre. The siren sounded 2 seconds later and North won by 5 points. Sholl the star for the Cats with 30 kicks.

FINAL SCORE: North Melbourne 15.14.104 Geelong 15.9.99
BEST CAT: Brad Sholl
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Barry Stoneham 3 goals
CROWD: 34,623
LADDER POSITION: 4th (3-1)
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ROUND 5 GEELONG V WEST COAST SHELL STADIUM

The Eagles had beaten the Cats in the last 2 season's at Shell Stadium, and the Cats last win against the Eagles was in Round 2 1997 when the Cats won by a goal. Geelong got off to a better start than the Eagles in the first term and kicked 4 goals 3 for the term with Jason Mooney and Ronnie Burns lively up forward. The Eagles also had 7 scoring shots but could only manage 1.6. The Cats flew out of the blocks in the second term and they ran all over the Eagles. Four early goals and the lead was out to 39 points and a huge victory was in sight for the Cats. Not the case as in the next 7 minutes the Eagles slammed on 5 goals and there was only 9 points in the Contest. Two goals to Mensch and 1 to Graham running all the way from Full Back had Cummings dragged and gave the Cats a 28 point Half time lead. The third term was one again the Cats quarter as they dominated the play. Sholl was running out of the Back line while youngsters Clarke and Spriggs were dominating the midfield. Another 3 Goals to Mensch for the term gave him 5 to 3/4 time as the Cats kicked another 4 goals for the term to the Eagles 1 and they lead by a match winning 51 points at the last change. Paul Lynch came on during the term and continued to show the Class that we have seen in glimpses of in his injury riddled career to date. Geelong added more insult to the Eagles as they slammed on 9 Goals to 4 for the last term to win the match by a whopping 81 points. Mensch the star with 6 goals, while Ronnie Burns kicked another 4 although he was reported. David Clarke the best man on the ground with 23 touchers.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 24.18.162 West Coast 11.15.81
BEST CAT: David Clarke
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Mensch 6 goals
CROWD: 22,481
LADDER POSITION: 3rd (4-1)
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ROUND 6 GEELONG V MELBOURNE SHELL STADIUM

The Cats had won 9 in a row against Melbourne coming into this game and last lost the Dees at home in 1988. Melbourne got off to the better start with Farmer lively up forward, but the Cats hit back kicking with the breeze and hit the front during the term to take a 4 point lead into quarter time. Melbourne got right on top in the second with the breeze and looked like they were going to blow the game right open. But Coach Thompson brought Paul Lynch off the bench and he sparked a revival by the Cats and they once again grabbed the lead and in fact extended their lead to 7 points at half time. The third term was very tight with both teams defending well. But the Cats got right on top in time on, starting with a goal to Hocking and then 2 from youngster Danny O'Brien. The lead was 34 points at the last change. The Cats continue their dominance in the last term they kicked the first 2 goals and lead by 47 points. But Melbourne lifted and stormed back by kicking the next 5 goals and there was only 15 points in it. The Cats steadied though and kicked the last 2 goals of the match to win by 25 points and claim 2nd spot on the ladder.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 15.19.109 Melbourne 12.12.84
BEST CAT: Garry Hocking
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Mensch & Adam Houlihan 3 goals
CROWD: 26,761
LADDER POSITION: 2nd (5-1)
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ROUND 7 SYDNEY V GEELONG S.C.G.

The Cats had lost their last 3 against the Swans, their last win being Round 22 1997 where they won by 10 points at this ground. In 1998 Sydney thrashed the Cats by 103 points. Ronnie Burns returned to the Cats line up after serving his suspension while Simon Arontt was dropped and missed out playing against his old Club. The Swans started the match off better with Jason Ball and Adam Goodes proving very dangerous up forward. McGrath was benched because of Ball's dominance. The Cats then lifted and kicked 3 goals to have a handy 2 goal lead. The Swans then got one just before quarter time to reduce the margin to 1 goal at the first change. The Second term was all Sydney and they dominated the term. Harley was moved onto Ball but Ball continued to play well. Riccardi was doing well for the Cats in the midfield and his second goal late in the term reduced the margin back to 9 points at half time. Mark Thompson spoke to the players about certain areas which needed improving in the second half and the team responded in the 3rd quarter. With great play from Clarke, Spriggs, Hocking and Kilpatrick the team lifted and Mooney came to life in the term kicking 2 goals. Bizzell's marking power and mobility was also worrying the Swans. When King goaled late in the term he had kicked the 8th goal for the term for the Cats and given them a 21 point lead. Fitzgerald goal after the siren to reduce the margin to 15 points at the last change. The Swans stormed back at Geelong and twice got within 9 points, and they were throwing everything at the Cats. But a sensational mark running with the flight of the ball in between 3 Swans by Daniel O'Brien steadied the Cats. He kicked the goal and then Kilpatrick sealed it with a snap from 30 metres out. The Swans got a late goal but the match it was too late. The Cats home by 9 points.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 17.6.108 Sydney 15.9.99
BEST CAT: Garry Hocking
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Jason Mooney 3 goals
CROWD: 27,000
LADDER POSITION: 2nd (6-1)
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ROUND 8 GEELONG V RICHMOND COLONIAL STADIUM

Glen Kilpatrick was a late withdrawal for the Cats as Paul Corrigan came into the side. Richmond got off to the better start and shot out to a four goal lead before Riccardi steadied the tide. The Cats lost Scarlett early and in a huge blow, they lost Ronnie Burns with a hamstring injury in the first quarter. The tigers continued their dominance in the second term and clearly looked the better team. They shot out to a 7 goal lead. Spriggs came on and lifted the Cats as the kicked 2 goals in a row. Then Riccardi bounced through the centre and passed to Rahilly who marked 34 metres out. He missed, and the Tigers got one to lead by 6 goals at the main change. Richmond again got off the better start in the third term as they shot out to a 9 goal lead. Once again Geelong was forced to come back and they had reduced the margin to 6 goals at the last change. That is where their run ended as Richmond slammed on 7 goals to 1 in the last term to run away to a 70 point victory.

FINAL SCORE: Richmond 23.9.147 Geelong 11.11.77
BEST CAT: David Spriggs
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Spriggs, Barry Stoneham, David Mensch 2 goals
CROWD: 35,171
LADDER POSITION: 2nd (6-2)
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ROUND 9 HAWTHORN V GEELONG M.C.G.

Kilpatrick returned to the Cats after being a late withdrawal last week. The Cats also brought in Arnott and first gamer Foster. Burns and Scarlett were out injured. This was the first meeting between the two clubs at the M.C.G. since the epic Grand Final in 1989 where Hawthorn won by a goal. Hawthorn won both of their meetings last year by 2 points. Hawthorn got off to the better start kicking the first 3 goals of the match. Before Mesnch kicked a goal from 50 metres out. Hawthorn got right on top in the second term kicking 5 goals to Geelong's 2. With Holland, Croad and Dixon looking dangerous. Geelong had no forwards capable of taking a mark, and when the ball fell to ground they had one rovers there either to snap a goal. The Hawks continually took the ball with ease out of the back line. Salmon was reporting for striking Mooney who kicked a goal. The Cats lifted in the third term with the work of Simon Arnott in the forward line and Glenn Kilpatrick on the ball. Arnott kicked a couple and a great snap hit the top of the post, that would have sparked the Cats. Bad umpiring, missing two holding the ball decisions in the Cats forward line, affected the Cats come back. Graham was moved into attack and bombed a 50 metre goal to reduce the margin to 26 points at the last change. The Cats lifted early in the last term and got within 3 goals, with Goals to Arnott and Houlihan, but Hawthorn once again got away. Then the Cats once again come back, and with Kilpatrick continuing his dominance in the midfield they got within 2 goals at the 19 minute mark. That is where they stopped as the Hawks got a soft ruck free kick, and Holland marked in the square to spark 3 quick goals and a 25 point victory.

FINAL SCORE: Hawthorn 14.14.98 Geelong 10.13.73
BEST CAT: Glenn Kilpatrick
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Simon Arnott 3 goals
CROWD: 39,116
LADDER POSITION: 3rd (6-3)
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ROUND 10 PORT ADELAIDE V GEELONG FOOTBALL PARK

Burns came back into the Cats line-up for this game played in cool slippery and very windy conditions, in front of the smallest crowd to watch an AFL game at Football Park. The first quarter was even, with scores level at quarter time. However the power had 12 shots to 7 but could only manage 3 goals 9 for the term. In the second term the Cats got on top and were playing the better football and they shot out to a 16 point lead with Ronnie Burns looking dangerous. But the power kicked 2 goals in the last couple of minutes of the term and the margin was only 4 points at half time. One again in the third quarter the Cats shot out to a three goal lead, but the Power came back again. A Simon Arnott goal just before 3/4 time gave the Cats a nine point lead. The Power got on top and kicked 1.3 to level the Scores. Burns ran inside 50, and passed to first gamer Ling who put the Cats in front by a goal. A bad handball by Bizzell went straight to Poulton who levelled the scores with 90 seconds left to play. The Cats got it forward and Ling picked up the ball but instead of snapping on his right foot, he swung around to his left foot was caught and penalised for holding the ball. The ball then went to the wing and the siren went after only 24:07 was played in the last term. The players were shocked and remained on the ground for a few minutes until the saw the umpires walking off and they realized it was a draw.

FINAL SCORE: Port Adelaide 10.18.78 Geelong 12.6.78
BEST CAT: David Mensch
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Mensch 3 goals
CROWD: 19,511
LADDER POSITION: 4th (6-3-1)
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ROUND 11 GEELONG V ESSENDON COLONIAL STADIUM

With the Match a sell out Essendon started favourites for this match. The roof was closed for this match. Essendon got off to a good start kicked the first 2 goals of the match, one a soft free kick to Lloyd. But Geelong bounced back and with Clint Bizzell dominating up forward they kicked 7 goals for the term while the Bombers managed 2 more. Bizzel kicked 3 goals for the term, and one point after taking a sensational mark. By the Quarter time siren Fletcher was his 4th opponent. The other goals kickers for the term were Burns, Riccardi, Steinfort and T.Lynch, as the Cats lead by 17 points at 1/4 time. The Bombers once again Started the second term better and within 10 minutes they had hit the lead. Then Barry Stoneham had the chance to get the Cats closer. But he missed two sets shots, and a snap, and another of his marks he passed backwards to King who hit the post. Still he then kicked one from the square and then a couple of late goals to Burns his second and Bizzell his 4th levelled the scores, but the Bombers got a late goal to lead by 7 points at half time. The third quarter set the game up for Essendon and broke the back of the Cats. After Ling missed one from 2 metres out kicking the ball on the full, Essendon then kicked 5 goals themselves for the term until Bizzell got one back and kicked his 5th for the match. Essendon got the first goal of the last term, but the Cats got the next 2 through Mensch and Bizzell who kicked his 6th for the match. But Essendon slammed on another 5 goals to win by 68 points. McGrath and Harley did well in defence for the Cats, while Bizzell with his 6 goals was easily the Cats best player.

FINAL SCORE: Essendon 22.13.145 Geelong 13.9.87
BEST CAT: Clint Bizzell
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Clint Bizzell 6 goals
CROWD: 47,071
LADDER POSITION: 6th (6-4-1)
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ROUND 12 COLLINGWOOD v GEELONG M.C.G.

The match was played in cold wintry conditions and before match 3 Cats, T.Lynch (Flu) Arnott (Flu) and Corrigan (Groin) all pulled of the side. Milburn, McKay and first gamer P.Chapman came into the side. Collingwood got off the to the better start and they kicked the first 2 goals of the match. Geelong finally got a goal to Houlihan near time on to reduce the margin to 5 points at quarter time. Things got worse for the Cats as they had one of their worse quarters. They kicked no goals, only 3 points for the term while Collingwood slammed on 4 goals in the wet to lead by 5 goals at half time. The start of the third quarter was once against all Collinwood as they extended their lead to 39 points by the 16 minute mark. Houlihan finally got one for the Cats, and then he got the next 2 as well to make it 4 for the match and give the Cats some Chance. Collingwood got one back to Freeborn but then a 3 goal burst from Ling, Milburn and then Kilpatrick reduced the margin to only 10 points at three quarter time. King was getting on top and Graham was settling down back in defence after starting the match up forward. Milburn bounced his way to inside 50 and from in front of the Members Stand brought the Cats to within a goal. Houlihan then took a controversial mark and goaled (His 5th for the match) and the Cats were in front for the first time. Buckley slipped away from Steinfort for the first time all day and kicked a 55 metre bomb and the Pies were in front. The Cats then got it forward but Mensch running into the open goal was took slow and kicked the ball incorrectly and it dribbled through for a point. Then Hocking took a sensational pressure mark inside 50 and he kicked a goal that put the Cats in front with 2 minutes left. The Cats held on for a 4 point win, that has saved their season and given them a great chance of making the final 8. King was the star with 30 touches (25 kicks and 5 Handballs) and 33 Hit Outs.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 10.11.71 Collingwood 9.13.67
BEST CAT: Steven King
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Adam Houlihan 5 goals
CROWD: 34,367
LADDER POSITION: 5th (7-4-1)
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ROUND 13 GEELONG V WESTERN BULLDOGS COLONIAL STADIUM

With the Roof Closed this was Geelong's fourth attempt to win at the their Melbourne home base. The Dogs got off to a good start with Grant kicking a couple of early goals after some good leads. The Geelong fans became upset at the time which it took for Grant to have a shot at goal. Then Geelong went on a riot playing some of their best football for the year as they slammed on 8 goals for the term, 2 less than they kicked for the whole game last week. Riccardi got their first and then Bizzell was looking dangerous up forward and he kicked 2 goals, as did Snell, while Houlihan was once again looking dangerous. Clarke and Jason Mooney also bombed goals from around 50 metres out. Like he did against Essendon Bizzell once again took a contender for mark of the day in a similar position. Geelong by 23 points at quarter time. Geelong Continue their dominance in the Second term with Bizzell continuing his dominance up forward along with Snell. Bizell, Snell, Riccardi, Houlihan and Milburn goaled and the lead was out to 47 points. Eagleton was trying to keep the Dogs in the match and they played better in the second half of the term. But Bizzell's 4th for the match and second for the term steadied the ship and when he hit the post after the siren the lead was 41 points at half time. The Dogs came out fighting in the second half and like they did last weekend against Melbourne they came back at the Cats. They got within 27 points before Riccardi steadied the Cats with a running goal. But that did not stop the Dogs charge and after Johnson kicked one out of mid air the margin was only 15 points. But a bad mistake in defence resulted in the ball going to Kilpatrick who passed to big Steven King who kicked the goal and he gave the Cats a 21 point lead at the last change. Hudson who had been well held by Sanderson grabbed a mark from a quick kick by Grant and he goaled to reduce the margin to 15 points. Then Houlihan tucked in the pocked, thought about handballing but instead he snapped a sensational left foot goal. The Dogs then got 2 more goals to reduce the margin the only 9 points. But Mensch got a free kick and he played on and kicked long to the square where Houlihan marked and kicked his 4th goal. Then 2 quick goals to Wills and Dimattina and there was on 3 points in it. But after a ball up Hocking barged through the pack and kicked the winning goal for the second week in a row and Geelong were able to hang on to a 7 point victory after 2 late rushed behinds to the Dogs. Hocking best for the Cats.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 19.12.126 Bulldogs 18.11.119
BEST CAT: Garry Hocking
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Clint Bizzell and Adam Houlihan 4 goals
CROWD: 30,573
LADDER POSITION: 3rd (8-4-1)
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ROUND 14 CARLTON V GEELONG OPTUS OVAL

Geelong suffered a major setback before the match losing Clint Bizzell, Jason Mooney and Glen Kilpatrick to injury. David Wojcinski, David Spriggs and Paul Lynch came into the team. Carlton looked the better side in the first quarter with Lance Whitnall kicking 4 goals. Goals to Burns and Hocking kept the Cats in touch with the Blues. The second quarter was all Geelong as they turned the match around by kicking 6 goals to Carlton 2 and they turned a 15 point quarter time deficit into a 6 point half time lead. Carlton looked like they were going to run away with the match in the third term but they could only manage 2.7 to Geelong's 3.2. When the Blues were coming back at the Cats Houlihan stepped up with a sensational snap and then a set shot. The difference was 7 points at the last Change. Carlton got right on top in the last term and no surprise that Kouta was main player for them. They kicked the first 4 goals of the term and shot out to a 17 point lead and the they looked like they were going to run away with it. But to Geelong's Credit they did not lie down and Snell marked and goaled and the margin was back to only 11 points. Then Houlihan put on a great tackle for holding the ball and his kick went through and the margin was less than a kick. Then King who had got on top of Allan in the second half excepted a pass and then goaled and the Cats were back in front by a point. Carlton however replied straight and a mistake by Sholl resulted in a goal to Whitnall his 6th and the match was over. Carlton winning by 10 points. The Cats not disgraced considering the 3 players that pulled out of the side.

FINAL SCORE: Carlton 15.17.107 Geelong 15.7.97
BEST CAT: Carl Steinfort
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Adam Houlihan 4 goals
CROWD: 31,547
LADDER POSITION: 5th (8-5-1)
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ROUND 15 GEELONG V BRISBANE SHELL STADIUM

The Lions got off to the better start kicking 7 goals to 2 for the first term to lead by 5 goals at the first change. Geelong suffered a blow in the first term losing Mooney to a knee injury. Geelong played much better in the second quarter but their bad kicking let themselves down badly. They kicked 1 goal 6 to the Lions 2 goals 2 and they actually lost the quarter when considering all the play that they had. Graham kicked 3 points for the term after starting the match in the forward line. The Lions extended their lead in the third quarter with accurate kicking, and once again Geelong missed easy shots at goal. The Lions kicked 5 straight to Geelong's 1 goal 5. The Lions again outscored the Cats in the last term by 4 points to win the match by 69 points. Mensch was one of Geelong's better players up forward kicking 3 goals, while Sanderson did an excellent job in defence. Stoneham was once again contained up forward.

FINAL SCORE: Brisbane 20.8.128 Geelong 7.17.59
BEST CAT: Darren Milburn
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Mensch 3 goals
CROWD: 21,003
LADDER POSITION: 5th (8-6-1)
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ROUND 16 GEELONG V FREMANTLE SHELL STADIUM

The Cats Welcomed back Clint Bizzell and Peter Riccardi to the team, while Paul Lynch withdrew from the match with a back injury and Danny O'Brien was his replacement. And Bizzell sparked a great start from the Cats. They had 5 goals on the board in 12 minutes and they kicked 7 goals for the term kicking with the breeze. Bizzell ended with 3 goals for the first quarter. The Dockers kicked 3 goals themselves, but the Cats lead by 4 goals at the first change. Fremantle then got the run on in the second term and midway through the quarter they actually Levelled the scores. But the Cats again lifted and they kicked the last 2 goals 3 for the term to lead by 15 points at half time. The Cats had the breeze in the third quarter and they had to make the most of it to set up a defendable lead as the Dockers would come home with the breeze in the last term. But that the was not the case and the third term was even. The Dockers kicked 3 goals 2 while Geelong managed 2 goals 8, with David Mensch kicking their 2 goals for the term. The Dockers threw everything at Geelong in the last term and got within one point. But Mensch got a free kick and advantage was paid to Snell who hit the post. The umpire cancelled the advantage and brought the ball back to Mensch which fired up Dockers coach Damien Drum. Mensch goaled and he put the Cats 7 points in front by kicking his forth goal. The Dockers could only manage one point as the Cats held on for a 1 goal win. Garry Hocking playing his 250th match and Tim McGrath his 200th were chaired off the ground.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 12.18.90 Fremantle 12.12.84
BEST CAT: David Mensch
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Mensch 4 goals
CROWD: 17,399
LADDER POSITION: 4th (9-6-1)
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ROUND 17 ST.KILDA v GEELONG COLONIAL STADIUM

Nothing much can be said about this game except that Geelong played real badly and St.Kilda were sparked by the news that coach Tim Watson would be leaving the club at the end of the year. Bizzell kicked 4 goals for the Cats despite being on the bench for most of the second term. Graham started in attack but looked much more comfortable in defence in the second half. David Mensch continued his good form over the last few weeks while Steven King had his third poor match in a row. The Cats lead only once and that was at half time, and it was all the Saints in the second half winning by 4 goals.

FINAL SCORE: St.Kilda 16.13.109 Geelong 13.7.85
BEST CAT: Ben Graham
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Clint Bizzell 4 goals
CROWD: 23,870
LADDER POSITION: 4th (9-7-1)
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ROUND 18 GEELONG V ADELAIDE SHELL STADIUM

Geelong went into this match with a big week leading up to the match after Sam Newman's comments after their loss to St.Kilda. The Cats lost Riccardi before the match, but regained Ronnie Burns. And the Cats started better this week as well kicking a goal in the first minute through David Mensch. The Crows hit back with a couple themselves, but Geelong hit back late in term to lead by 22 points at quarter time. Bizzell was once again a focal point taking a great mark and kicking a goal, while Adam Houlihan continued his good form and Burns returned to the side with 2 first quarter goals. Geelong held off the Crows in the second term but and when Mensch kicked a goal that bounced at right angles late in the term the Cats were 28 points in front at the long break. The Third quarter was tight early before Geelong got a run on and extended their lead to 37 points. But the crows came back and they kicked 3 quick goals to get within 19 points, before the Cats steadied and lead by 23 points at 3/4 time. The Crows got the first goal of the last term, but Mensch replied with his 4th to get the margin back to 17 points. The Crows once again got the Margin to 3 goals, but Cameron Mooney steadied the Cats once again and the Margin was back to 24 points. But the Crows then stormed back and with the next 3 goals the margin was back to only 3 points. Then it was 2 points, before Spriggs intercepted a crow handball, and he handballed himself to Joel Corey who snapped to kick the winning goal for the Cats. Graham was very good in the term, as was Hocking all day. Geelong home by 7 points.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 17.7.109 Adelaide 14.18.102
BEST CAT: Garry Hocking
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): David Mensch and Ronnie Burns 4 goals
CROWD: 20,285
LADDER POSITION: 4th (10-7-1)
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ROUND 19 GEELONG V KANGAROOS COLONIAL STADIUM

Riccardi did not come up for this match and Hamish Simpson came in for his first match of the season. North got the first goal but Houlihan replied with the Cats first then Kilpatrick snapped another but the umpire found a free kick for god knows what to North Melbourne. And that was the pattern of the first term with North getting a clear advantage from the umpires while McKernan was proving a handful for Harley. Ben Graham was playing up forward and he finished with 2 goals for the term. Then David Mensch broke his jaw and that was a major blow to the Cats. North got further ahead in the second term, with McKernan continuing to dominate and he had 6 goals to half time. Scum colbert was holding Bizzell and for some strange reason C.Mooney was sitting on the bench and the Cats were lacking marking power up forward, even though Graham was up there. The Roos by 28 points at half time. The Cats started better in the third term and they kicked the first goal. Burns then had 2 easy shots at goal and he missed both and instead of the Cats gaining momentum the Roos once again seized control and they kicked 5 goals to 2 for the term to lead by 51 points at 3/4 time. The Cats won the last term kicking 6 goals to 4 but that was too late and the the Roos won the match by 39 points.

FINAL SCORE: Kangaroos 18.16.124 Geelong 13.7.85
BEST CAT: Garry Hocking
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Adam Houlihan 4 goals
CROWD: 35,676
LADDER POSITION: 5th (10-8-1)
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ROUND 20 WEST COAST V GEELONG SUBIACO OVAL

Stoneham and Ling returned to the Cats side while Mensch was out injured. There was a heavy downpour 40 minutes before the match and with a strong wind conditions were not easy. It was the Eagles that got off to the better start and they shot out to a 16 point lead kicking 4 goals 1 early in the first term. But the Cats fought back late in term with 2 quick goals to Spriggs and Houlihan to reduce the margin to 4 points at quarter time. The Cats dominated the second quarter but they just could not kick straight. If they had kicked straight then the match would have been over at half time. They kicked 2 goals 8 to 1 goal 1 for the term to lead by 9 points at half time. They continued to dominate in the third term but once again they could not kick straight. Cameron Mooney marked 3 metres out played on and he missed a sitter. The Cats shot out to a 32 point lead, but 2 late goals to the Eagles brought the margin back 20 points at the last change. Both teams went goal for goal kicking 3 goals each but then the Cats kicked 2 more on their own and they won the match by 30 points. Steven King the star with 22 touches and 33 Hit Outs.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 14.24.108 West Coast 12.6.78
BEST CAT: Steven King
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Bizzell, Milburn, C.Mooney Burns 2 goals each
CROWD: 30,537
LADDER POSITION: 5th (11-8-1)
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ROUND 21 MELBOURNE V GEELONG MCG

A Huge crowd was at the 'G to see the Olympic Torch run around the ground before the match. Melbourne started the game better and lead by 16 points late in the first quarter. But 2 goals from Houlihan and a great goal from King taking the ball out of the Ruck got the Cats a 2 point lead at the first change. Geelong lifted in the second term and with Ronnie Burns on fire in his 100th game they looked to be running away with the game. Burns kicked 3 goals for the term and after a great smother, he curled a ball back but it hit the post. Had he kicked that the Cats would have been 26 points up. Other Cat goal kickers in a seven goal term were, David Clarke, Steven King and Clint Bizzell. But Melbourne fought back and reduced the Margin to 8 points at half time. It was all Melbourne in the third term as the came out firing and they kicked 4 goals 8 to 2 goals 1 to lead by 11 points at the last change. Neitz got a charity free kick when it appeared that Matthew Scarlett was the player that was held, and put the Dees the 17 points up. They got the next goal, but Hocking kept the Cats in the Game. But Melbourne kicked the next 2 and the game was over. Marcus Baldwin came off the bench and kicked 3 late goals with his first 3 kicks in the AFL. Sanderson did a great Job on Farmer keeping him goalless.

FINAL SCORE: Melbourne 18.18.126 Geelong 17.6.108
BEST CAT: Ronnie Burns
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ronnie Burns 4 goals
CROWD: 75,033
LADDER POSITION: 6th (11-9-1)
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ROUND 22 GEELONG V SYDNEY SHELL STADIUM

A huge match for Geelong where a win would guarantee them a place in the finals. Barry Stoneham and Liam Pickering were driven around the ground for a lap of honour, due to their retirement. Geelong brought back David Mensch and Peter Riccardi from injury. The first quater was even with neither team able to get a break. Graham was well on top of Goodes and he continuing rebounded the ball from defence into attack. The Cats in front by 3 points at quarter time. The Cats looked to get on top in the second term and they shot out to a 3 goal lead with Ronnie Burns once again having 4 goals before half time. But the Swans came back with Goodes bouncing back kicked 4 for the term and the margin was once again 3 points in the Cats favour at half time. The Cats had the momentum in the third but they missed some easy shots at goal. Graham continued his dominance by running down from defence and kicking 2 goals for the term. The Cats kicked 5 goals 5, to 4 goals 4 and the lead was 10 points at the last change. After 16 minutes there was not a goal kicked in the last term, then David Clarke finally got one, and Ronnie Burns marked and he kicked his Sixth and the Cats were 21 points up and looked home. But that was not the case and the Swans came back and when Paul Kelly kicked his third there was only 4 points in it with 12 second left. Kelly then got the ball out of the centre but Scarlett spoilt a marking contest and the ball went out of bounds and the Cats were home by 4 points.

FINAL SCORE: Geelong 18.16.124 Sydney 18.12.120
BEST CAT: Ben Graham
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ronnie Burns 6 goals
CROWD: 26,011
LADDER POSITION: 5th (12-9-1)
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FINALS

FIRST ELIMINATION FINAL GEELONG V HAWTHORN COLONIAL STADIUM

Barry Stoneham came into the Geelong side in what could have been his last game for the game. Geelong got off to the better start but were inaccurate and they also could not capitalize on their opportunities. Houlihan soccered one off the Ground after Salmon missed the ball and then Bizzell took a great mark and goaled and Geelong were 16 points in front. But Hawthorn had the better of the end of the term and they kicked the last 3 goals to lead by 4 points at Quarter time. And they looked the goods early in the second term. But Chapman came off the bench and he provided some movement in the Cats forward line and he also kicked a goal. Then Clint Bizzell took a sensational one hander and he goaled and the Cats were in front by two points at half time. The Cats started the Third term better with a goal to Mensch. The Hawks responded, but Milburn kicked a great left foot goal. The Hawks one again got right on top, but Hocking stole a Hawk handball and he goaled truly and it was only 9 points the Difference at the last change. The Cats got the first goal of the last term and the margin was only 3 points. But Crawford got a soft free kick and also a 50 metre penalty which resulted in a goal and when Ben Dixon kicked a right foot snap the margin was 16 points and the match seemed all over. But the Cats would not lie down and Riccardi goaled on the run from 50 metres which got the crowd roaring. Then Houlihan picked up the ball and kicked backwards and Ronnie Burns marked 35 metres out. He goaled and there was only 3 points in it at the 23 minute mark. But Barker goaled soon after the Hawks won by 9 points. Coach Mark Thompson was upset at the Cats not getting a 7 day break before the final.

FINAL SCORE: Hawthorn 14.8.92 Geelong 12.11.83
BEST CAT: Tom Harley
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Bizzell, Riccardi & Mensch 2 goals each
CROWD: 44,709
LADDER POSITION AFTER FINAL: 7th
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Cats in Previous Years

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