|
|
|
Select Round
Round 1 Round 2 Round
3 Round 4 Round 5 Round
6 Round 7 Round 8 Round
9 Round 10 Round 11 Round
12 Round 13 Round 14 Round
15 Round 16 Round 17 Round
18 Round 19 Round 20 Round
21 Round 22 VFL Grand Final
PRESEASON
Geelong's preseason kicked off at Baytec Stadium in front of more than 11,000 fans. Geelong started the match better with Ben Graham playing in the forward line taking 2 strong marks and kicking 2 early goals. Burns showed he had lost none of his magic with a long goal. Hudson kicked a goal right on the quarter time siren to reduce the margin to 10 points. The second quarter was tight with Graham marking after a fine pass from White who was doing a good job at half forward. Graham goaled, as did James Rahilly and Peter Riccardi and Geelong lead by 20 points at half time. Joel Corey was getting plenty of the ball while Scarlett and Harley were doing a great job in defence. The third quarter was all Geelong as they kicked 4 goals to none. One of those was to Riccardi who got a great tap from Street. Geelong by 45 points at the last Change. Richmond won the last quarter but it was too late as Geelong won by 24 points. Final Score: Geelong 12.7.79 Richmond 7.13.55
Geelong returned to Optus Oval where their 2001 ended in disaster with the 70 point thrashing to Carlton and the 3 suspension including Darren Milburn. The crowd had not forgotten either with them Booing Milburn all day. Geelong played better in the first quarter, but they could not get away from Carlton. Burns snapped the Cats first, and the other goal kickers for the quarter were Ling, Woolnough and Graham. The second term was very ugly with both sides constantly turning the ball over as the skill level was poor. Both sides only kicked one goal with Graham the Cats goal kicker after a strong lead and mark and a 50 metre penalty thanks to former Carlton player and now runner Peter Dean. Geelong by 10 points at half time. Carlton came out firing in the third term and twice they lead by close to 3 goals. But with Skipper Ben Graham kicking 3 goals for the term and Milburn, who was ignoring the boos and playing a great game, kicked a goal from the boundary the margin was back to only 5 points at the last change. In the early stages of the last term Graham took another mark and kicked a captains goal (his 6th) and he put Geelong in front. Carlton answered with a goal, but then a running goal from Riccardi put Geelong back in front. With a couple of minutes left Burns had a snap at goal and scores were level. But then Carlton got 2 late goals to win by 12 points. Final Score: Carlton 13.10.88 Geelong 11.10.76
Geelong came into this match needing to win to qualify for the Semi Finals. Geelong played new recruits James Kelly and James Bartel while resting Sanderson and White. The Eagles seemed to have gotten off to the better start with Troy Wilson looking very dangerous at full forward and he was well on top of Scarlett. Through some Ronnie Burns magic Geelong lead by 4 points at quarter time, but if Wilson had kicked straight it could have been a different story. The Eagles were once again looking the better team in the second term and this time they buy the scores on the board. Kicking 4 goals, to 3. Wilson continued to do well, while McIntosh was well on top of Graham. The Eagles also had the better of the umpiring. The Eagles were again off target in the third term and they were 14 points in front, before Riccardi kicked to quick goals to reduce the margin to only 1 point. Kingley kicked his 5th early in the last term, and twice the Cats were 7 Points in front. But that is where the Cats as the Eagles ran all over the top of them and a lot goal from Ling (his 3rd) reduced the final margin to 14 points. Once again Enright was one of the Cats best, and the final free kick tally was 24 to 9 in favour of the Eagles. Final Score West Coast 14.14.98 Geelong 12.12.84
ROUNDS 1 - 22
Geelong V Essendon, MCG (Night), Saturday March 30
Aaron Lord returned to Geelong, while Brent Grgic, Gary Ablett Jr, James Bartel and David Johnson played their first game for the Cats. In a blow to the Cats Ronnie Burns pulled out with a back injury. Geelong got the first goal of the match through Enright, and then Essendon got the next one. Riccardo playing game number 200 dribbled one through and the Cats were back in front. But then Essendon pulled away to lead by 17 points at Quarter time. Essendon kicked 4 of the first 5 goals in the second term, and then Mark Thompson moved Kent Kingsley to Full Forward. And that moved worked with Kingsley kicking 3 goals for the term, 2 from strong contested marks. The Cats were getting plenty of the ball but they were also making plenty of mistakes. Essendon in front by 21 points at half time. The third quarter was all Essendon as they slammed on 6 games to Geelongs 1, which was kicked by Ben Graham. The margin was 10 goals at the last change. Geelong won the last term by kicking 3 goals to 1. Cameron Mooney finally found some aggression and kicked a goal, while Ling who had been tried on Hird kicked a goal on the run. Kingsley then added his fourth. Graham spent time in defence and in the Ruck in the last term. Essendon winners by 50 points.
FINAL
SCORE: Essendon 18.18.126 Geelong 11.10.76
BEST CAT: Kent Kingsley
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kingsley 4 goals
CROWD: 42,740
LADDER POSITION: 16 (0-1)
top
Adelaide V Geelong, Football Park (Night), Saturday April 6
Geelong regained Burns who was a late withdrawal against Essendon and they selected their 4th first gamer of the year in Rooke. The Crows got off the better start but they could not kick straight 3 goals 7 to the Cats 2 goals 2 with Riccardi kicking the Cats first goal. Adelaide continued to dominate in the second term kicking 4 goals and holding the Cats goaless to lead by 34 points at the main change. Graham was once again getting beating at full forward. Enright, Lord and Clarke were getting plenty of the ball in the midfield for the Cats. The game changed early in the second term with youngsters James Bartel and Gary Ablett Jr lifting the Cats. Geelong kicked the first 3 goals of the term and they were within 14 points. Then Adelaide against cleared away but Geelong would not lie down and again they kicked 3 goals in a row and they were within only 9 points. But Adelaide again steadied and they lead by 21 points at 3/4 time. Adelaide won the last quarter to win by 31 points, even though Geelong had won the second half by 3 points. Cameron Mooney was shifted into the Ruck in the last term and he finally did something. Enright was the Cats best player, picking up over 20 touches but more importantly he beat the dangerous McLeod.
FINAL
SCORE: Adelaide 16.14.110 Geelong 12.7.79
BEST CAT: Corey Enright
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Brad Sholl, Aaron Lord & Ronnie Burns 2 each
CROWD: 44,386
LADDER POSITION: 14 (0-2)
top
Geelong had not beaten the Kangaroos since Round 1 1999. The Cats regained Kilpatrick and brought in Mensch for his first game of the year, while Tim McGrath was dropped. Ronnie Burns got the Cats off to a great start by snapping a goal. That was replied was the Roos, and then second gamer Rooke snapped with his left foot for his first goal in AFL football. The score was 2.2 to 2.1 at quarter time in favour of the Cats. Scarlett was well on top of Colbert and he had him benched while Archer was well on top of Graham. Geelong got on top of the Roos in the second term with goals to Burns, Graham, Mooney and Sholl and they lead by 2 goals until Rocca goaled after the siren and it was only 7 points at half time. Geelong lost Enright with a shoulder injury during the term. Rocca got another goal after half time and the scores were even, but then 2 goals from Ling and then Gary Ablett Jr had the Cat fans on their feet when he ran in and kicked his first goal in AFL football and at 3/4 time Geelong were 21 points in front. North come out firing in the last term and Rocca sparked them with a 60-metre goal. They kicked 2 more goals before the 10-minute mark and they were within 3 points. For next 18 minutes both sides exchanged points, with the Roos getting within 1 point and Geelong extending the lead to 2 points. Mark Thompson showed faith in his young kids by benching Burns and Captain Graham who continued his poor form and at the same time they lost Ling with an ankle injury. But late in the term with around a minute remaining Joel Corey snapped a goal that sealed the match for the Cats. Sanderson celebrating his 150th match by having the better of Pickett.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 11.9.75 Kangaroos 10.7.67
BEST CAT: Brenton Sanderson
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ronnie Burns & Cameron Ling 2 each
CROWD: 27,286
LADDER POSITION: 13 (1-2)
top
Geelong V St.Kilda, Skilled Stadium, Sunday April 21
Geelong lost Brenton Sanderson before the match ending a streak of 50 games in a row. Rookie Paul Chambers came into the side to play his first AFL match. Peter Riccardi showed his best form for a while by kicking the Cats first 2 goals in the opening minutes. Aaron Lord also added 2 goals and he had a chance to make it 3 for the term, but the siren beat him kicking a goal from 1 metre out. Geelong got off to a great start in the second term and with Gary Ablett Jr adding 2 goals they shot out to a 9 goal lead. But the Saints came back and kicked 3 goals in 5 minutes and then Aaron Hamil took a strong mark but he kicked the ball on the full. Wojcinski then ran down from defence to kick a great goal and that sparked the Cats to kick 4 more goals including Riccardi's 4th to make it a 10 goal second term and also a 10 goal lead at half time. The Cats half time score of 15.3.93 was higher than their full time score in their first 3 matches of the year. Geelong did not let up after half time as they slammed on 6 more goals without reply in the third term. Lord added 3 more goals to give him 5 to 3/4 time. Harley and Foster were doing a great job in defence while Ben Graham was presenting himself better at Centre Half Forward. Again Geelong dominated in the last term kicking another 5 goals to the Saints 1. Lord added another 1 to finish with 6 goals, while Riccardi finished with 5.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 26.10.166 St.Kilda 6.8.44
BEST CAT: Peter Riccardi
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Aaron Lord 6 goals
CROWD: 23,563
LADDER POSITION: 6 (2-2)
top
Geelong V Fremantle, Skilled Stadium, Sunday April 28
Geelong made one change to the side that thrashed St.Kilda and that was White in for Hunt. Fremantle had never won at this ground. Geelong got off to the better start kicking the opening 2 goals of the match. Geelong then lost Kilpatrick with an injured Hamstring. Fremantle then came back and they kicked the next 2 goals and with a minute remaining on the clock the score was even. But a costly turn over from Fremantle resulted in the ball going to Riccardi who handballed to Ablett who goaled. Straight out of the centre and Ablett was in the play again as he started a string of handballs which then resulted in the ball being kicked to Graham who marked on the siren. He goaled and Geelong led by 13 points at the first change. Geelong got right on top in the second quarter and Kent Kingsley was being a handful for the Dockers. James Bartel was once again playing well and he was getting plenty of the ball in the midfield. Ablett marked and kicked his second goal, Ronnie Burns kicked one on the run and when Mooney kicked a long goal from outside 50, Geelong had kicked 5 goals to 1 for the term and they were 6 goals in front at half time. Geelong continued their run in the third term with Kingsley once again playing well and Cameron Mooney also came into the game taking some strong marks. Riccardi was also playing well for the second week in a row, and he marked a kick from Sholl and he goaled. Geelong did lose Burns with a corked thigh during the term and also Milburn who copped one high from Pavlich. The Cats ended up kicking 6 goals to 1 and it was 65 points at the final change. Geelong got the ball straight out of the centre, after the break, and Corey got a free kick and the ball came out to Ablett who dodged a couple of Fremantle players and he kicked truly to bring the crowd to its feet. But for some reason the umpire did not pay advantage and the ball was returned to Corey. His kick was cleared and Fremantle got a goal. Fremantle also got the next goal and it was not until late in the term when Bartel took a strong mark and goaled to bring up the Cats first for the term. Graham added his third just before the sired for a 62 point win. Bartel the Cats best with 28 touchers and 2 goals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 17.9.111 Fremantle 6.13.49
BEST CAT: James Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ben Graham 3 goals
CROWD: 20,075
LADDER POSITION: 3 (3-2)
top
Brisbane V Geelong, GABBA (Night), Saturday May 4
Geelong played two first gamers in James Kelly and Steven Johnson while they regained Sanderson from injury, while they lost Burns, Kilpatrick and Lord. Brisbane got off to the better start kicking the first four goals of the match with Bradshaw taking Scarlett apart, forcing Thompson to move Harley onto him. Graham took a good mark inside 50 but he missed an easy shot at goal and the Cats had kicked 4 points before King kicked their first goal. Geelong got another, but the Lions kicked 2 more late in the term to lead by 26 points at quarter time. Lynch got the Lions' first goal of the second term, but then the Cats came back kicking the next four goals and they were within 8 points. But once again the Lions came away in time on and they extended their lead to 32 points at half time. The third term was all Brisbane as they kicked 5 goals to 2. The last term was a bit more even with the Lions kicking 6 goals to the Cats 5. Young Johnson kicked his first goal for the Cats. Kent Kingsley was Cats best player with 13 kicks 5 marks and 4 goals.
FINAL
SCORE: Brisbane 21.20.146 Geelong 13.11.89
BEST CAT: Kent Kingsley
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey 4 goals
CROWD: 27,015
LADDER POSITION: 7 (3-3)
top
Hawthorn V Geelong, MCG, Saturday May 11
Burns was a late withdrawal and they brought in Woolnough for his first game since 1998 following two knee injuries. Hawthorn got off to the better start kicking the first 2 goals. Crawford was killing Ling, and Ling was moved by the 20-minute mark. Kingsley kicked the Cats first goal, but the Hawks then got the next 4 to lead by 31 points at quarter time. But Geelong lifted in the second term and they started manning up and tackling stronger. Ablett was brought onto the Ground with great success. He peeled off 3 handballs and he set up 3 goals to Kinglsey, Lord and Riccardi. Kinglsey added his second for the term and then King kicked a beauty from 50 metres out and Geelong were only 2 points behind. But as happened against Brisbane last week Geelong fell asleep in time on allowing Hawthorn to kick 4 goals to lead by 26 points at half time. The Hawks kept their run on in the third term kicking the first 4 goals and the game was over. King kicked the Cats only goal for the term and Hawthorn led by 55 points. Both sides kicked 3 goals in the last term. The Hawks the first 3 and Geelong the last 3. Despite being well beaten all day Graham was kept in the forward line and he kicked his first goal, and then Kingsley continued his good form of recent weeks adding another 2 to finish with 5 goals. Hawthorn winnings by 52 points.
FINAL
SCORE: Hawthorn 20.10.130 Geelong 11.12.78
BEST CAT: Steven King
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey 5 goals
CROWD: 38,709
LADDER POSITION: 10 (3-4)
top
Port Adelaide V Geelong, Football Park, Saturday May 18
Geelong regained Burns from injury and they also included Chapman and Rahilly. Johnson, Woolnough and Hunt were dropped. Port won the toss and they kicked with the very strong breeze. And they took full advantage of it kicking 7 goals to 1. Kinglsey was the Cats only goal kicker. Nothing much changed in the second quarter even though the Cats were kicking with the wind. Kingley, Ablett and Chapman were the goal kickers for the term, while the Power kicked 4 themselves to lead by 41 points at half time. The Power got the first couple of the third term but the Cats were still trying but they could not kick straight. Finally Ling kicked a goal, and then Sanderson kicked a long one from 50 metres out and the margin was back to 6 goals and the Cats had a slight chance since they had the wind in the last term. But 3 late goals to Port meant the match was over. The Power kicked another 4 to 1 in the last term, with Kingsley once again being the Cats only forward kicking 3 goals. Scarlett was outstanding in defence, picking up 26 touches with 8 marks and he was the Cats best by a mile.
FINAL
SCORE: Port Adelaide 20.9.129 Geelong 7.12.54
BEST CAT: Matthew Scarlett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey 3 goals
CROWD: 18,193
LADDER POSITION: 13 (3-5)
top
Geelong V Bulldogs, Skilled Stadium, Saturday May 25
Woolnough, Kelly and Grgic came into the side, while Mooney and Rahilly were dropped. Geelong won the toss and they kicked with the wind favouring the City End in the first quarter. And they got off to a great start with Kent Kingsley kicking 3 goals in the first quarter. His opponent Kingsley Hunter was taken off him and Croft was placed onto Kingsley and Kingsley was kept goal less after that. King was doing a great job in the Ruck and Chapman was celebrating getting some time on ground by getting plenty of the ball. When Ablett kicked a beauty from the boundary Geelong were 11 points in front at quarter time. Geelong dominating the first 15 minutes of the second term and with Burns regaining some form, kicking 2 goals, they slammed on 5 goals to lead by 40 points. But exactly what happened last year happened again with the Cats slowing down and making stupid mistakes and not manning up, the Dogs stormed their way back by kicking the next 7 goals to hit the lead by 3 points at half time. The Dogs continued their run in the third term kicking the first 4 goals to lead by 27 points. Finally Coach Thompson decided to make a move and he moved Scarlett to full forward with success as Scarlett kicked 2 goals and the lead was 15 points at the last change. But for some strange reason Thompson moved Scarlett back to the back line in the last term. Ablett snapped a great goal to get the Cats within 9 points, but then Johnson replied with his 6th, to again extend the lead to 15 points. Geelong tried to hard to score in the last term but again like last year they kept kicking the ball to loose man Chris Grant. King kicked one out of the air to give the Cats a chance, but the Dogs won by 2 goals. King was the Cats best with 22 touches and 28 hitouts, while Chapman had 26 touches and kicked 3 goals.
FINAL
SCORE: Bulldogs 18.9.117 Geelong 17.3.105
BEST CAT: Steven King
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey & Paul Chapman 3 goals
CROWD: 22,033
LADDER POSITION: 14 (3-6)
top
Geelong V Melbourne, Skilled Stadium, Saturday June 1
Melbourne last won at Skilled Stadium in 1988. Geelong regained Glen Kilpatrick and Corey Enright from injury. Geelong won the toss and they kicked with the wind favouring the City end. Mark Thompson through in a surprise by starting backman Tom Harley in the forward line and Ben Graham in the back line. The move worked with Harley kicking the first goal of the match, but it could have been even better had he kicked straighter with 2 points and an out on the full. And Graham played a match better match in the backline taking 9 marks and having 12 kicks. Kingsley added the Cats second, but the Cats were inaccurate kicking 6 points for the term. They did hold Melbourne goal less to lead by 15 points at quarter time. Geelong matched Melbourne in the early stages of the second term, with Kingsley kicking 2 more goals. Geelong were again inaccurate kicking another 5 points for the term. Melbourne kicked the last 2 goals of the term to reduce the margin to 6 points at half time. The third term was make or break for the Cats, as the Dees had killed the Cats in their past 3 meetings in that term. But this time it was Geelong that got on top with Kingsley kicking 2 more to have 5, and Riccardi and Corey also adding goals while they kept the Dees to one goal, and the margin was 27 points at the last change. Riccardi got the Cats first goal, but then Melbourne came back by kicking the next 2 goals. But Geelong steadied with goals to Kingsley (his 6th), King and one from Chapman which he kicked out of the air, and the margin was 40 points. Melbourne did kick the last 2 goals of the match, but Geelong won by 26 points to end a 4 match losing streak.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 12.17.89 Melbourne 9.9.63
BEST CAT: Kent Kingsley
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey 6 goals
CROWD: 20,031
LADDER POSITION: 12 (4-6)
top
Geelong V Carlton, Colonial Stadium, Sunday June 9
Charlie Gardner became the 8th Cat to play their first game this season, while Aaron Lord return from Illness. Gary Ablett Jr was dropped. Geelong got off to the better start, kicking the first 2 goals, with James Kelly kicking his first goal in the AFL and then Riccardi added one. But Carlton came back and they kicked the next 2 goals, before Lord kicked 2 goals late in the term to give the Cats a 2 goals lead. Kingsley was inaccurate kicking 2 points for the term. Carlton got one top in the second term and by time on they had restricted the Cats to 1 goal and they led by 1 point. But the Cats kicked 3 goals in time on with both Riccardi and Kingsley kicked 2 each for the term, the lead was 15 points at half time. Geelong got right on top in the third term as Ronnie Burns came into the game. He kicked a goal off the ground on the goal line, and then he set up Lord who kicked his third. Kingsley and Sholl also kicked goals in that term and then margin was 37 points at 3/4 time. Peter Street delighting the crowd just before 3/4 time when he played the ball in front of him, beating 3 opponents he then handballed to a Geelong player. Carlton got the first goal of the last term, but Kingsley got a free kick and he kicked his 4th goal to once again go ahead on the goal kicked table, and the margin was back to 37 points. But from that point on Geelong fell asleep and Carlton lifted. They kicked the next 7 goals, the 7th goal was from Lappin who was awarded a terrible 50 metre penalty against Rooke. With 26 seconds left Carlton led by 2 points and it seamed that once again Geelong had squandered a match winning lead. But from the bounce Clarke got the ball on the wing and he passed to Riccardi who marked low down 50 metres out. As he was walking back the siren rang. With plenty of Blues players on the mark and on the goal line Riccardi lined up and he kicked a goal that won the match for the Cats. The Geelong players celebrated with Riccardi, while coach Mark Thompson was releived to have won, but was not happy with the Cats last quarter.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.10.100 Carlton 14.12.96
BEST CAT: Peter Riccardi
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey & Peter Riccardi 4 goals
CROWD: 37,294
LADDER POSITION: 10 (5-6)
top
Sydney V Geelong, SCG (Night), Saturday June 15
Geelong picked an unchanged line up, but Mooney was a late inclusion for Grgic. Peter Riccardi continued his form from last week by kicking the Cats first goal in the opening minute. The Swans then got on top with Matthews kicking one from 50, and then Lockett who had just come onto the ground, took a one hander and goaled. Geelong gave away 2 goals by kicking across the face of goal in the backline. Riccardi marked close to the line and he ran around and snapped his second goal, but it was the Swans that led by 9 points at quarter time. The Swans got on top in the second term and it was the Cats that were playing catch up football. Kinglsey kicked his first goal, and then Mooney who was very undisciplined giving away frees, kicked a goal and the margin was back to 9 points. Coach Thompson soon lost patience with Mooney and benched him. Then Graham took a good mark on the last line of defence, but then he kicked a short pass (instead of kicking the ball long) that was intercepted by Nicks and he goaled. Then from the centre bounce a Geelong player was penalised for dragging the ball in, when he knocked it out and a Swans player pushed the ball back in. That resulted in a Swans goal and the margin was back to 4 goals. But then Riccardi took the ball off the pack and he spun around and kicked a classy goal to reduce the margin to 17 points at half time. Geelong got on top in the third term but Riccardi and Graham missed gettable shots at goal. Kingsley kicked 2 goals for the term, while Ling dribbled one through for his first and the margin was only 8 points at the last change. But the Swans came out firing early in the last term. They kicked a couple of points, but then they kicked 3 quick goals, 2 of them to Williams, and the margin was out to what looked like a match winning 28 points. But like they had done all night Geelong would not lie down and Gardiner marked on the goal line and kicked his first goal in AFL football. Then Riccardi was in the play and he snapped his 4th goal, and Burns kicked his 2nd and the Cats were back within a couple of goals. But Mott got a free kick in front of goal and he goaled and the margin was back to 3 goals. But straight from the centre Mooney, who was back on the ground, kicked a long running goal and the Cats were back. King then took the ball out of the Ruck and kicked a brilliant banana goal and the margin was 3 points. Then Kingsley took a mark 15 metres out (Near where O'Brian and Bizzell had kicked important last term goals there in recent years) and he goaled to put the Cats in front. The Swans got a late point, but Graham kicked the ball long and Geelong held on for a 2 point win.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.11.101 Sydney 15.9.99
BEST CAT: Peter Riccardi
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kinglsey & Peter Riccardi 4 goals
CROWD: 21,767
LADDER POSITION: 9 (6-6)
top
Richmond V Geelong, MCG, Saturday June 29
Geelong brought in Sanderson and Rahilly while Steve Johnson was a late inclusion for Kilpatrick (knee). Geelong had not beaten the Tigers at the MCG since 1995. The first quarter was very scrappy with Ottens finally kicking the first goal of the match at the 20-minute mark. Chapman got the Cats first goal after being awarded a holding the ball free kick after a fine tackle. The second term was all Geelong as Ben Graham played his best game of the year playing from full forward. He kicked 3 goals for the term as Geelong slammed on 7 goals for the term. Young Johnson was on the ground for less than a minute before he intercepted a Richmond pass and he snapped a good goal. Riccardi kicked a good running goal, as did the much-improved Joel Corey from close to the boundary line. The Cats by 29 points at half time. Geelong got the first 2 goals of the third term, the second a right foot snap from Burns. But Richmond got the next 2 goals and late in the term they were within 5 goals, but 2 misses from Richo and Ottens proved costly as the Cats got the ball forward and Graham kicked his 4th goal to give the Cats a 34 points lead at the last change. Geelong won the last term by 8 points with goals to Graham his 5th, Steven King and Paul Chapman's 3rd goal to win by 42 points.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 14.12.96 Richmond 7.12.54
BEST CAT: Steven King
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ben Graham 5 goals
CROWD: 30,197
LADDER POSITION: 8 (7-6)
top
Geelong V West Coast, Skilled Stadium, Saturday July 6
It has been an emotional week for the Cats before this game with Jason Snell announcing his retirement due to his broken leg injury suffered last year. Rooke was a late withdrawal with the flu and Bartel replaced him. The match was played in very windy conditions that was mostly blowing across the ground but was also favouring the City End. Geelong kicked with the wind in the fist term but did not really take full advantage. Burns intercepted a kick in and snapped a good goal and then Aaron Lord ran in and kicked one. The Eagles then got one back and it was a goal the difference. Lord then marked right on the siren and goaled to give the Cats a 2 goal lead at quarter time. It was all the Eagles in the second term and they kicked the only 3 goals for the term and they kept the Cats to 3 points to lead by 5 points at the main change. The third quarter was a quarter of tough football as the Cats tried to get on top of the Eagles. The wind was forcing plenty of throw ins on the outer side of the ground. Cameron Mooney came onto the ground and played well. James Kelly was doing a great job in the midfield, while Cameron Ling was getting on top of the dangerous cousins. Wojcinski then evaded a couple of Eagles players, sped away and kicked a brilliant goal from the boundary that sparked the Cats. Graham then took a mark and he was awarded a 50-metre penalty. But he was forced off with the blood rule and Milburn took the shot at goal and kicked truly to give the Cats a 12 point lead at 3/4 time. The Eagles kicked 2 points for the term both posters. The Eagles were a chance in the last term because they had the breeze and only one goal had been scored at the Hickey Stand End. But to the Cats credit they toughed it out for the first 10 minutes of the last term, and then Aaron Lord snapped a goal (his 3rd) to give them a 3 goal lead. Then Mooney set up a goal to Chapman, and then Riccardi had a snap at goal that did an off break and bounced through and the Cats had a match winning 32 point lead. The Eagles did not score in the last term, and only scored 2 points for the second half.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 8.17.65 West Coast 4.9.33
BEST CAT: James Kelly
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Aaron Lord 3 goals
CROWD: 18,608
LADDER POSITION: 7 (8-6)
top
Collingwood V Geelong, MCG, Saturday July 13
Joel Corey was a late withdrawal and Glenn Kilpatrick came back into the side after missing the last 2 matches with a knee injury. A huge crowd greeted the players as they ran onto the ground and the Cats last lost to the Pies in 1998. Kingsley kicked the Cats first goal, which was replied by Cloke, then Burns got a free kick and he kicked a goal and once again that was replied by the Pies. But then Geelong got on top towards the end of the term with Mooney taking a strong one handed mark and kicking a goal, and then Kingsley was awarded a free kick and advantage was given to Steve Johnson who dribbled one through. Then Lord snapped one through a pack of players and the Cats led by 21 points at quarter time. The lowlight of the first term was when Buckley was ordered off under the blood rule and he wiped his blood on Ling's jumper forcing Ling off the ground as well, but the umpire reported Buckley. Collingwood got on top at the start of the second term kicking the first 2 goals. But a brilliant run from the back line right to half forward by Wojcinski ended with a pass to Johnson who goaled and the Cats steadied. The Pies got one back and then Burns roved a great tap from King who was killing the Pies in the Ruck to give the Cats a 17 point half time lead. Rahilly kicked a great goal from the boundary to get the Cats second half under way and then Mooney took another strong grab and he goaled and the Cats were 28 points in front. Collingwood got one back and then Mooney marked on the lead and he goaled, and once again the Pies answered. Then Kingsley kicked 2 goals in a row, one from a strong mark in the square and the Cats were 34 points in front. But the Pies once again came back and when Rocca kicked a 60 metre goal it was only 10 points the difference late in the third term. But then Kingsley got the ball and he snapped his 3rd for term and 4th for the match to once again give the Cats some breathing space. Then just before 3/4 time Didak marked a Graham kickout and he kicked a 55 metre goal and the Pies were within 9 points at the last change. But once again Geelong were able to answer at the start of the last term with Harley running down from the back line and kicking a goal and then Johnson kicked his 3rd and Geelong were 21 points in front. Then King held the ball in one hand and fended off 2 Collingwood players with the other and he handballed to Rahilly who goaled to put the Cats 28 points in front and the match looked over. Davis got one back for the Pies, but then the Cats responded by kicking the next 2 goals through Mooney from a set shot (his 4th) and then Kingsley handballed to Johnson who kicked his 4th, and the margin was 34 points. Collingwood kicked 2 late goals, but then Clarke got the ball to Chapman who kicked a goal near the siren to give the Cats a very good 28 point win, their 6th in a row.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 19.13.127 Collingwood 15.9.99
BEST CAT: Corey Enright
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): K.Kingsley, C.Mooney & S.Johnson 4 goals
CROWD: 65,331
LADDER POSITION: 6 (9-6)
top
Essendon V Geelong, Colonial Stadium (Night), Saturday July 20
Geelong made two forced changes from the side that best the Pies. Ling (suspended) and Sanderson (ankle) were replaced by Corey and Foster. Essendon lost Fletcher before the match with the flu. Geelong got off to the better start with Cameron Mooney continuing on his great form against Collingwood by kicking 3 first quarter goals and also hitting the post with another shot. Riccardi also kicked a goal to give the Cats 4 for the term. Lloyd kicked one for the Bombers, but he also kicked 2 points, one from a free kick after he took a dive but the umpire paid in the back against Scarlett who had taken the mark. Wojcinski had a great term, taking a great mark and picking up 8 touches before he injured his ankle after landing from a spoil and he did not come back on. Young Steven Jonhson kicked the Cats first goal of the 2nd term and then Riccardi ran onto the ball to kick his second goal. Then Kent Kingsley came into the play taken two very good marks and kicking 2 goals and Geelong were 41 points in front. But Essendon came back in time on kicking 2 goals and the margin was 27 points at half time. Geelong was getting plenty of drive from Rahilly and James Kelly, while King was once again on top in the ruck. Once again Geelong got on top at the start of the third term with Kingsley soccering his 3rd goals and moments later Chapman also soccered one through. Lloyd got another free kick and he kicked a goal, but this was answered by Kingsley who kicked his 4th from 20 metres out. Caracella gave the Bombers some hope by kicking 2 late goals to reduce the margin to 27 points at the last change. Essendon continued their run in the last term and could have made a game of it but for 2 posters to Lloyd and Hille. Kingsley then sealed the match with a snap that bounced through for his 5th goal. Moments later he once again marked strongly and kicked his 6th (49 for the season), the second time for the season he has kicked 6 goals. Essendon got a late goal, but Lord kicked his first just before the siren to give the Cats a very good 39 point win.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 14.11.95 Essendon 8.8.56
BEST CAT: James Kelly
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kingsley 6 goals
CROWD: 47,778
LADDER POSITION: 5 (10-6)
top
Geelong V Adelaide, Skilled Stadium, Sunday July 28
Wojcinski did not come up from his ankle injury and Gary Ablett was a late inclusion. Riccardi kicked the first goal of the match but then Adelaide got right on top and they kicked the next 6 goals with a couple coming from questionable umpiring decisions. One was a free in the back which was very similar to one that should have been paid to Ling moments earlier. Another was a 50 metre penalty that was paid against Corey when the Adelaide player was the one that had a go at him. Riccardi then kicked his second and the margin was 22 points at 1/4 time. Geelong lifted in the second term with Riccardi kicking his third early in the term. Steve Johnson took a great one hander and goaled and then he kicked another one and the Cats were back in the contest. The Crows kicked their only goal for the term and the margin was back out to 14 points. Then Enright kicked a goal and Harley took a mark and he was hit high and he was awarded a 50 metre penatly. He kicked truely and the Cats were in front. Kingsley kicked a point after the siren and the margin was 6 points at half time. Adelaide once again got on top kicking with the wind in the third term. One of the goals was from Beinke who was awarded a mark when Graham clearly had first hold on the ball and it should have been a ball up. Geelong made errors and they also kicked inacurately, 1 goal 6 for the term, with Chapman the goal kicker, and the Crows were in front at 3/4 time. Geelong started the last quarter better with Riccardi snaping his 4th goal, and then Chapman kicked a long bomb and they were 9 points in front. Adelaide came back, but then Kingsley snaped his first goal and 50th for the season and Geelong once again had a 2 goal advantage. But then Crows skipper Ricciuto lifted his side with 3 goals in a row and 5 for the match and the Crows were 9 points in front. The umpires were once again not helping the Cats with a Burns handball called a throw that resulted in a Ablett goal disallowed. Then Ablett was awarded a free kick and he was given the advantage rule when he had no advantage and the Crows cleared. Moments later Kingsley was awarded a free kick and Kelly ran into goal (he hit the post) but the umpire had not paid the advantage rule which would have proved very costly had Kelly goaled. Kelly then was awarded a push in the back with a minute left and he goaled to reduce the margin to 3 points. Geelong went forward but Smart kicked the ball on the full at half back and the siren went soon after, to give the Cats their first loss in 8 matches.
FINAL
SCORE: Adelaide 15.3.93 Geelong 12.18.90
BEST CAT: Joel Corey
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Peter Riccardi 4 goals
CROWD: 24,325
LADDER POSITION: 5 (10-7)
top
Geelong V Kangaroos, Skilled Stadium, Saturday August 3
Geelong lost Lord before the game with a groin injury and Ablett who was dropped came into the side. Wojcinski overcame his ankle injury and he played. Geelong kicked with the slight breeze in the first quarter but it was the Kangaroos that wanted the footy more. They were tougher at the ball and they bumbed the Cats players off the ball with eaze. The Kangaroos kicked 4 goals to 1 for the term with Steve Johnson. Geelong lost Captain Graham early in the term with a corked calf, and then they lost Milburn, who was playing his 100th game, with a shoulder injury after a bump from Pickett. The Kangaroos continued their run in the second term with another 4 goals to 1 and they led by more than 6 goals. Johnson had 2 for the Cats. But two late goals to Ling and Mooney gave the Cats some hope going into the rooms 26 points down at half time. Kicking with the wind in the 3rd term Geelong dominated early in the term but they could not convert. The Kangaroos on the other hand converted their opportunities as they kicked 2 goals for the term while they kept the Cats goaless. Steven King got the first goal of the last term, but that was replied by the Kangaroos then Ablett kicked one, but then the Roos blew the Cats away. They kicked 6 more goals for the term with Harding finishing with 6 goals, while Mooney kicked his 2nd goal late in the match. The Roos home by 64 points.
FINAL
SCORE: Kangaroos 17.13.115 Geelong 7.9.51
BEST CAT: Tom Harley
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson & Cameron Mooney 2 goals
CROWD: 23,163
LADDER POSITION: 6 (10-8)
top
St.Kilda V Geelong, Colonial Stadium, Sunday August 11
Geelong brought in White and first gamer Will Slade while Milburn was out injured and Ablett was dropped. The ground was in ok condition after the wrestling the night before and the match went ahead at Colonial Stadium. Geelong got off to a great start with Steve Johnson kicking 2 early goals. Burns showed a sign of returning to form as he kicked a goal, and then Mooney dodged 3 players before kicking a goal. Johnson added his 3rd late in the term to give the Cats 7 goals to 4. King was on top of Everitt in the ruck. The second term was fairly even with the Cats kicking 4 goals to 3. Kelly took a good mark on the line and he ran around and kicked truley. Mooney added his second after a strong mark, Kingsley snaped his first and Wojcinski kicked one that hid the goal umpire behind the line. Geelong got on top in the third as they looked to get the game in the keeping. Chapman snaped his second goal early in the term, and Jonhson kicked his 4th goal after Loewe gave away a kick down field and then a 50 metre penalty. Mooney then took an excellent grab over a pack of players and he kicked his 3rd goal and Geelong led by 38 points at 3/4 time. But in the last term St.Kilda finished full of running while the Cats looked tired. The Saints kicked 6 goals 1 while the Cats did not score at all. A Great mark and a couple of good spoils from Graham helped the Cats get over the line by 1 point.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 16.6.102 St.Kilda 15.11.101
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 4 goals
CROWD: 25,552
LADDER POSITION: 5 (11-8)
top
Fremantle V Geelong, Subiaco Oval, Saturday August 17
In a blow for the Cats Burns withdrew before the match with a shoulder injury and Woolnough was included. Fremantle burst out of the blocks kicking the opening two goals, with Farmer looking very dangerous. The Cats replied with a great goal to King and Mooney and Lord also kicked goals in the term but the Dockers still led by 3 goals at quarter time. Kent Kingsley was forced to the bench with a knee injury, he did come back later on but had no impact. The second term was pretty even with both teams kicking 3 goals, one of them a late one to the Cats kept the margin to 22 points at half time. The Dockers extended their lead in the third term and they were running all over the Cats. Pavlich was playing loose across half back and he provided great run in getting the ball forward. Geelong lost Lord with what seemed to be a re-occurance of the groin injury that had kept him out for a couple of weeks prior to this match. Mooney was the Cats only forward providing a contest, while Cameron Ling and James Kelly were getting plenty of the ball but to little effect. The Dockers by 35 points at the last change. The Dockers continued their run in the last term kicking 4.5 to 3.1 to win by 45 points. Mooney was Cats best player kicking 3 goals. The Cats kicking their lowest ever score against Fremantle.
FINAL
SCORE: Fremantle 17.15.117 Geelong 11.6.72
BEST CAT: Cameron Mooney
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): C.Mooney 3 goals
CROWD: 22,610
LADDER POSITION: 6 (11-9)
top
Geelong V Brisbane, Skilled Stadium, Saturday August 24
Geelong regained Burns from a shoulder injury and Street and Bartel also came into the side, while Lord was out with a groin injury. The first term was all Brisbane as they showed why they are in top spot of the ladder. They kicked 5 goals to 0 with Akermanis kicking 2 of those. Geelong lost Corey with a shoulder injury after a legal bump from Voss. Brisbane continued to dominate in the second term as they slammed on another 6 goals. Geelong did kick 2 goals for the term with Riccardi kicking their first from a free off the ball and Kingsley then snaped a goal. Brisbane were in front by 53 points at half time.The third term was even as the Cats started to man up and goal scoring was not as easy for the Lions. Both sides kicked 2 goals in the term with Steve Johnson kicking his first and Kingsley kicking his second. The last term was also even with both sides kicking 3 goals 5. Burns finally managed to kick a goal, while Kinglsey added 2 more to be the Cats best player with 22 touches, 11 marks and 4 goals. Two other good players were Chapman with 23 touchers and Tom Harley who played on Voss and kept him 14 possessions while gathering 15 himself. Geelong now must win next week to guarantee themselves a place in the finals.
FINAL
SCORE: Brisbane 16.14.110 Geelong 7.13.55
BEST CAT: Kent Kingsley
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Kent Kingsley 4 goals
CROWD: 24,003
LADDER POSITION: 8 (11-10)
top
Geelong V Hawthorn, Colonial Stadium (Night), Friday August 30
Geelong brought in experienced players Sanderon, Lord and White while Corey was out with the shoulder injury and Woolnough and Bartel were dropped. Kent Kingsley was playing his 50th game. Geelong needed to win to be certain of a finals place, while the Hawks needed to win by more than 9 goals. Things did not go to plan for the Cats in the first quarter. After a goaless first 10 minutes where plenty of errors were made, which set the pattern for most of the night, Hawthorn then kicked the next 5 goals, to the Cats none, to lead by 31 points at quarter time. Geelong moved White to half back after quarter time and he did a great job showing good composure and finding a target in the midfield. Cameron Mooney took a great one hander and finally kicked the Cats first goal, but the Hawks responded with 2 of their own and the margin was 6 goals and the Cats looked out of the match. Clarke got one back for the Cats, and then Mooney marked strongly and he goaed to bring the Cats closer. Then near the end of the term Burns soccered a ball out of the pack that went for 40 metres and Mooney once again marked strongly and he kicked his third goal for the quarter to reduce the margin to 17 points at the main change. Hawthorn kicked the first goal of the third term and the margin was back to 4 goals. Geelong attacked but could not kick a goal, until Mooney passed to Riccardi inside 50, and he passed to Kingsley and he kicked his first goal. Burns then kicked a great running goal that just cleared the pack and margin was back to only 11 points at 3/4 time. Like the first term no score was possible early in the last term and once again plenty of errors were made with at least 4 out on the fulls. Then King snapped a brilliant goal from the pocket and the margin was only 5 points and the Cats looked a chance. But Hawthorn lifted and they kicked 3 very quick goals and they had the match won. James Kelly who was Geelong's best player kicked a late goal to reduce the final margin to 3 goals. Geelong missing out on the finals on percentage.
FINAL
SCORE: Hawthorn 11.9.75 Geelong 8.9.57
BEST CAT: James Kelly
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 3 goals
CROWD: 41,600
LADDER POSITION: 9 (11-11)
top
Geelong V Port Melbourne Optus Oval
Geelong defeated Port Melbourne by 22 points to win the VFL premiership. It was the Cats first reserves premiership since 1982. Geelong got off to a great start with Ablett kicking an early goal and then setting up another. But Port Melbourne steadied and Geelong were 5 points up at quarter time. At half time Geelong led by 1 points after Port kicked 5 goals to 4. Port lifted in the third quarter with Gill kicking a couple of goals they kicked 5 goals to Geelongs 3 and Geelong looked in trouble trailing by 14 points at the last change. Port had chances to extend their lead early in the last term but they kicked 2 points. The veterans Mensch and McGrath lifted the Cats from then on. Mensch snapped a goal, and then McGrath took a mark at half forward, was slung the ground and was awarded a 50 metre penalty. From 30 metres out he goaled and the margin was back to 4 points. Then Danny O'Brien snapped a goal and Geelong were in front. Mensch then snapped one over his head from the square (his 3rd) and the margin was 8 points. Steve Johnson then ran into the open goal to seal the game for the Cats. The Cats kicked 6 goals to none in the last term. James Rahilly was awarded the Norm Goss Medal for best on ground. Final Score: Geelong 15.15.105 Port Melbourne 12.11.83
Copyright © 1997-2002