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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 Qualifying Final Preliminary
Final VFL Grand Final AFL
Grand Final Home
PRESEASON
Geelong easily defeated Richmond by 43 points to advance to the second round of the NAB Cup. Geelong were never challenged after Gary Ablett in the midfield and Brad Ottens up forward dominated the first term. Ottens movement was the best since he has been with the Cats and he had 4 goals up until half time to give the Cats a match winning 51 point lead. Ablett Jr was very sharp for so early in the year and he kicked 2 goals himself. Joel Selwood played his first match for the Cats and he impressed with his movement and disposal. Although not overly dominate Cameron Mooney kicked 4 goals, while David Wojcinski continued his good form from the intra-club matches by providing great run out of defence. FINAL SCORE: Geelong 3.17.10.139 Richmond 1.14.3.96
Geelong won a thrilling NAB Cup match in extra time against Port Adelaide, played in torrential rain in Darwin. Mooney took a good mark and goaled to answer Lade's early goal but Port then kicked the next 3 goals to lead by 17 points at quarter time. As the rain got heavier in the second term Geelong lifted with Bartel once again player well in wet conditions. Joel Selwood came onto the ground and he also impressed. Scarlett was provided great drive from the backline. Shannon Byrnes was also lively when he swooped onto a loose ball and handballed to Mooney who snapped over his shoulder for his second. Then Byrnes kicked one himself when he ran into goal. Mooney then took another good mark to kick his third goal to reduce the margin to 2 points at half time. Geelong continued their run in the third term when Joel Reynolds snapped a clever goal. Byrnes then kicked his second and when Djerrkura picked the wet ball up with one hand and ran into goal the margin was 18 points at the last change. But Port came back and when Scarlett was pinged for holding the ball on the goal line they led by 1 goal. But Bartel snapped a beauty from 40 metres out to level the scores. Ebert took a mark 10 metres but played and hit the post for the only score in the first half of extra time. Mooney marked strongly while falling back and kicked his fourth to give the Cats a 5 points lead with 3 minutes left. Chad Cornes then marked and was awarded a dubious 50 metre penalty. But after wanted a towel to dry the ball, he hurried his shot hit the post to see the Cats home. FINAL SCORE: Geelong 9.6.60 Port Adelaide 7.15.57
Geelong was knocked out of the NAB Cup after a 15 point loss to Brisbane. The Lions ability to kick super goals was the decided factor in a match that was close after quarter times. The Lions dominated the first quarter as the Cats struggled to find a target in a top heavy forward line that featured Mooney, N.Ablett, Playfair and Gardiner. Gardiner was the Cats only goal scorer for the term as the Lions led by 3 goals at the first change. The second term was not pretty to watch but there were some promising signs for the future when Nathan Djukerra and Travis Varcoe (playing his first senior game and wearing the famous Number 5) came onto the ground. Those two players looked dangerous and it was Varcoe who kicked the Cats 2 goals for the term to reduce the margin to 6 points at half time. Mooney came into the game in the third term when he kicked 3 goals. His third was after the siren that gave the Cats a 3 point lead at the final change. Mooney had chances to give the Cats the break early in the final term, but he kicked 3 points. The Lions kicked 2 goals, but then Gardiner kicked his third goal, which was then followed by a point to Blake and scores were level in time on. But 2 goals, including a super goal to Power sealed the win for the Lions. FINAL SCORE: Brisbane 4.7.10.88 Geelong0.10.13.73
ROUNDS 1 - 22
Bulldogs V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Sunday April 1
Geelong's 2007 season kicked off the same way it ended in 2006 with a dissapointing 20 point to the Bulldogs. Joel Selwood played his first game for the Cats, while Tom Harley played his first as official club Captain. After the Dogs got the first goal it was the Cats that played the better football. Charley Gardiner kicked the Cats first goal and this was followed by Wojcinski receiving a rare Geelong free kick for the quarter and he goaled. Nathan Ablett then took a mark and goaled and Mooney, who was scragged all quarter, finally received a free kick (even though he took the mark) and he goaled and the Cats were in front by 4 points at quarter time. Brad Johnson was once again favourite with the umpires kicking a couple of goals from free kicks. The Dogs got on top in the second term and they slammed on 7 goals with Johnson added another 3. Geelong tried to stay in touch but like last season they missed too many easy shots at goal. Mooney finally marked and goaled, and then Wojcinski gave the Cats some spark when he took on the Dogs and ran and kicked a 60 metre goal. The margin was 22 points at the main change. The Dogs continued to dominate in the third term and they extended their lead to 37 points at the final change. As the Dogs tired, Geelong won the last term, but the damage was already done.
FINAL
SCORE: Bulldogs 17.11.113 Geelong 13.15.93
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Nathan Ablett, Cameron Mooney 3
CROWD: 42,626
LADDER POSITION: 13 (0-1)
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Geelong V Carlton, Telstra Dome, Saturday (Night) April 7
Geelong won its first game of the season after thrashing Carlton by a record margin of 78 points. The Cats final score was also their highest against the Blues. The Cats Tom Harley to a finger injury while Tom Hawkins and Travis Varcoe made their debuts. It was Geelong that got off to the better start with Nathan Ablett kicking the opening. Then Ling ran forward and he kicked a goal from 50 metres out. Carlton responded, but Gary Ablett kicked one to give the Cats a 10 point lead at the first change. Once again the Cats were wasteful in front of goal. Matthew Scarlett was well on top of Fevola as he provided drive from the backline, as did David Wojcinski who was back to his dashing best. Geelong continued to get on top in the second term as Mooney came into the game after a quiet first term. He kicked 2 goals, one from a strong mark in the square. Shannon Byrnes kicked a great goal after Gardiner spoilt a kick in and Travis Varcoe kicked his first goal in the AFL football with his first kick. The margin was 32 points at the main change. Any sniff of Carlton getting back into the match was snuffed out in the opening minute of the third term when Mooney kicked a great left foot. The Cats then ran riot to slam on 9 goals for the term. Nathan Ablett continued his goal kicking form, by adding two for the term, one from a left foot snap, while Gary Ablett kicked his second as did Varcoe from a clever snap. Wojcinski continued his run down field to kick one and then the moment the Cat fans had waited for when Tom Hawkins marked and kicked his first goal in AFL football. Soon after Joel Selwood followed with his first AFL goal. The margin at 3/4 time was 76 points. The Cats threatened to blow the margin out over 100 points when Mooney and N.Ablett kicked their 5th and Hawkins his 3rd, but late goals to Betts reduced the final margin.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 24.18.162 Carlton 12.12.84
BEST CAT: Matthew Scarlett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Nathan Ablett, Cameron Mooney 5
CROWD: 41,113
LADDER POSITION: 5 (1-1)
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Geelong won their second match of the season when they thrashed an undermanned Melbourne by 52 points. With Nathan Ablett pulling out of the side after the warm up, Tom Hawkins started on the ground and he had an immediate impact. He tackled a Melbourne player and then he received a free kick for one in the back. He kicked the goal from 45 metres out. Brent Prismall showed a sign of things to come when he kicked 2 quick goals, but former Cat Brent Moloney got 2 back for the Dees. From then on Geelong dominated but were wasteful in front of goal. Milburn marked and goal and then Mooney marked on the goal line to also kick one and the margin was 25 points at the first change. Any chance Melbourne had of getting back into the game was over when Tom Hawkins put on his own show. He kicked 3 goals, one from a great run from Wojcinski who ran from half back, passed to Prismall who chipped the ball to Hawkins in the square who marked and goaled. Ling, Varcoe and Ottens also kicked goals and the Cats added 6 straight for the term to have a match winning 46 point lead the main change. Melbourne flooded back in the third term and the game became scrappier. The Highlights for the third term was Chapman's long goal from 50 and Prismall snapping his third goal. Geelong should have won by 80 points or more but they kicked 1 goal 9 in the final term. Bartel capped off his best on ground performance with a goal.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.19.109 Melbourne 8.9.57
BEST CAT: Jimmy Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Tom Hawkins 4
CROWD: 38,438
LADDER POSITION: 2 (2-1)
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Hawthorn V Geelong, Aurora Stadium, Sunday April 22
Geelong again lost to its nemeses Hawthorn in a thriller by 4 points in the Cats first appearance in Tasmania. Steve King played his first match of the season while Ottens missed and Matthew Stokes return from suspension. Geelong kicked with the strong wind in the first term and it a took a while to get going. Wojcinski provided the spark with a long running goal from 70 metres out. Ling then ran forward and goaled and when Gary Ablett goaled the margin was 3 goals at quarter time. Hawthorn came back with the breeze with Williams kicking 2 goals for the term. G.Ablett went off with a corked calf but he came back on to give the Cats a lift as he snapped a left foot goal after receiving a free kick. The Cats went into the main change leading by a point. The third term was goal for goal as the Hawks did the damage agains the breeze. Stokes topped off a good game with 2 goals for the term, while Kelly kicked one and Milburn put the Cats 4 points clear at the final change. Geelong dominated the early stages of the final term and G.Ablett was once again on fire. He set up Kelly's second to give the Cats a nine point break, but he missed a running shot. With the Cats having the momentum Steve King handballed blindly in the backline and Crawford swooped to kick a goal and give the Hawks the run. Stokes missed a hurried snap late in the game, while a Mooney kick with seconds left was marked by the Hawks.
FINAL
SCORE: Hawthorn 10.16.76 Geelong 9.18.72
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): G.Ablett, Kelly & Stokes 2
CROWD: 17,120
LADDER POSITION: 6 (2-2)
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Geelong V Kangaroos, Skilled Stadium, Sunday April 29
Geelong put in a dissapointing display to lose to the Kangaroos by 16 points in their first match at Skilled Stadium for the season. The Kangaroos got off to a great start with Brent Harvey kicking 2 early goals. The Cats got the next goal through Bartel but then the Roos kicked another couple to lead by 3 goals. Varcoe sparked the Cats with a couple and all of a sudden scores were level. But the Roos kicked the last 2 for the term to lead by that margin at the first change. The Roos continued their run on in the second term as they slammed on 6 goals to 2 to extend their lead to 33 points. The Cats tried to get back into the game in the third term but the Roos always had the answers. Mackie tried to give the Cats the spark it needed when he kicked a long goal from outside 50. But they could only reduce the margin by a goal to 27 points at the final change. Two early goals to the Roos in the final term and the match was over. But with Ling kicking a couple the Cats came back and with 3 minutes left the margin was only 10 points. But Mooney missed a set shot and the match was over. Joel Selwood was the Cats best player with 25 touches.
FINAL
SCORE: Kangaroos 18.10.118 Geelong 15.12.102
BEST CAT: Joel Selwood
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Bartel, Ling & Mooney 3
CROWD: 21,462
LADDER POSITION: 10 (2-3)
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Richmond V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Sunday (Twilight) May 6
Geelong has kicked its highest ever score and recorded its biggest win of 157 points against Richmond at the Telstra Dome. The score and winning were also the highest recorded by any side at the ground. Steve Johnson came into the side to play his first game of the season after serving the clubs suspension, while Ottens also returned from injury. Former captain Steve King was dropped. Spured on by negative press during the week the Cats came out firing and the match was over in the first 17 minutes as they slammed on 7 goals to nothing. Geelong were on top all over the ground and it was Chapman that was the star with 3 goals in the first term. He then came off and had work done on his hamstring. The Cats kicked 3 more for the term to start off with 10 goals to 1. The continued their dominance in the second term as they helpless Tigers had no answer to the best display of football from the club since the early 90's. Mackie was playing down back but he had no trouble running forward to kick 4 goals in the first half. Chapman came on the ground for a few minutes then kicked his 4th with a clever snap and then went off and did not return. Eagan also came off with a bad corked thigh during the term. The Cats kicked another 10 goals for the term to lead by 107 points at the main change. Any hope of the Cats easing off were dismissed as they continued to run riot in the third term. Hawkins came into the game and he added 2 goals for the term. He also showed great vission to set up goals to N.Ablett and Enright. Another 9 goals for term gave them a league record 35.12.222 at 3/4 time. The margin was 24 goals. Richmond finally played better in the final term to kick 4 goals, but the Cats still slammed 6 goals with Hawkins and N.Ablett kicking their third goal. Ling, G.Ablett and Varcoe added their third. On a night where the side was good, Ablett was the best iwth 32 touches to go with his 3 goals, while Bartel continued his excellent form.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 35.12.222 Richmond 9.11.65
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Chapman, Mackie, N.Ablett, Hawkins 4
CROWD: 34,584
LADDER POSITION: 6 (3-3)
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Geelong V West Coast, Skilled Stadium, Sunday May 13
Geelong has shaken off the Tag as a "flat track bully" by beating ladder leaders West Coast by 39 points. While Geelong started had more of the ball early on they gave it back to the Eagles with poor disposal. After the Eagles got the first goal Nathan Ablett sparked the Cats with a great snap shot when he evaded 2 Eagle players. Brad Ottens then tapped magnificently to Bartel and he goaled. Then Steve Johnson snapped a typical Johnson left foot snap, after earlier deciding to pass a set shot off to Mooney who was on a tighter angle. Mooney kicked the Cats fourth for the quarter to give them a 2 point lead at the first change. The Eagles kicked the first goal of the second term and then something you don't see every week happened when Chris Judd was penalised for holding the ball when he tried to beat 3 Cats players. Johnson kicked another magnificent left foot snap and when Ottens grabbed the ball from a bounce and goaled Geelong led by 9 points at the main change. With Gary Ablett coming into the game in the third term Geelong dominated the term as Cameron Ling held the dangerous Kerr touchless in the second half. Ottens kicked his second after a strong mark from outside 50 and then G.Ablett kicked a long goal from 50. Mooney kicked his second from a running shot and the margin was 39 points at the final change. The Cats extended their lead in early stages of the final term when Varcoe kicked a goal. But the Eagles came back and the margin was reduced to only 21 points and thoughts of the Eagles 2006 comeback came to mind. But Nathan Ablett steadied the Cats with two goals that came with strong marks. Mooney added the icing on the cake when he kicked his fourth from a left foot snap. Jimmy Bartel was the Cats best as he continued his great form with another 32 disposals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 16.13.109 West Coast 10.10.70
BEST CAT: Jimmy Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 4
CROWD: 22,014
LADDER POSITION: 4 (4-3)
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Geelong V Fremantle, Skilled Stadium, Saturday May 19
Geelong won its third in a row with an impressive 25 point win over Fremantle. Max Rooke came into the side to play his first match of the season. Josh Hunt was a late inclusion after Mackie withdrew with knee soreness. In difficult conditions with a strong wind blowing across the ground Geelong set the game up with a magnificent. The were just as ferocious as the ball as they were against the Eagles and the pressure was there as well. Josh Hunt celebrated his inclusion with two passed that set up the Cats first two goals to Nathan Ablett and Steve Johnson. Ling then marked in the square and goaled and Johnson ran in to kick his second. Varcoe then marked a hurried kick forward and goaled and the margin was 16 points at the first change. Ottens then came into the game early in the second term. He marked but missed, then was awarded a free kick for holding and this time he goaled. Some good work from Johnson when he went in and got the ball then handballed to Hunt who snapped a goal on his right foot. Stokes then also snapped one through to give the Cats a 29 point half time lead. Geelong dominated the third term and should have really smashed Fremantle on the scoreboard. But did not make the most of the opportunities in the forward line. Mooney passed to Johnson who kicked his third and then later in the term Gary Ablett ran in to kick the Cats second for the term. The margin was stretched to 38 points at the final change. Freo came back at the Cats in the final term and with Bell kicked 3 goals the margin was reduced to only 20 points. But Johnson was awarded a soft free kick for a front on hit and he slotted his through his 4th goal. Soon after Mooney marked and was awarded a 50 metre penalty to seal the win. Ablett Jr finished the game off with a great running goal. James Kelly was the Cats best player in what was his best game for a while.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 14.10.94 Fremantle 10.9.69
BEST CAT: James Kelly
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 4
CROWD: 20,435
LADDER POSITION: 3 (5-3)
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Port Adelaide V Geelong, AAMI Stadium, Sunday (Twilight) May 27
A 13 goal first half by the Cats has set up a 56 point thumping of Port Adelaide in Adelaide. Mackie returned from injury, while David Johnson missed with a calf injury. In overcast conditions Geelong played the better football in the first term. Josh Hunt used his bulk to advantage when he bumped into the dangerous Motlop and injured his shoulder in the first minute of the game. Nathan Ablett marked strongly and goaled and then Travis Varcoe showed his ability in the forward line when he swooped onto a loose ball and ran into the open goal get the Cats going. Wojcinski then took a good mark and goaled, and then Max Rooke showed a promising return to form when he kicked 2 goals to give the Cats a 25 point lead at the first change. The Cats did not relent in the second term when he played great football. When they did not have the ball they pressured the Power player which forced them to turn over the ball and even wet conditions as the rain started to fall they used the ball as it was dry. They slammed on 8 goals for term to have the match wrapped up at half time. Bartel continued his excellent form this season with 2 great goals in the term. His first was a long torpedo from outside 50. Mooney kicked his first goal, while Steve Johnson kicked a typical left foot snap. He also kicked a set shot as the lead was 71 points at the main change. The Power played better in the third term while the Cats messed around with the ball and Mooney kicked their only goal for the term. Port again outscored the Cats in the final term as Wojcinski kicked his second goal and Rooke his third.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 16.20.116 Port Adelaide 8.12.60
BEST CAT: James Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Max Rooke 3
CROWD: 26,465
LADDER POSITION: 2 (6-3)
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St.Kilda V Geelong , Telstra Dome, Sunday (Twilight) June 3
Geelong won its fifth match in a row when ran away from St.Kilda in the second half to win by 10 goals. Tom Harley returned to the side for the first time since Round 1 after being out with a finger injury while Paul Chapman returned after missing 3 matches with a hamstring injury. Kane Tenace played his 50th game for the Cats. Cameron Ling continued his excellent form when he marked and kicked the Cats first goal. Max Rooke also continued his goal kicking form when he marked and goaled. Steven Johnson showed his continual improvement as he ran all over the ground and he finished with a goal. Ling, who was well on top of Dal Santo, snapped his second. After a flat patch during the term Wojcinski took the Saints on and ran to 50 to kick a great goal. Then on the siren Ottens marked and goaled to give the Cats a 19 point quarter time lead. In the second term the Saints dropped players back behind the ball and the Cats struggled. St.Kilda got on top to kick a couple of goals, but Bartel snapped a great goal to stem the tide. But Reiwolt came into the game after Egan went off for a rest and had he and Gehrig kicked straight the Saints might have been in front at half time. But late in term Ottens roved his own contest and snapped a magnificent left foot goal and then Mooney kicked his first and the margin was again 3 goals at half time. The Cats sealed the game in the third term as they dominated the Saints. Johnson kicked his second and hit the post with another shot. Stokes marked strongly and goaled, then Ablett Jr, who had thrashed Baker, kicked a great goal from 50. Mooney then took a screamer of Gwilt and ran on to kick a goal and Nathan Ablett snapped his first the margin was 6 goals at the final change. The Cats continued their run in the final term as Ling and Mooney kicked their 3rd, while Wojcinksi kicked another running goal. On a tough night to pick the Cats best Ling got the nod with his 3 goals and 19 touches, while Del Santo only had 11.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 19.11.125 St.Kilda 9.11.65
BEST CAT: Cameron Ling
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney & Cameron Ling 3
CROWD: 42,188
LADDER POSITION: 2 (7-3)
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Adelaide V Geelong, AAMI Stadium, Sunday June 10
Geelong won its sixth straight match and surged to the top of the ladder following its hard fought, but excellent win over Adelaide. The win was the Cats second in 3 weeks in Adelaide, and its first over Crows in Adelaide since 2000. Adelaide got off to the better start and by the 15 minute mark they had 2 goals 2 to the Cats no score. Two late goals to Mooney, the second from an excellent mark, reduced the margin to 8 points at the first change. Despite the football not being free flowing like in recent weeks, the Cats slowly clawed their way back into the match. Gary Ablett was everywhere and he was the reason for the Cats comeback. After the Crows shot out to a 16 point lead, he first handballed to Stokes who goaled and then marked at half forward played on quickly and passed to Ling who goaled to kick his 16th for the season, despite having the "tagging" role. Scores were level at half time, but had the Cats kicked straighter than 2 goals 9 they should have been in front. The lead changed a few times in the third term. Kelly put the Cats after he ran onto a Mooney handball in the goal square. Then Ottens marked on his own after he accidentally crunched Stevens in a marking contest and goaled. After the Crows replied, Mooney was awarded a free kick for front on contact and he goaled just before 3/4 time to give the Cats a 1 point lead. McGregor put the Crows in front after a fine mark, but once again the Cats responded straight when Stokes handballed to Ling to run in and kick his second. Then there was no score for a while, before Steve Johnson intercepted a Crow short pass with a magnificent one handed mark. He goal sealed the 7 point win. Gary Ablett was the Cats best player with 21 very creative disposals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 9.15.69 Adelaide 9.8.62
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 3
CROWD: 43,108
LADDER POSITION: 1 (8-3)
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Geelong V Brisbane, Skilled Stadium, Sunday June 17
Geelong ran away from Brisbane in the final term to win by 50 points in wet conditions at Skilled Stadium. Darren Milburn played his 200th match for the Cats. Geelong lost Rooke from Suspension while Selwood came into the side. Geelong kicked against the wind in the first term as the match was played in rain. Even though they were kicking against the wind Geelong were switched on from the start but they could not put the score on the board. Nathan Ablett and Steve Johnson missed shots. Mackie finally kicked the only goal for the term with a very clever snap from the pocket to give the Cats an 8 point lead at the first change. Kicking with the wind in the second term Geelong's plan was to kick the ball long into the forward line. After a struggle early on in the term Chapman ran into the open goal after running onto a one of the many torpedo's during the match. Steve Johnson snapped a left foot goal that dribbled through after again running onto a long kick and when he passed to Bartel who snapped a clever goal, the margin was 28 points at half time. The Lions came out firing with 2 quick goals in the third term, their first for the match. But Johnson continued his good match when he ran onto a ball in the square and goaled. Then Nathan Ablett took a strong mark and goaled and the margin was back to where it was a half time. But two late goals to Brisbane reduced the margin to 18 points at the final change. The Cats then iced the win in the final term. Johnson started the run with his 3rd goal, while Mooney, Stokes Varcoe and Wojcinski added their first. Then G.Ablett capped off a best on ground performance (35 disposals) with a magnificent snap shot.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 12.13.85 Brisbane 5.5.35
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 3
CROWD: 21,212
LADDER POSITION: 1 (9-3)
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Geelong V Sydney, Skilled Stadium, Saturday June 30
Depleted Geelong held off a fast finishing Sydney to win their 8th match in a row by 3 goals. Max Rooke returned from his one match suspension while Matthew Egam played his 50th match. Cameron Mooney got the Cats off to a great start when he kicked a goal into the wind after being pushed in the back. Sydney were applying great pressure and they kicked 2 in a row to lead by 7 points. But Geelong lifted as Steve Johnson kicked a typical left foot snap and Mooney marked and kicked one from the pocket. Varcoe then ran down Dempster to kick a goal and Nathan Ablett added one the margin was 3 goals at the first change. Geelong lost Rooke to a hamstring injury during the term, while N.Ablett came off after a knock to the knee, but he returned. Geelong continued to dominate in the second term as Ling copped a heavy knock from Barry, and then Bartel came off the ground suffering pins & needles in the arm. He was taken to hospital at half time. Chapman and G.Ablett kicked their first goals, while Mooney kicked his third and Johnson his second and the margin was 41 points at the main change. Twice Geelong led by 8 goals when Mooney and Corey helped them kick 2 of the first 3 goals for the term. But then with a limited interchange bench Geelong ran out of legs and Sydney started to kick the ball longer. They reduced the margin to 6 goals at 3/4 time. But they kept running in the final term to kick the first 4 goals and the margin was only 11 points. But the new Geelong did not lie down and Gary Ablett steadied the side with a great snap shot. Steve Johnson then sealed the win with his third left foot goal of the match. Corey Enright was the Cats best player as he provided great drive from half back.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 13.9.87 Sydney 10.9.69
BEST CAT: Corey Enright
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 4
CROWD: 23,040
LADDER POSITION: 1 (10-3)
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Essendon V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Friday (Night) July 6
Geelong won its ninth straight match for the first time since 1989 after it ran away from Essendon in the final to win by 50 points. The Cats lost Rooke and Nathan Ablett to injury while Tom Hawkins came into the side. Jimmy Bartel recovered from his heavy knock last week to play and Andrew Mackie played his 50th match. Paul Chapman got the Cats off to a great start with a great snap shot. Essendon replied through Welsh but then Milburn ran forward to kick a long goal from 50 metres out. Welsh replied with another, but Johnson and Enright steadied the Cats with goals to give them a 5 point lead at the first change. The Bombers continued to take it up to the Cats in second term with Lucas kicking a couple of goals including one from a harsh holding the ball decision against the Cats. Ling and Ottens kept the Cats in touch with goals and then Johnson got a free from a Fletcher kickout that was not touched. He passed to Ablett who to a strong overhead marked and goaled to give the Cats a 1 goal lead at the main change. During the term Hird, playing his 250th match limped off, while Fletcher was reported for striking Tenace. The high pace tempo continued in the third term as both sides kicked 5 goals. Chapman kicked his second goal, while Mooney kicked his first after 4 earlier points. Ramanauskas, playing his first match in 2 years after surviving his second cancer care, kicked his first goal to bring the house down and give the Dons the lead. But Hawkins ripped the ball from an opponent and dribbled through a left foot goal. A late goal to Enright gave the Cats a 10 point lead at the final change. Two early goals to Stokes in the final term killed any change the Bomber had of winning. Ling was played in the forward line in the last term and had the better of Fletcher to kick 2 goals for a match total of 3. Chapman and Mooney also kicked goals in the final term to also finish with 3. Chapman was back his best with 34 disposals to go along with those 3 goals, while Joel Selwood continued to impress with 26.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 19.19.133 Essendon 12.11.83
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Mooney, Chapman, Ling 3
CROWD: 51,156
LADDER POSITION: 1 (11-3)
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Geelong V Collingwood, M.C.G., Saturday July 14
85,497 packed the MCG to see Geelong win its 10th match in a row with a 14 point win over Collingwood. Geelong made one change with Hunt coming in for Tenace. Cameron Ling played his 150th match, while Jimmy Bartel played his 100th. Collingwood got off to a great start with Cloke and Medhurst kicked the first 2 goals. After the Cats switched Ottens into the Ruck and Varcoe and Stokes came onto the ground the game changed. Ling marked and goaled to get the Cats on their way. Then Mooney was running into the open goal when an attempted bounce did not come back to him, but he re-gathered the ball swung on his left foot to kick a great goal. Then Mooney was in the play again when he almost took a mark and the ball spilled out the back and Stokes ran into the open goal. Enright made it 4 in a row when he intercepted a pass ran to 45 metres and slammed it through the middle to give the Cats an 11 point lead at the first change. Steve Johnson marked 20 metres out and goaled to give the Cats a 2 goal lead. But the Pies came back to kicked the next 3 to hit the front by a point. Wojcinksi then received a lightning handball from Varcoe and his kicked bounced over players in the square to steady the Cats. Selwood then marked and goaled from the Pocket to give the Cats a 1 goal lead at the main change. Scarlett was magnificent in the first half, provided great drive from the backline and keeping Rocca to only 1 touch. Chapman got the Cats off to a great start in the second half when he snapped a goal in the first 20 seconds. Geelong should have sealed the match during the term but Mooney missed 3 shots including 1 from only 15 metres out. Rocca kicked the pies only goal for the term, but some good team work, first saw the ball kept in the forward line and then a string on handballs ended with Ling in the square who them slammed through his second goal to give the Cats a 14 point lead at the final change. Cloke continued his good game in the final term when he brought the Pies within 8 points when he kicked his third. But Johnson was interfered with 20 metres and he kicked his second to give the Cats some breathing space. The Cats had further chances to seal the win, but Johnson and then Chapman missed. Chapman's miss came after he took a mark high over Harry O'Brien. Cloke again gave the Pies a chance with his fourth. But Hawkins snapped on his foot to find Bartel in the pocket. He kicked the goal to give the Cats a great win. Scarlett continued his great match in the second half to finish best on ground.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 11.14.80 Collingwood 9.10.64
BEST CAT: Matthew Scarlett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Ling, Steve Johnson 2
CROWD: 87,497
LADDER POSITION: 1 (12-3)
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Geelong V Bulldogs, Telstra Dome, Friday (Night) July 20
Geelong won its 11th match in a row for the first time since 1953 when an 8 goal first term set up a 75 point thrashing of the Dogs. Geelong suffered a blow when Matthew Scarlett was a late withdrawal with the flu and David Johnson was his replacement. After Enright kicked the first goal with a left foot snap, Cameron Mooney then stamped himself on the game but kicking 3 quick from strong marks. Brad Johnson them continued his recent good form against the Cats with 2 goals, but then Chapman replied with one to the Cats. The Dogs got another, but Geelong finished the term the better with Ling continuing his good season with a great goal from the boundary. He also kept the dangerous Cooney touch less for the term. Steve Johnson then "crossed" the ball to the square where Joel Corey cleverly soccered it through. Ablett capped off a great quarter when he joined the party. Mooney continued his excellent start to the game when he kicked a goal from a free kick. Hawkins could have extended the margin but he missed 2 left foot snap shots. The Cats were applying excellent defensive pressure and Milburn's smother on Ray as he ran into goal, resulted in the ball rebounding to Mackie as he kicked a goal. Selwood then continued his great form as he dodged an opponent and kicked a goal. David Johnson then kicked 2 goals after receiving 50 metre penalties because Ablett was held off the ball. The margin was 56 points at half time. Geelong dropped off in the third term as they started to kick points. Steve Johnson took a great one handed mark and goaled, and Joel Corey kicked his second. Most of the last term was like the third term as the Cats took the foot off the pedal. Mackie intercepted a Bulldog kick out to kick his second goal, which went with 29 touches that provided great drive. Then in the final 5 minutes Chapman kicked his second from the square, Selwood kicked his second and Stokes kicked 2 goals as well to add the icing on the cake.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 20.18.138 Bulldogs 9.9.63
BEST CAT: Andrew Mackie
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 4
CROWD: 44,688
LADDER POSITION: 1 (13-3)
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Fremantle V Geelong, Subiaco Oval, Saturday July 28
Geelong won its 12th match in a row after recording its highest score (20.20.140) and greatest winning margin of 68 points against Fremantle. Geelong lost Chapman with a hip injury, but regained Scarlett and Nathan Ablett. James Kelly played his 100th game, while Tom Harley played his 150th game for Geelong after playing 1 with Port Adelaide. Geelong kicked with the wind in the first quarter and they dominated play. Milburn who started off with a couple of turn overs moved forward to mark and then run 30 metres into the open goal. Mooney then came into the game when he kicked two goals, one from a set shot and the other running into goal. He then handballed over to Stokes who also ran into the open goal. Steve Johnson then snapped a goal and Kelly made it 6 when he ran into goal. Pavlich was the only goal kicker for Fremantle as the margin was 31 points at the opening change. The football in the second term became sloppy as the Cats could not take their chances and they also had points rushed through by Freo. The Dockers kicked 3.2 to 2.7 and the margin was an even 5 goals at the main change. After Kelly kicked his second early in the second half, the Dockers came back with 3 in a row and the margin was only 21 points. But Ling was able to steady the Cats with a good running goal that provided another spark. Stokes then kicked one from 50 metres on the run and he followed that up with a strong mark and goal in the square and the margin was 33 points a 3/4 time. Geelong hammered nail after nail into the Dockers season in the final term as they slammed on 8 goals. Stokes kicked 2 more goals to finish with a career best 5 goals. S.Johnson kicked his second, while Josh Hunt and then Harley ran forward to kicked goals. Ablett finished a best on ground performance, where he had 31 touches, with a goal. S.Johnson with 26, was not far behind him.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 20.20.140 Fremantle 10.12.72
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Matthew Stokes 5
CROWD: 36,741
LADDER POSITION: 1 (14-3)
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Geelong V Richmond, Skilled Stadium, Saturday August 4
Geelong won its 13th in a row after thrashing Richmond for the second time this season by 70 points. Steven King returned to the side for the first time since round 5, while Enright missed with a shoulder injury. Ottens was then a late withdrawal with a virus and Varcoe came into the side. With a strong cross wind, conditions were not easy. As always Steve Johnson made then look easy when he slotted one through from the non attacking pocket. Milburn then ran forward to kick a goal. Tivendale got the Tigers away with 2 goal in a row, but Johnson was in the play against when he handballed in front of Kelly who soccered a goal off the ground. Johnson then kicked his second as the Cats lead by 20 points at the first change. Johnson continued his good game in the second term when he kicked another 2 goals. One was a typical Johnson snap from the boundary line. Wojcinski kicked a good running goal from outside 50 and then Corey passed beautifully to Stokes who ran into the open goal, to give the Cats a 28 point lead at half time. Geelong messed around with the ball early in the third term and Richo kicked one goal and missed another and the margin was under 4 goals. But a good Kelly snap for his second provided the spark for the Cats as they did not look back. Then the moment brought the biggest roar of the day. Mooney marked strongly 10 metres out and then he handballed over top to Blake in the square and he kicked his first goal in the AFL, after previously kicking 5 behinds. He was swamped by teammates who came from all over the ground. Mackie then tapped a ball beautifully to Stokes who ran to 50 and slammed through another one to extend the margin to 43 points at the final. Geelong slammed on another 8 goals in the final term. Best on Ground Johnson kicked his 5th, while 1 goal was not enough for Blake as his snapped his second.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 21.13.139 Richmond 11.3.69
BEST CAT: Steve Johnson
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 5
CROWD: 21,951
LADDER POSITION: 1 (15-3)
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Geelong V Adelaide, Skilled Stadium, Sunday August 12
Geelong has sewed up top spot on the ladder with 3 rounds remaining, following its 33 point win over Adelaide. Brad Ottens returned to the side and Mark Blake missed with general soreness. With the ground wet following morning rain Geelong kicked to the end favoured by the breeze in the first quarter and like they had done so often this season they came out firing. Wet weather specialist Bartel had 6 touches in the first 4 minutes including the opening goal. Then the Ablett's came into the game with first Gary kicking one from 50 metres, and than Nathan slotted one. Bartel then continued his dominate play when he kicked his second goal. Adelaide finally kicked their first, but this was answered by Selwood, who continued his impressive season, and the margin was 27 points at the first change. Kicking with the wind in the second term Adelaide played much better football and they got back into the game. They kicked the first 3 goals of the term to reduce the margin to only 9 points. But Scarlett was able to run down field and kick a goal from 45 metres out right on the half time siren to extend the lead to 15 points. Adelaide got the first goal of the third term, but a typical Steven Johnson goal from the boundary lifted the Cats. With Mooney on fire in the forward line they set up a match winning lead. Mooney kicked one himself, and missed another. He was then in the play again when he followed the ball towards the behind line, looked over his shoulder and saw Selwood at the top of the square and he cleverly soccered the ball to Selwood, who marked and goaled. Enright joined in when he slammed one through from 50 metres out on the run. The margin was 31 points at the final change. The last term was even with both sides kicking 4 goals. G.Ablett kicking his second and Ottens, Mackie and Ling their first. Bartel continued his excellent form for the duration of the match to finish with 35 touches.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.13.103 Adelaide 10.10.70
BEST CAT: Jimmy Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett 2
CROWD: 21,267
LADDER POSITION: 1 (16-3)
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Kangaroos V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Sunday August 19
Geelong won its 15th in a row with a 27 point win over the Kangaroos, that avenged its last loss which was to the Roos in Round 5. Paul Chapman returned to the side after being out with a hip injury. Cameron Mooney set the Cats alight in the first term when he took 2 very strong marks to kick 2 goals. He kicked his third soon after when he was awarded a free kick for a hold. The Roos had their chances to get off to a good start, but they kicked inaccurately, 2 goals 8 for the term. Steve Johnson then snapped beautifully on his left foot to find Stokes on his own in the square and he ran in and goaled to give the Cats a 16 point lead at 1/4 time. After the Roos kicked the first goal of the second term, Johnson replied with his first to against extend the lead at nearly 3 goals. Then right on half time McIntosh marked and goaled in front of Steven King, when King attempted to mark from behind instead of punching. King showed his frustrations by pounded his first into the turf. The margin was 2 goals at the main change. After the Roos kicked 2 of the first 3 goals of the third term Geelong woke up and Gary Ablett started a run of 6 goals when he kicked a long goal from around 50 metres out. Mooney marked strongly again to kick his 4th goal, Ablett again kicked a long goal from a set shot and Johnson showed his class when he kicked 3 goals for the term to have 4 for the match as the Cats lead by 37 points at the final change. After Mooney again marked strongly to kick his 5th goal and 50th of the season, the Roos lifted and they kicked 5 in a row to reduce the margin to 15 points. But Chapman steadied the Cats with a great goal from the pocket, and Bartel (Geelong's best player) added the icing on the cake when he kicked a long goal.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 17.16.118 Kangaroos 13.13.91
BEST CAT: Jimmy Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 5
CROWD: 48,501
LADDER POSITION: 1 (17-3)
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Geelong V Port Adelaide, Skilled Stadium, Sunday August 26
Geelong's 15 match winning streak was brought to an end after they lost to Port Adelaide by 5 points after trailing for most of the day. The Cats suffered a huge blow on Friday when Jimmy Bartel was ruled out with appendicitis. Selwood was rested with general soreness and then Ling was a late withdrawal with hamstring tightness. Henry Playfair came into the side for his first match of the season. Geelong got off to a great start with a goal to Steve Johnson. This was followed up with a goal to Varcoe that was setup by Nathan Ablett. But then Port got on top and they kicked the next 5 goals to lead by 19 points at the first change. Gary Ablett went off with a knock to the knee, but thankfully he ran back out during the break to join the huddle. The Power continued to apply great pressure and Geelong turned the ball over. Nathan Ablett sparked the Cats with 3 goals to get them within a goal, but he was rested and the Power got on top and the margin was back out to 3 goals at the main change. The third term was much like the second with the Power able to respond to every Geelong challenge. Steve Johnson kicked his second and Mackie tried to spark the side with a long goal, but the margin was 19 points at the final change. After the Power got out to a 4 goal lead during the last term Geelong lifted. Stokes missed an easy shot, but then he made up for it soon after to kick a good goal. Then Byrnes and Ottens also missed easy shots. Ottens miss was not as costly as Steve Johnson intercepted the kick in to kick his 3rd. Then G.Ablett slammed one through and the Cats lead by a point. But in the final two minutes the Cats tried play keepings off. This came unstuck and the Power kicked a goal with 3 seconds left to bring back memories of the Sydney final. Thankfully this was not a final and hopefully it was "the loss we had to have" even though Mark Thompson said it was due to not turning up to play.
FINAL
SCORE: Port Adelaide 16.10.106 Geelong 15.11.101
BEST CAT: Brad Ottens
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson, Nathan Ablett 3
CROWD: 24,331
LADDER POSITION: 1 (17-4)
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Brisbane V Geelong, GABBA, Saturday (Night) September 1
Geelong won a club record 18th win for the season when it defeated Brisbane by 7 goals at the GABBA. Cameron Ling and Joel Selwood returned to the side. Geelong started the match well with Nathan Ablett kicking an early goal. Steve Johnson continued his excellent form when he snapped a goal. Stokes added and Mooney also added a goal each. The Lions kicked 2 late goals to stay in touch, only 19 points down at the first change. Geelong suffered a blow when Egan limped off with an ankle injury at the first change. With Egan off Brown lifted and Lions stayed in touch during the second term. Johnson was again in the play when he kicked a goal from a set shot and then kicked a typical left foot snap. Byrnes kicked a rare goal from directly in front and Selwood continued his magnificent season when he won the hard ball and got it to Ling who kick a ripper goal from the boundary on the run to make the margin 16 points at the main change. Geelong sealed the win in the third term and they slammed on 6 goals to 3. Mooney added a couple, as did Chapman as he started to regain his best form since returning from injury. The Cats kicked another 7 goals to 6 in the final term. Ottens, the Cats best player, and Mooney finished with 4 goals, while Stokes joined Johnson on 3.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 22.13.145 Brisbane 15.13.103
BEST CAT: Brad Ottens
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney, Brad Ottens 4
CROWD: 34,107
LADDER POSITION: 1 (18-4)
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FINALS
Geelong V Kangaroos, M.C.G., Sunday September 9
Geelong recorded its greatest even finals win when it thrashed the Kangaroos by 106 points in the Qualifying Final. Geelong lost Egan with a Broken foot, but regained Jimmy Bartel and Max Rooke from injury. The contest was on 30 minutes before the bounce when the Kangaroos ran through Geelong's warm up causing some pushing and shoving. When the real stuff began Chapman got the Cats off to a great start kicking the opening goal of the game. The Roos replied with their first and then Gary Ablett was awarded a free for a hold during a ball up and he kicked a goal. The Kangas then replied with 2 in a row, but Chapman again snapped a goal, this time on his left foot. After being 3 straight, the Cats kicked behinds for the rest of the term to lead by 5 at the first change. The second term was all Geelong as they went about taking the game away from the Roos. Chapman continued his great start to match when he marked and goaled. Then Mooney came into the game as he took 2 great marks and he kicked 3 goals. Byrnes then marked strongly handballed to Bartel who kicked a magnificent goal from 55 metres out. Nathan Ablett and Stokes also kicked goals late in the term to extend the margin to 45 points at half time. Geelong continued to run in the third term as they extended their lead. Chapman added his fourth goal early in the 3rd term and then N.Ablett marked strongly in the and kicked his second from the pocket. Johnson and Ottens joined the Party to kick goals. Mooney kicked another 2 goals for the term with his 5th coming after the 3/4 time siren to extend the margin to 75 points. The flood gates really opened up in the final term and Geelong ran riot. The Ablett's kicked goals with Nathan his 3rd and Gary his 2nd, while Mackie added his first. Enright also chipped in with 2 goals on the run and when Chapman kicked his 5th the margin was over 100 points. On a day when Geelong had many good players, Gary Ablett was the best with 32 touches to go with his 2 goals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 23.18.156 Kangaroos 8.2.50
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman 5
CROWD: 77,630
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Geelong V Collingwood, M.C.G., Friday (Night) September 21
Geelong is through to its first Grand Final in 12 years following a thrilling 5 point over Collingwood in front of 98,002 fans. Geelong went into the match with the same side that defeated the Kangaroos and Joel Corey played his 150th match. Collingwood got the first goal of the match when Burns picked up the loose ball and snapped a good goal. Geelong replied soon after when Stokes ran onto a ball in the square to kick a goal. Ottens, who started well in the Ruck, then ran forward to take a good mark and kick a goal. Geelong then made it three in a row when Stokes kicked his second after Mooney miss kicked it and he snapped another good goal. O'Bree then kicked one for the Pies when he received a lucky 50 metre penalty against Selwood. Stokes took a very strong mark and goaled and the margin was 11 points at the first change. The Pies got the first couple of the second term to hit the front, but Steve Johnson came into the match. He took a good mark and goaled and then he ran onto a brilliant tap out from Nathan Ablett and goaled. Rooke also kicked a goal to extend the lead to 16 points, but then Didak kicked a freak goal and another to Russling cut the margin back to only 5 points at the main change. Geelong came out firing early in the third term but they kicked inaccurately. Mooney, Ottens and Stokes all missed very gettable shots. Kelly finally got one when he ran into the open goal. But the Pies pressure put the Cats off their game as Cloke and Medhurst goaled to put the Pies in front. Mooney was then awarded a free kicked for deliberate out of bounds and he snapped a great pressure goal to give the Cats a 5 point lead at the final change. After Cloke put the Pies back in front in the first minute of the final term, Geelong lifted and threatened to blow the match wide open. Mooney, Johnson and Chapman goaled and the Cats were 3 goals in front. But goals to Didak and Cloke, and a point to Cloke reduced the margin to only 5 points. Then Geelong's 2 best players came into the play. Ottens (Geelong's Best) tapped the ball and Gary Ablett pounced. He ran past a Collingwood opponent and then snapped a magnificent goal from 40 metres out. The Pies did not lie down and Medhurst goaled with a minute left, but the Cats were able to hang on and keep their premiership dream alive.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 13.14.92 Collingwood 13.9.87
BEST CAT: Brad Ottens
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson, Matthew Stokes 3
CROWD: 98,002
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Geelong won the 2007 VFL Grand Final with a thumping 74 point win over the Coburg Tigers. In very windy conditions the Tigers kicked the first goal of the match but Geelong responded soon after when Hawkins snapped a good goal. The Cats another couple in the term to lead by 15 points at the first change. In a spiteful second term where there were plenty of scuffles and also the report of Tim Callan, Geelong dominated but kept the Tigers in the match with bad kicking. Djerrkura kicked a great snap goal, was awarded a free kick without the ball being bounced, but hit the post from 10 metres out. The Cats kicked 2 goals 8 to 3 goals 3 and the margin was 14 points at the main change. The third quarter was the Tom Lonergan show as he continued his magnificent comeback after nearly losing his life after his lost his kidney last year. He kicked 5 goals for the term, as they Cats slammed on 7 to 0 and the margin was 61 point at the final change. The final term was similar with Lonergan kicking one more to finish with 6 goals and was also announced winner of the Norm Goss Medal for best on ground. Final Score: Geelong 17.24.126 Coburg 7.10.52
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