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21 Round 22 Home Qualifying
Final Preliminary Final Grand
Final Previous Years
PRESEASON
A magnificent first half display by Gary Ablett has spurred Geelong to a 35 point win over Adelaide in the opening Round of the NAB Cup. After spending the first 5 minutes of the match on the bench, Ablett was everywhere after he came on kicking 3 goals including a "Super Goal." He continued his dominance in the second term adding another goal. Jimmy Bartel also continued his form from the past two seasons while Chapman got through the first half ok before being rested. After missing out on the Grand Final Ryan Gamble put his hand up for a spot in the forward line with 4 goals while Lonergan performed well in the absence of Mooney and Hawkins with 3 goals. Harry Taylor was good in defence and Simon Hogan showed that he has what it takes to pressure for a place in the side. The only critical aspect of the Cat's game was the overuse of the ball but hopefully that can be ironed as the pre-season goes on. FINAL SCORE: Geelong 1.17.8.119 Adelaide 2.9.12.84
Round 2: Geelong V Port Adelaide, AAMI Stadium, Saturday February 28
An undermanned Geelong side has beaten Port Adelaide by 18 points in the second round of the NAB Cup. Missing several stars including Gary Ablett, Joel Corey, Matthew Scarlett, Steve Johnson to name a few Geelong got off to a great start when Stokes kicked the opening goal of the match. A strong wind made conditions difficult and skills from both sides were down. Geelong lost Gamble to a hip injury and Milburn to a corked thigh in the first half and they were subbed. Motlop looked dangerous in the second term taking a couple of pack marks but Geelong swung acting captain Corey Enright on to him and he took him out of the match. Max Rooke was back to his best in the third term picking up 9 disposals and after struggling to score a great team goal when a string of handballs took the ball from halfback to half forward before Jimmy Bartel kicked the goal. The Power closed within 1 point in the final term but 3 goals Matthew Stokes, who seams to have overcome osteitis pubis, sealed the match. FINAL SCORE: Geelong 11.6.72 Port Adelaide 1.6.9.54
Round 3: Geelong V Carlton, Etihad Stadium, Saturday March 7
Geelong is through to the NAB Cup Grand Final after an unimpressive win against a young Carlton side that missing most of its stars. Gary Ablett, who was rested last week, continue on from his form against Adelaide by kicking a great left foot snap early in the first term. Scott Simpson snapped a clever goal and Lonergan kicked one as well. Geelong got on top on the second term with Laidler running forward from the back line to kick a super goal. Hawkins who played his first match of the preseason slotted a long goal and the margin was 15 points at the main change. Geelong continue to dominate in the third term but they over used the ball as they tried to handball their way through the cluster. Steve Johnson who came on as a sub after half time was in great touch even though it was his first match on the pre-season He kicked a typical goal from the angle but Cartlon came back late in the term and the margin was 11 points at the final change. With the Blues thteatening a major upset Chapman sealed the win with a Super goal. FINAL SCORE: Geelong 2.9.12.84 Carlton 9.13.67
Grand Final: Geelong V Collingwood, Etihad Stadium, Friday March 13
Geelong has gone part of the way of redeeming itself from its dissapointing Grand Final showing, by thrashing Collingwood in the Final of the NAB Cup. The Pies and their fans were confident of a win but after scores were level at quarter time the real Geelong turned up and blew the Magpies away. Joel Selwood continues his rapid improvement and he was magnificent in the first half when the match was in the balance. He has no fear of putting his body on the line to win the hard ball. He helped set up the first three goals of the second term and then kicked one himself. Gary Ablett was also in sensational form and he was robbed of a supergoal by a rare free kick to Collingwood but made amends seconds later after the Pies turned the ball over and Ablett pounced. The one familiar story from the Grand Final was once again the bad kicking in front of goal. Hawkins, Gamble, Lonergan and Varcoe were and Ottens again were the culprits. That had the Pie fans bringing up last September but their memory is short following their recent tragic history in Grand Finals!!! Strangely enough they grew quiet at half time when the lead was 40 points as the Pies could only manage 1 point during the term. The second half was academic for the Cats. More mistakes from Collingwood as Stokes smothered then soccered a goal in the square. The last quarter was party time as another 5 goals to 2 were kicked. Ablett kicked a ripper snap from the boundary line and then slotted his third. Selwood pipped Ablett for best on ground honours and the Michael Tuck Medal, while Scarlett brought John Anthony back to earth with a major thud, 6 goals last week, and barely a touch this week. Small celebrations from the Cats as their mind is on the season proper and another shot at the Hawks. FINAL SCORE: Geelong 18.19.127 Collingwood 1.6.6.51
ROUNDS 1 - 22
Hawthorn V Geelong, M.C.G., Friday (Night) March 27
.Geelong has reversed last years Grand Final result to defeat Hawthorn by 8 points but the goal kicking yips that cost the Cats in the big one are still there and need to be addressed if the side is to go one better in '09. Selwood was wobbly in the first few minutes after S.Taylor kneed him in the head. But its takes more than that to keep Selwood down and he came back on later. Mooney set up Gamble for Geelong's first goal but then Gamble missed two set shots soon after. The Hawks kicked their first and then Varcoe kicked straight for the Cats second. Mackie kicked a clever snap and then straight from the bounce Gamble kicked a ripper snap from the boundary. Roughhead got 1 back for the Hawks and then Mooney still haunted by his Grand Final misses, missed again to the delight of the Hawk Fans. Dew also brought back memories of the Grand Final with a fine goal from the boundary at quarter time. The Hawks got the first of the second term but a clever snap from Johnson kicked them clear. But again the yips were there with Stokes, Ottens twice and Mooney missing. In between the Hawks kicked three goals and were in front despite the Cats dominated, sound familiar??? Finally Mooney goaled which sparked the Cats. A magnificent team play saw Ablett kick one on the run and then Blake marked and goaled and the Cats were three goals up. Again the Hawks got one on the siren and the margin was 2 goals at half time. The third term was Geelong at their best and it proved if they can kick straight they have the game plan to beat the "cluster." Chapman kicked a magnificent running goal, and then Mooney marked in the same spot where he missed on half time in the Grand Final. This time he goaled and his first pumping let the Hawk fans know about it. Max Rooke then kicked a left foot snap and soon after kicked one from a set shot. He is one player you want to have the ball in a pressure situation. Lonergan then goaled after given a 50 by a late spoil from Hodge. The Hawks kicked two in a row but Johnson kicked his second and the lead was 37 points at the final change. Enright kicked the first goal of the final term but the Hawks kicked the next 6 to get within 7. The goal kicking yips could have cost them the match but they were able to hang on for a massive confidence boosting win. Ablett was the Cats best with 35 disposals with a fit Ottens and Chapman not far behind.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.21.111 Hawthorn 16.7.103
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): S.Johnson, Rooke, Mooney, Gamble 2
CROWD: 69,593
LADDER POSITION: 7 (1-0)
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Geelong V Richmond, Skilled Stadium, Saturday April 4
A three goal burst by Steve Johnson has helped the Cats overcome a determined Richmond side at Skilled Stadium. Simon Hogan came into the side to play his first senior game. Geelong got off to a good start when Hawkins snapped a goal. The Tigers got one back and once again the Cats kicking was a problem. Rooke and Johnson missed easy shots. Chapman goaled from the line after being awarded a 50 metre penalty. Ablett then kicked a long goal from 50 metres out and a great pick up from Ottens got the ball to Varcoe who goaled. Ottens then injured his knee at a center bounce and he did not come back on. The Tigers got the first two of the second term before Enright drifted forward and like last week kicked a goal. Steve Johnson goaled after getting a free kick as did Max Rooke to give the Cats a 31 point lead at the main break. The Tigers came out firing in the third term and three quick goals and they were back in the match. Mooney marked and kicked a pressure goal from 45 metres out. After the ball went through the Tigers punched it over the fence awarding another free kick to the Cats. Hawkins goaled from the square. Corey then goaled after being held after giving off the ball. The Tigers lifted again but missed 3 easy shots before kicking 4 in a row to lead by 1 point at the final change. Bowden kicked a ripper from the boundary to give the Tigers a 6 point lead before Geelong finally woke up and Steve Johnson magic got them over the line.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.15.105 Richmond 13.7.85
BEST CAT: Darren Milburn
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 4
CROWD: 22,288
LADDER POSITION: 4 (2-0)
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An eight goal second term has helped set up a 27 point win over Collingwood at the 'G. Ottens was out with his knee injury while Stokes returned to the side. Byrnes and West came in for Hogan and Gamble. The first 10 minutes of the match was all Collingwood and it seemed they were going to repeat their 86 point win from last season as they had 2.2 to a point. Ablett then dropped on easy mark on the lead, but moments later he took a much tougher one. He goaled from the angle to stem the tide. Ablett was in the play again when a good tackle lead to the ball going to Stokes who ran into the open goal. But again the Pies dominated to kick the next 3 and lead by 20 points at quarter time. Leigh Brown had a chance to extend it to 26 but missed early in the second term. Geelong then woke up. A string of handballs lead to Wojcinski kicking one on the run. Stokes was then left on his own and he marked and goaled from 15 metres out. Chapman was then awarded a free kick for too high and he a received a 50 metre penalty when Shaw touched the umpire and was reported. Then the goal of the night that put Geelong in front. Byrnes intercepted a Collingwood pass and he passed the ball in front of Varcoe. Varcoe just could not get the run of the ball from hung in the contest and the ball went to Ablett, who handballed to Varcoe who snapped the goal. Johnson then kicked his first from a set shot and Varcoe ran into goal to kick his second. Hawkins then came into the game with two strong grabs for 1 goal 1. Chapman capped off a magnificent quarter with a long goal and then margin was 27 points in Geelong's favour at the main break. The third term was a replica of the first with Collingwood dominating. 3 goals to 1 and the margin was back to 14 points at the final change. Any hope the Pies had of winning was snuffed out in the first 5 minutes of the final term as Johnson kicked one off the ground and Byrnes and Mooney both snapped goals. Hawkins kicked one more to have 2, while Chapman kicked 2 more to finish best on ground with 4 goals and 35 touches.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 18.14.122 Collingwood 13.17.95
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Paul Chapman 4
CROWD: 58,527
LADDER POSITION: 3 (3-0)
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Adelaide V Geelong, AAMI Stadium, Saturday (Night) April 18
Gary Ablett has celebrated his 150th match with a Best on Ground performance that spurred the Cats to a 48 point win over the Crows. West was dropped and Mumford came in to the side, while Milburn was a late withdrawal and Lonergan came in to the side to play in defence. Geelong got off to a great start with Johnson kicking the opening goal. Then Ablett showed his class. He marked strongly and kicked a left foot snap from the boundary line and then he kicked one from straight in front. The Crows finally got their first before Varcoe also marked strongly and goaled. Mooney who had missed one early, marked and goaled and when the Crows got a late one the margin was 11 at the first change. Geelong came out firing in the second term and they looked back to their best form. Ablett kicked off the term with a magnificent goal on the run for his third. Rooke roved a pack to snap a goal and Mackie kicked a long one from 50. Blake was then awarded a free kick and he put through his 2nd goal of the season. When Byrnes kicked one in the square the margin was 7 goals. The Crows then came back by kicking the last 4 of the term and the margin was back to 3 goals at half time. Ablett was once again in the play when he set up goals to Stokes and Varcoe early in the third term. The Crows kept coming however and they went goal for goal. Johnson snapped his second before the Crows kicked 2 more to reduce the margin to only 11 points. But a mistake in the back line led to Mooney swooping on to the loose ball and he kicked a goal. With the margin 17 points at the final change the first goal was vital and Selwood goaled within 30 seconds of the bounce and that broke the Crows back. The Cats added another 6 for the term with Johnson and Varcoe kicked their 3rd goals and Mumford his first in senior footy. Ablett collecting a staggering 46 disposals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 21.8.134 Adelaide 13.8.86
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Ablett, Johnson, Varcoe 3
CROWD: 40,418
LADDER POSITION: 2 (4-0)
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Geelong V Brisbane, Skilled Stadium, Sunday April 26
Geelong has played its best 4 quarter match of the season to thrash Brisbane by 93 points at Skilled Stadium. Geelong lost Ling to an achilles injury while Milburn returned from injury and David Johnson came in for his first game of the season. Joel Selwood played his 50th match for the Cats. The match was played in very very windy conditions with the wind blowing mainly across the ground but also favouring the City End goals. Brisbane won the toss but kicked "against" it. After a slow start it wasn't until the 10th minute when Rooke took a strong mark and he kicked the opening goal. Mooney who was returning to form kicked two in a row and Byrnes after an earlier miss kicked one. Hawkins then marked and goaled after the siren to give the Cats a 32 point lead. Sherman kicked the Lions first after quarter time but then Geelong dominated even though they were kicking against the wind. They were handling the ball as if it was a dry day. Hawkins snapped his second after Mooney got the ball to him and Stokes kicked his first. Byrnes then added his second from a set shot and Mooney kicked his third. Stokes added his second and then Rooke kicked a beauty from the boundary line as he dribbled the ball through from 30 metres out. When Hawkins again goaled after the siren the margin was 65 points at the main break. The break didn't help the Cats as the third term was very scrappy. They still won the term by kicked 2 goals to 1 to extend their lead to 74 points. Another 3 to 1 in the final term saw the Cats home. Ablett kicked a ripper from the boundary that defied logic considering the win. He was just pipped by Mooney for best on ground honours as Mooney played his best game for quite some time.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 18.18.126 Brisbane 5.3.33
BEST CAT: Cameron Mooney
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Mooney, Hawkins, Stokes 3
CROWD: 15,580
LADDER POSITION: 2 (5-0)
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Melbourne V Geelong, M.C.G., Sunday May 3
Geelong's goal kicking yips have resurfaced at the MCG as they should have beaten Melbourne by more than the 43 points that they did in perfect conditions. Ablett looked to set the tone and continue his magnificent run of late when he took the ball out of the centre and goaled in the first 20 seconds of the match. But Melbourne were more determined in the first quarter and they missed shots they should have kicked. They did hit the lead but two late goals from Mooney put the Cats 5 points up at the first change. Geelong dominated the second term with Steve Johnson coming into the game with 3 goals. The Cats kicked 6 to 2 to extend their lead to 32 points at the main change. Geelong dominated the third term but with bad goal kicking they could not extend their lead. Chapman finally goaled after 5 behinds. Johnson added his fourth later in the term as the margin was 46 points at the final change. Melbourne won the final term by 3 points as both sides tired. Chapman was the Cats best player with 41 disposals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.21.111 Melbourne 10.8.68
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 4
CROWD: 36,932
LADDER POSITION: 2 (6-0)
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Geelong V Sydney, Skilled Stadium, Saturday May 9
Some Steve Johnson magic in the first half has helped set up Geelong's 51 point win over Sydney at Skilled Stadium. Geelong lose Ablett to a groin injury but regained Ling and Harley for his first game of the season. Sydney kicked with the wind in the first term but scoring goals proved difficult. Steve Johnson was on fire but he could only manage 3 points. Finally O'Louglin kicked the first goal of the match at the 24 minute mark. Johnson answered straight away to kick Geelong's first. Sydney got the first of the second term but then the Johnson show continued. Three goals in a row and he had kicked 4.3 out of Geelong's 4.5. Hawkins, Stokes and Mooney also goaled and the margin shot out to 33 points. The Swans kicked 2 in a row before Mooney's second extended the margin to 28 points at half time. After Bartel kicked the first of the third term the Swans charged back through to hard working of Goodes. He kicked two of their three goals to reduce the margin to 21 points. But Johnson was in the play again as he passed to Stokes who ran into the open goal. Another two goals to the Cats including Stokes third and they had a match winning 6 goal lead at the final change. The highlights of the final term was two long goals to Hawkins who finished with 3 for the match but more importantly provided a target all day. Johnson was the best with 28 disposals to go with his 4 goals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 17.14.116 Sydney 10.5.65
BEST CAT: Steve Johnson
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 4
CROWD: 22,050
LADDER POSITION: 2 (7-0)
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Geelong V Kangaroos, Skilled Stadium, Saturday May 16
Geelong has won their 8th straight match of the season with an easy 70 point win over the Kangaroos. Geelong lost Chapman before the match and Lonergan came into the side. North kicked with the wind in the first term and they had early opportunities to make the most of it but they could only manage a couple of behinds. Geelong also missed 2 shots before Varcoe kicked the opening goal of the match. Hale replied straight away for the Roos but from then it was all Geelong as they were back to their dominating best. Mooney kicked his first after a great pass from Johnson and then Varcoe added his second. Bartel, who had played at lot of this season in the back half, was dominating on the ball and he drifted forward for 2 good goals to give Geelong a 25 point lead at the first change. With the wind behind them in the second term it was only a matter of time before the flood gates opened. And open they did. Mooney kicked his second when he marked and ran into goal. Hawkins, who's kicking has improved the past couple of weeks, goaled and then Rooke did the same to continue his good start to the season as a handy forward. Wojcinski kicked a long goal and then Mackie drifted forward for two goals in a row before Hale got one back before half time and the margin was 56 points. The second half was more even than the first. Geelong won the third term by a point with Byrnes kicked 2 and Bartel added his third goal. The final term saw Byrnes kick his third for the half after a magnificent effort from Rooke, who never gave up to get the ball to Byrnes. Bartel was the Cats best as he had 34 disposals to go with his 3 goals in what was his best game of the season.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 18.11.119 Kangaroos 7.7.49
BEST CAT: Jimmy Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Jimmy Bartel, Shannon Byrnes 3
CROWD: 20,873
LADDER POSITION: 2 (8-0)
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Geelong V Bulldogs, Telstra Dome, Friday (Night) May 22
A Brad Johnson miss after the final siren has enabled Geelong to hang on and beat the Bulldogs by 2 points in the match of the season to date. Geelong lost Mooney to suspension but regained Ablett and Chapman from injury. Geelong got the first goal of the night when Chapman was awarded a free kick. Selwood then goaled after Ablett was awarded a 50 metre penalty for being held off the ball. Brad Johnson got one back for the Dogs but then Steve Johnson continued his excellent form when he kicked 2 in a row. The Dogs got one back before Stokes and Chapman goaled. Akermanis got one back for the Dogs on quarter time and the margin was 20 points. The Dogs kicked the first 4 goals of the second term to hit the lead by 2 points. Geelong then lifted with Stokes kicking 2 in a row to have 3 for the match. Gamble then kicked his first and then later on he left the ground with concussion after hitting his taking a strong mark. Hawkins missed the shot at goal. Again the Dogs got a late one and the margin was 13 points at the long break. Geelong again lifted in the third term with Steve Johnson on fire again. He kicked 2, including one from the boundary, and Chapman also kicked his third goal. When Rooke kicked his first the margin has blown out to 37 points. Brilliant desperation from Rooke kept the ball in the Cats forward half of the ground and Stokes was able to kick his fourth to keep the 6 goal lead. Two goals in time on to Akermanis reduced the margin to 22 points at the final change. Griffin got the first of the final term but some Steve Johnson margin saw him kick his 5th goal. The Dogs got two in a row and the margin was back to only 8 points. But Bartel was able to snap a goal to give the Cats some breathing space. Bartel was in the play again when he marked kept his feet and kicked long to Ablett who marked. His snap at goal to seal the game hit the post and the Dogs breathed again. And breath they did with two quick goals to Akermanis and Brad Johnson, who both kicked their 4th, and the margin was only 3 points. Travis Varcoe brought the crowd to their feet with a magnificent snap goal. But again the Dogs would not lie down and a Picken goal again reduced the margin to 3 points. When Brad Johnson marked in the pocked the match look over for the Cats but he missed and Geelong remained undefeated.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 17.14.116 Bulldogs 17.12.114
BEST CAT: Joel Selwood
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 5
CROWD: 44,620
LADDER POSITION: 2 (9-0)
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Essendon V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Sunday May 31
A 6 goal best on ground performance has enabled Geelong to an easy 64 point over Essendon. Geelong lost Chapman to injury and Stokes to suspension but Nathan Djerrkura made his debut for the club. After Essendon got the first goal it was all Geelong in the first quarter. Joel Selwood kicked their first on the run. Then Ablett took a strong mark over an Essendon opponent and he goaled. Johnson missed an easy set shot but in typical Johnson fashion he made up for it by kicking one from the pocket. Mooney then found Ling on his own and he kicked straight. The quarter ended with Byrnes and Rooke kicking goals. Geelong lost Harley with a hamstring injury during the term. Mooney kicked the first of the second term before the Bombers finally kicked their second for the match. Then Geelong got on a run of 5 goals with Byrnes, Ablett, Ling, Johnson and Mooney all kicking their second goal and the margin was 10 goals at the main change. The third term was the Johnson show as he slammed on 4 goals to have 6 for the match, this following his 5 against the Dogs last week. Selwood also kicked his second during the term and the margin was 82 points at the final change. With Harley injured, Taylor spending time on the bench with an ankle injury and Rooke concussed Geelong tired in the final term enabling Essendon to kick 6 goals to 3.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 20.14.134 Essendon 11.4.70
BEST CAT: Steve Johnson
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Steve Johnson 6
CROWD: 48,852
LADDER POSITION: 2 (10-0)
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West Coast V Geelong, Subiaco Oval, Sunday June 7
Geelong has gone in to the mid season break with a 22 point over West Coast, their 11th straight of the season. The Cats lost Harley to a hamstring and Taylor to an ankle but Chapman returned from his finger injury and Stokes from suspension. Dispite appearing flat to coach Mark Thompson Geelong came out of the blocks in the first 10 minutes and it looked a repeat of last years smashing. Hawkins marked on the lead and goaled, then Ablett found himself in space and he kicked a good goal. Hawkins was then awarded a free kick for holding and he kicked his second. Shannon Byrnes continued his excellent recent form and he ran around an Eagles opponent and kicked a goal. Gamble capped off the great start with a fine left foot snap. The Eagles finally woke up and Cox kicked their first goal. The Eagles got the first of the second term but Mooney steadied the Cats with a mark, and even though he was not awarded 50 when he should have been, he goaled. Lynch goaled for the Eagles but Varcoe was able to snap a clever goal and keep the Cats 4 goals in front. But the Eagles would not go away and they kicked the next 2 and margin was 11 at the main change. When Lynch kicked the first of the third term the margin was back to 3 points. Geelong then got its game going with Johnson kicking his first and then Ablett his second. Chapman who had struggled with his touch in the first half came into the game and he kicked 2 in a row. When Byrnes kicked his second after an Eagles player when the wrong way the margin was out 28 points. A late goal to the Eagles and the margin was back to 22 with a quarter to play. The Eagles got the first of the last term but Hawkins took a great mark over the pack and his third kept the Eagles at bay. When Chapman kicked his third the match was over. Ablett was the Cats best with 43 disposals to go with his three goals.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 15.9.99 West Coast 11.11.77
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman 3
CROWD: 35,355
LADDER POSITION: 2 (11-0)
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Fremantle V Geelong, Subiaco Oval, Sunday June 21
A career best 5 goals from Shannon Byrnes has helped the Cats to a 19 point win over a very determined Fremantle in Perth. Geelong regained Rooke, Corey and Taylor from injury while Stokes and Wojcinski were dropped. Fremantle got off to the better start and had they taken their chances early they could have set up a handy lead. They lead by 14 points before Steve Johnson kicked the Cats first. Geelong lifted early in the second term and Corey Enright drifted forward and he kicked a rare goal. Hawkins then took a strong mark and he goaled to give the Cats the lead. Fremantle got one back before Byrnes kicked his first goal. Some good play from Mooney got the ball to Hawkins who got around a Freo player and he goaled. Byrnes kicked his 2nd right on half time to give the Cats a 13 point lead. The Dockers go the first of the second half before Byrnes kicked his third goal. Geelong got right on top but they couldn't put the Dockers away. Five straight behind before the play of the Day from Varcoe. He intercepted a handball and then soccered the ball off the ground before paddling it in front on him before gathering and kicking long to Gamble who goaled. When Mumford kicked a point the margin was 25 points. The Dockers hit back with the last 4 of the term and scores were level at the final change. A well held Steve Johnson lifted in the final term. Some more good play from Varcoe got the ball to Johnson who goaled from the pocket and then a minute later Byrnes handballed over the top and Johnson kicked his 3rd. The Dockers answered before Byrnes kicked a magnificent goal from 50 metres out, his 4th. Pavlich got one back for Freo after a terrible decision from the umpire, but Byrnes was again able to answer after pouncing on a loose ball to kick his 5th. Chapman finished the match with a long goal after 3 earlier misses. Byrnes was Best on Group with his 5 goals and 26 touches his best game for the club.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 13.16.94 Fremantle 11.9.75
BEST CAT: Shannon Byrnes
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Shannon Byrnes 5
CROWD: 33,213
LADDER POSITION: 2 (12-0)
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Geelong V Port Adelaide, Skilled Stadium, Saturday June 28
Geelong won its 13 match for the season defeating 2007 Premiership opponent Port Adelaide by 34 points. Geelong regained skipper Tom Harley from a hamstring injury. Geelong kicked to the Dug Wage Stand end of the ground in the first term which was favoured by a 2-3 goal breeze. Tom Hawkins kicked the first of the match was he judged the flight better than his opponent and he marked uncontested in the square. Port replied but then it was all Geelong. Byrnes continued his good form to kick a goal and then Bartel bobbed up for two goals in a couple of minutes. Then Byrnes continued his amazing run to snag two more and when Mooney goaled from close range the margin was 40 points at the first change. The Power lifted in the second term. They kicked the first goal before Ablett intercepted a kick in and goaled. Ex Geelong VFL player Davenport then kicked two goals on the run. Johnson kicked his first and Chapman also snapped his first. Port kicked the last of the term and the margin was 5 goals at the main change. Again kicking with the wind Geelong dominated the third term. Ling, Corey, Chapman, Ablett and Kelly all goaled before Carr finally got one back for the Power. Varcoe replied before 3/4 time and the margin was 63 points. Again Port played better in the final term kicking 6 goals to 2. Byrnes added his 4th in the final and Milburn his first for the season. Ablett was the best for the Cats as criticism he was handballing too much during the week, he finished with 21 kicks and 15 handballs.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 18.14.122 Port Adelaide 13.10.88
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Shannon Byrnes 4
CROWD: 21,142
LADDER POSITION: 2 (13-0)
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St.Kilda V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Sunday July 5
The much anticipated match of the year lived up to all the hype with Geelong going down to St.Kilda by 6 points after scores were level with a minute and a half to go. Geelong suffered a huge blow when Steve Johnson was a late withdrawal with a hip injury. Young Simon Hogan came in to play just his 2nd game. As the match started Geelong were still back in Geelong as the Saints jumped the Cats to kick the first 5 goals of the game inside the first 20 minutes. Geelong then steadied and Ablett kicked their first after being awarded a 50 metre penalty. Varcoe made it two for the Cats when he was put down after having a shot goal where he kicked a point. He made no mistake the second time and the margin was back to 19 points at the first change. St.Kilda kicked the first two goals of the second term and the margin was back out to 5 goals. Milburn drifted forward to kick a goal and then Ablett marked and goaled and the Cats were back. St.Kilda replied straight away before Corey run inside 50 stopped, tried to run around a Saints player and then snapped what became a clever goal and the margin was 17 at half time. The Cats had most of the play early in the third term but the result was two behinds. Gardiner goaled at the 8 minute mark to again keep the Cats at bay. Then Geelong lifted with Scarlett running forward for the first time of the match he passed to Mackie who kicked a long goal from 50. Then Mooney marked on 50 and after not taking as shot from 30 early in the match he took my advice to 'Have a shot' He did and it went through the middle and his trademark first pump was back as were the Cats. Straight out of the centre and Joel Selwood dribbled one through and the margin was 3 points and you have to go back to the 2007 Grand Final to see a reaction like that from the Cats Fans. Unfortunately Reiwoldt goaled late in the term and the margin was 10 points at the final change. The Saints kicked the first two of the final term and with the margin out to 4 goals all seamed lost for the Cats. But once again they would not lie down. Max Rooke goaled from a clever snap, then Bartel took a courageous mark was hit late and awarded a 50. He handballed to Chapman who kicked a torpedo on the run which bounced through and the Cats were back. Then Mooney marked well on 50 and he kicked his second long goal of the match and the margin was 5 points. The Saints replied, but Milburn second kept the Cats in it. When Stokes goaled on the run scores were level before Gardiner's 4th sealed the win. Bartel was the Cats best with 37 disposals.
FINAL
SCORE: St.Kilda 14.7.91 Geelong 13.7.85
BEST CAT: Jimmy Bartel
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Mooney, Milburn, Ablett 2
CROWD: 54,444
LADDER POSITION: 2 (13-1)
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Brisbane V Geelong, GABBA, Saturday (Night) July 11
Geelong has lost its 2nd match in a row, to Brisbane by 48 points, after losing 1/3 of its starting line up through injury. Ablett, Scarlett, Milburn, Mackie, Kelly and Varcoe all did not play. S.Johnson was also unable to play and Bartel was less than 100% fit and probably would not have played had there been not so many outs. Jeremy Laidler and Tom Gillies came into the side to play their first AFL matches. Although Geelong led by a couple of goals in the first term it was Brisbane that dominated for most of the match. Brown was on top of Lonergon while Taylor, who recovered from concussion last week, was magnificent on Bradshaw. Mooney was in better form although he still had some goal kicking issues. Hawkins showed better form and kicked a good goal from the boundary line but was unlucky not to be paid a good mark and a couple of free kicks when he was clearly held, while down the other end the umpires had no hesitation in paying holding free kicks to Brown. With so many outs the fringe players had a perfect opportunity to impress but for Cane Tenace that wasn't so. His disposal is still questionable which has plagued him his entire career. If the loss was not bad enough the report of Bartel added insult to injury alhtough he should get off. Paul Chapman led the midfield with class and he was the Cats best player.
FINAL
SCORE: Brisbane 16.12.108 Geelong 9.11.65
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Max Rooke 2
CROWD: 34,274
LADDER POSITION: 2 (13-2)
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Geelong V Melbourne, Skilled Stadium, Saturday July 18
Geelong has returned to the winners list with a routine 46 point win over Melbourne at a very windy Skilled Stadium. Geelong regained Ablett, Scarlett, Mackie and Milburn from injury but lost Bartel and Harley to injury while Mark Blake was dropped. Geelong won the toss and kicked with a 5-6 goal wind that was blowing towards the Doug Wade stand end in the first quarter. And the first quarter was when Geelong set the win up. They kicked 7 goals to 0 with Selwood kicking one in he opening minute and a half to set the tone. Scarlett was on top of Robertson and providing plenty of drive from half back while Wojcinski was also providing plenty of run. After a quiet first quarter Ablett lifted after quarter time and he kicked a goal in the second quarter. Geelong kept the Dees to only 3 goals while kicking 2 themselves into the wind. Melbourne did not let the game blow out in the third term but Geelong were always in control. Ablett kicked his second during the term and Hawkins his first from a lucky free kick. Tenace was having a much better game this week and he even bobbed up for a goal. Mooney however was still having trouble with his goal kicking and he kicked 3 points for the match. Melbourne won the final term but the match was basically all over at 1/4 time. Hogan kicked his second goal in the final and Stokes his third. Scarlett just shaded Selwood for Best on Ground honours after he had 30 disposals from full back.
FINAL SCORE:
Geelong 17.15.117 Melbourne 11.5.71
BEST CAT: Matthew Scarlett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Matthew Stokes 3
CROWD: 21,160
LADDER POSITION: 2 (14-2)
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Geelong V Hawthorn, M.C.G., Saturday July 25
A Jimmy Bartel behind after the siren has helped the Cats come from 28 points down early in the final term to beat the Hawks by 1 point in one of the Cats best ever Home and Away wins. Geelong regained Bartel from injury and once again Mumford was the sole specialist ruckman selected. Travis Varcoe played his 50th match for the Cats. The match was played in windy conditions at the 'G in front a large crowd. Geelong got the jump on the Hawks in the first term with Max Rooke dribbling through the opening goal of the match. Mooney marked well and showed he has improved his goal kicking when he put one through. Rooke continued the good start when he kicked another goal on the run. But the Hawks then lifted, their run started by a snap from Roughead that dribbled through. Buddy and Osborne goaled in quick succession and the Hawks lead. But Hawkins replied close to 1/4 time to give the Cats a 5 point lead at the first change. The Hawks got the first of the second term before Hawkins kicked a beauty from the boundary line. Then Buddy came alight with 3 goals including two beauties. After Hawkins kicked a behind Mooney intercepted the kick out and once again he kicked straight to keep the Cats in the contest. But a bad turnover in defence allowed Brown to goal right on the half time siren to give the Hawks a 14 point half time lead. Geelong suffered a major blow when Scarlett went off with a groin injury just before half time. Chapman brought the Cats closer when he dribbled one through early in the third term. Buddy and Roughead were able to reply for the Hawks but goals to Selwood and Ling, who was doing a defensive forward job on the dangerous Hodge and thrashing him, were able to keep the Cats in it. Geelong then lost Taylor also with a groin injury. The Hawks always had the answers to kick the next one but Ablett marked strongly in the square and goaled. But late goals to the Hawks saw them 22 points in the front at the final change and the so called experts (Tim Lane and Gary Lyon) had the Cats gone while Andrew Maher had a 10 goal thrashing on the cards. This looked a possibility when Guerra kicked the opening goal of the term but this is not the pre 2007 Cats. Baked by coach Mark Thompson who pleaded for Joel Corey to lift and lift he did. The Cats run started when Hogan goaled from 50 metres out. Varcoe then stole the ball from a ball up and goal and the margin was 16. Straight out of the centre Hogan was again in the play when he handballed to Corey who kicked a long goal on the run and the margin was just 10 points. Down the other end Mackie was forced onto Franklin who had kicked 5 up to 3/4 time and he could only manage a couple of points in the final term. From the kick out Geelong moved the ball quickly through the Hawks rolling zone and Corey passed to Hawkins who handballed to Stokes and the margin was 7 points. Bartel who had also lifted in the final marked 70 out from goal and passed to Rooke who used his body well and turned and goaled and the margin was a point. Bartel was again in the play when he was on the end of a string of handballs but he could only snap a point but he did level the scores. The ball went down the other end and Kennedy handballed to Franklin who was magnificently caught by Mackie who had a great job on him and Geelong ran the ball forward. After a couple of throw ins Corey grabbed the clearance and snapped towards goal and Bartel marked 20 metres out on a tight angle. The siren then sounded and Bartel kicked the winning point and the players showed how much this win had meant to them. Joel Selwood was easily best on ground as he played sensationally all day to have 42 disposals, 11 tackles and 1 goal.
FINAL SCORE: Geelong 15.9.99 Hawthorn 14.14.98
BEST CAT: Joel Selwood
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Max Rooke 3
CROWD: 64,803
LADDER POSITION: 2 (15-2)
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Geelong V Adelaide, Skilled Stadium, Saturday August 1
A career best six goals from Paul Chapman has enabled Geelong to win another thriller this time by 2 points over Adelaide. Geelong lost Scarlett and Taylor to injury while Steve Johnson and Tom Harley returned from injury. Darren Milburn became the first Geelong premiership player to play 250 matches, while Jimmy Bartel played his 150th match. Geelong got off to a good start when Stokes kicked the opening goal of the match. Mooney could have made it 2 but he missed an easy shot despite the windy conditions. Adelaide got their first through Tippet who's height was going to test the Cats undermanned defence. Johnson celebrated his return to the side with a goal after receiving a free kick. Burton got one back for the Crowns before Ablett was on the end of a 50 metre penalty and he goaled. The Crows got one late in the term and the margin was 1 point in favour of the Cats at the first change. Bartel took a great mark and goaled early in the second term as Geelong lifted kicking to the end that was mostly favoured by the cross breeze. Chapman kicked his first goal and Mooney was able to kick his first goal and the margin was 20 points. Adelaide then had all the play but they could only kick 4 behinds before finally kicking a goal. A late goal to Chapman and Geelong were 3 goals in front at half time. Adelaide got the first of the 3rd term before Selwood kicked a goal. Adelaide again got on top but they could only kick 3 points. Chapman then stung the Crows with his 3rd and 4th goals and the margin was out to match high 27 points. But once again Adelaide would not lie down and they kicked the next 4 goals and the margin was only 2 points. Ablett was able to kick the last of the term to extend the margin to 8 at the final change. Adelaide continued their run in the final term kicking the opening three goals of the term to lead by 8 points. Chapman then marked in front, but Mooney was awarded the free kick and he was able to goal. Burton's 4th extended the lead to 8 points but then Chapman continue his brilliant game to kick two ripper goals and the Cats lead by 3 points. With 20 seconds left Adelaide had a shot that fell short and Geelong hung on for their second come from behind win in two weeks. With his 6 goals Chapman was clearly the difference.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 14.9.93 Adelaide 13.13.91
BEST CAT: Paul Chapman
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Paul Chapman 6
CROWD: 21,686
LADDER POSITION: 2 (16-2)
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Carlton V Geelong, M.C.G., Friday (Night) August 7
Geelong put in its worst performance of the season to lose to Carlton by 35 points. Andrew Mackie played his 100th match. Paul Chapman did not play as he was ruled out earlier in the week, playing the last 3 quarters against the Crows with a slight hamstring injury and the club was not taking any risks. Geelong got off to very good start, kicking the opening two goals through Mooney and Stokes. It went down hill from there though. For most of the match Carlton were 1-2 goals in front and they answered every Geelong challenge. The goal kicking was once again a worry. When goals were badly needed Mooney hit the post in the third quarter and Stokes missed from 15 metres out on a slight angle in the last term. Add a disallowed goal to Byrnes when the boundary umpire incorrectly called a ball from Ablett out of bounds may have cost the Cats a chance at an unlikely and undeserved win. Corey Enright was his usual self to be the Cats best, while Tom Harley showed encouraging signs that he is returning to his best form. After the match coach Mark Thompson said there is no need to panic but I think there is.
FINAL
SCORE: Carlton 14.13.97 Geelong 8.14.62
BEST CAT: Corey Enright
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney & Matthew Stokes 2
CROWD: 55,057
LADDER POSITION: 2 (16-3)
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Sydney V Geelong, ANZ Stadium, Saturday (Night) August 15
Gary Ablett has silenced his critics (namely Mike Sheehan and Tim Watson) with a best on ground performance that helped Geelong to a thrilling 5 point win over Sydney. The win has sealed second spot for the Cats. Geelong lost Milburn, Rooke and Wojcinski to injury but regained Scarlett and Taylor to bolster the defence. Blake was also included as the Cats went back to playing two ruckmen. Geelong got off to the better start with Hawkins kicking the opening goal of the match. Steve Johnson made it two before O'Loughlin answered for the Swans. Byrnes ran in to kick the Cats third before Mackie ran down the field but missed from 50 on the run, who could have ran 10 metres closer. The Swans got one after the siren to reduce the margin to 7 points at 1/4 time. Mooney marked and kicked his first goal but O'Loughlin was able to reply straight away to keep the Swans in touch. Geelong got a run on when Lonergan moved forward to goal and then Selwood also kicked one. But in typical Swans style they kicked the last two goals of the term to reduce the margin to a goal at the main change. Geelong kicked two points early in the third including a bad miss by Blake. The Swans goaled and then Varcoe kicked two points in a row. One came after a great attack on the ball where he injured his shoulder. The second was a easy miss even with the injured shoulder. As is the usual case the Swans got it forward and goaled to hit the front. Hawkins missed another easy shot before Mackie set up Mooney for his second and then Hawkins made amends to also kicked his second. A good roving goal from Byrnes late in the term gave the Cats a 10 point lead going into the last. Ablett was at his brilliant best early in the last when he almost marked in the square, gathered the ball on the ground, evaded two Swans tacklers and coolly kicked the goal. Goodes replied straight away before Mooney came in to the match. First he marked strongly and then Handballed to Byrnes for his 3rd and then marked again to kick a third of his own and the margin was 22 points. The Swans kicked two in a row before Corey intercepted a kick across goal to extend the margin to 17 points. The Swans kicked the last 2 goals but Geelong was able to hang on in the final 7 minutes. As mentioned Ablett was Best on Ground with 44 disposals to go with his last quarter goal.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 13.14.92 Sydney 13.9.87
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney & Shannon Byrnes 3
CROWD: 40,261
LADDER POSITION: 2 (17-3)
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Bulldogs V Geelong, Telstra Dome, Friday (Night) August 21
Geelong has suffered another loss on a Friday night this time going down the Bulldogs by 14 points. Geelong regained Chapman, Milburn and Wojcinski from injury but lost S.Johnson, Harley and Varcoe. Cameron Ling played his 200th match. Geelong got the opening goal of the match when Taylor followed his man down field to kick a goal. The Dogs then got on top to kick the next 3 but Byrnes showed his kicking has not lost its touch to kick one from 40 metres out. Hawkins then kicked a long bomb from outside 50 and the Cats were back in the match. The Dogs again then dominated the end of the first term and early in the second term but could only manage 1 goal and 3 posters amongst 7 behinds. They got out to a 20 point lead before 2 quick goals to Mooney brought the Cats back in the match. The comeback was short lived as the Dogs kicked the last 2 of the term to lead by 19 points at the main change. After the Dogs kicked the first 2 of the third term Geelong lifted and played their best football for quite some time. Hawkins missed a shot on goal but Lake went 1.5 metres over the mark so he was taken to the goal line where he goaled. Gamble who had come in to the side took a strong mark on the behind line and kicked a left foot snap. Akermanis was then awarded a free kick for holding the man which was correct but he may have pushed Enright in the back before hand. He goaled to stem the tide. But Geelong continued their attack on the ball and the Dogs struggled to cope with the pressure. Max Rooke typified Geelong effort when he made 3 tackles in one play on the outer wing. Hawkins juggled a mark and goaled and when Mumford was moved forward to kick a goal the margin was back to 10 points. Mooney joined Hawkins on 3 goals and when Ablett handballed to Stokes who kicked a long goal from 50 Geelong were in front by 3 points at the final change. Twice Geelong regained the lead in the final term but the Dogs had the answers. Although he kicked 4 a Mooney miss was crucial as was a Blake handball to a stationary Wojcinski that became a turn over goal. Ablett was the Cats best again as he had another 40 disposals from 4 quarters of football. Although it was a loss the third term showed what this side is capable of and if the can stop the run of injuries they will be a threat in September.
FINAL
SCORE: Bulldogs 16.14.110 Geelong 14.12.96
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Cameron Mooney 4
CROWD: 46,818
LADDER POSITION: 2 (17-4)
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Geelong V Fremantle, Skilled Stadium, Saturday August 29
Geelong has ended its preparation for the finals with a 40 point win over Fremantle in the final Home and Away game of the season. Geelong lose Chapman to injury but regained Ottens for his first game since injuring his knee in Round 2 and James Kelly who had not played since Round 14. David Wojcinski played his 150th match. In wet and windy conditions Geelong kicked with the breeze in the first term. Before the first bounce Fremantle was awarded a free kick 50 metres out from goal but they could not score. Cameron Mooney continued on his good form against the Dogs when he kicked the opening goal of the match. Pavlich replied for Fremantle before Geelong got right on top. Rooke snapped a goal and then Hogan celebrated his return to the side with two in a row. Gamble, who needed to perform to retain his place in the side, was awarded a free kick for holding the ball even though he grabbed his opponent by the leg. He goaled and the margin was 25 points at the first change. Despite kicking the wind in the second term Geelong still dominated thanks largely to Matthew Scarlett who marked everything that came his way. Hawkins kicked his first goal and then Ablett thrilled the crowd with a clever snap. Mooney kicked his second and then Byrnes kicked the goal of day when he slid into the pack picked up at the ball and dribbled one through on his left foot. Freo got the last goal of the term and the margin was 47 points at the main change. Wojcinski started the third term with a goal and then Hawkins added his second but Freo were able to stem the tide with 3 in a row and they reduced the margin to 38 points at the final change. Both sides kicked 3 goals in the final term and they played out time. Hawking added his 3rd and Gamble his second. The goods for the Cats was Ottens getting through the match well and the form of Kelly who had not missed a beat.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 14.10.94 Fremantle 8.6.54
BEST CAT: Matthew Scarlett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Tom Hawkins 3
CROWD: 18,196
LADDER POSITION: 2 (18-4)
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FINALS
Geelong V Bulldogs, M.C.G., Saturday August 5
Geelong is through to the Preliminary Final after seeing off the Bulldogs by 14 points in the Qualifying Final. Geelong regained Paul Chapman and Travis Varcoe from injury but they lost Max Rooke to a quad injury before the match. The Dogs kicked the opening goal of the match when Hudson was awarded a soft free kick against Scarlett. From then on though it was Geelong that dominated. Chapman showed not signs of his hamstring injury but he could only manage a couple of behinds. Geelong finally got their first goal at the 7 minute mark through Taylor after receiving a lucky 50 metre penalty. Mackie then made it two goals from the defenders when he banged one through from 55 metres out. Ablett then ran on to a loose ball and passed to Mooney who goaled and Stokes kicked one as well and the margin was 21 points. Welsh finally got one back for the Dogs but Mooney's second cancelled that out. When Bartel goaled late in the term the margin was 28 points at the first change. Enright was on fire during the term picking up 17 disposals. When Chapman goaled early in the second term it seamed the Cats would steam roll the Dogs. But that was their only score for the quarter as the Dogs added two goals two to reduce the margin to 20 points. Chapman missed early in the third term and two quick goal from Akermanis and the Dogs were barking as they margin was back to only 9 points. But then the turning point of the match. Ling marked 50 metres out on the boundary line and on the wrong side for the left footer. After looking inboard for targets who then settled to kick one of the most important goals of his career. From the centre Ablett found Mooney but he missed but it ended as a 7 point play when the Dogs messed up the kick in and Ottens out marked Lake and goaled. Hawkins then roved a pack and handballed to Bartel who goaled and all of sudden the margin was back out to 28 points. Goals to Johnson and Akermanis kept the Dogs alive but Stokes marked strongly in the square to give the Cats more breathing space. Bartel then kicked his third goal from a similar spot where Ling kicked his and when Chapman goaled the margin was 35 points at the final term. Mooney had a chance to seal the win early in the last term but again his kicking let him down. The Dogs lifted again with two quick goals before best on ground Enright capped off his great game with a magnificent snap. The Dogs would not lie down but bad kicking from them meant the Cats held on.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 14.12.96 Bulldogs 12.10.82
BEST CAT: Corey Enright
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Jimmy Bartel 3
CROWD: 74,007
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Geelong V Collingwood, M.C.G., Saturday August 19
Geelong is through to its third straight Grand Final following a 73 point thumping of Collingwood in the Preliminary Final. Geelong played its best team of the season when Steve Johnson (hip) and Max Rooke (quad) came back in to the side. Stokes and Hogan were the two to miss. Collingwood were the team to come out firing and before Geelong had taken the ball inside 50. Brad Ottens then came off the bench and Geelong settled. He found space near the boundary 40 metres out to mark. His quick was a beauty and it sparked the Cats into action. Byrnes then kicked the Cats second when Presti accidentally kicked the ball out on the fill and little Shannon kicked an excelled banana kick from deep in the pocket. Mooney then missed a set shot but good play from Hawkins got the ball to Chapman and he snapped a great goal. Geelong had their chances to set up a great lead by the first chance but they kicked 5 more behinds for the rest of the term including 2 to Ablett. Their lead was 10 points at the first change. Chapman got the Cats off to a great start in the second term when he snapped his second inside the first 20 seconds, once again Hawkins set him up this time with a good tap. Hawkins was again in the play when he took a good grab 50 metres out on the boundary. His kick just snuck in to give the Cats a handy 20 point lead. Milburn then gave away a 50 to Leigh Brown which took him on the goal line and he goaled. Ablett was awarded what some thought was a lucky free in the square and he goaled. Hawkins then continued his hard working game when he brought down Maxwell for holding the ball. He kicked his second and the Cats were out by 4 goals. But like in 2007 the Pies would not lie down and they kicked the last two of the term and the margin was 11 points at half time. Geelong did everything to put the game beyond doubt in the first 10 minutes of the third term. Johnson showed no trouble with his hip injury and he kicked a clever snap. Mooney then marked on the wing and Didak was over the mark and he was awarded a 50 metre penalty. His wobbly kick went through for a goal. Corey then found space 50 out on the boundary and he kicked a ripper and the margin was 32 points. Bartel then set Byrnes up for a goal when he kicked it out in front of him and he ran in to the open goal. With a couple of misses to Johnson the margin went out to 40 points before the Pies got one right on 3/4 time to give them some hope. But for the first time in months Geelong were able to run out the match with authority. Varcoe kicked his first and Chapman his third. When Ablett kicked a set shot from outside 50 the match was all over. Chapman added two more to finish with 5 as the Pies were held goalless in the final term. Ablett was best on ground with 34 disposals and 2 goals. Now for the big one.
FINAL
SCORE: Geelong 17.18.120 Collingwood 6.11.47
BEST CAT: Gary Ablett
LEADING GOAL KICKER(S): Paul Chapman 5
CROWD: 87,258
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