Geelong underlined its AFL premiership credentials with a high-octane 27-point win over fellow fancies Sydney.
Nine days after a scintillating thumping of reigning premiers Brisbane, the Cats backed that victory up in style.
Geelong were ominous at times in claiming a 15.17 (107) to 12.8 (80) victory, their fourth win on the spin, in front of 35,869 fans at GMHBA Stadium.
Chris Scott’s Cats (32 points) move to third behind second-placed Sydney (36) and leaders Fremantle (40) ahead of facing Carlton at the MCG next Friday.
Sydney’s Malcolm Rosas limped off in the second quarter with a left foot/ankle concern, Tom Papley (calf tightness) sat out the final term, and Angus Sheldrick came off late.
Cats defender Lawson Humphries was sensational, collecting 33 disposals and 818 metres gained.
Midfielder Max Holmes (35 disposals, eight clearances, 712 metres gained) was exceptional, while Jeremy Cameron (three goals, 21 disposals) and Gryan Miers (11 marks, 24 disposals) were influential.
Geelong blanketed Swans spearhead Charlie Curnow (two goals), thanks to Connor O’Sullivan and Jake Kolodjashnij — a late call-up for Tanner Bruhn (managed).
Tagger Oisin Mullin went to Swans superstar Isaac Heeney (23 disposals, one goal).
Sydney stopper James Jordon kept Bailey Smith to eight disposals for the first half, then the tag was dropped and the Cats star had 18 touches and a goal in the third quarter and finished with 32 possessions.
Half-backs Riley Bice (34 disposals) and Callum Mills (24 disposals) were busy for Sydney, and Joel Amartey kicked four goals.
– AAP
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