IT WAS billed as a top-of-the-table VFL blockbuster but for Geelong it was more akin to the start of a weekend road-trip, writes David O’Neill.
Plagued by inaccuracy, the Cats struggled in the heavy traffic early, before hitting the open road in the second half and cruising to an idyllic destination.
Three games clear at the top of the ladder, it’s a position of great comfort for Matthew Knights and his young side.
Yesterday it Williamstown that felt the wrath of the in-form Cats, complete with 14 players with AFL experience.
After finally finding their rhythm with the final three goals of the second quarter, the Cats consolidated against the breeze in the third term before powering away in the last to notch a 19.21 (135) to 13.8 (86) victory.
The wisest of them all, Paul Chapman – in his second game back from injury – was solid with 25 disposals and 12 tackles but was overshadowed by a bevy of young stars auditioning for Chris Scott’s senior side.
First-year talent Jackson Thurlow led the way with three goals and 29 disposals, one of five Cats to finish with a trifecta of majors.
Taylor Hunt, George Horlin-Smith, Jordan Murdoch and Shane Kersten all joined Thurlow with three, making light work of the windy conditions.
The Seagulls were far from disgraced and remained in the contest until the 10-minute mark of the final term.
On-ballers Ben Jolley (32 disposals), Brent Prismall (24 and two goals) Cameron Lockwood were all impressive against the Cats’ depth of midfield talent, while ruckman Cameron Wood held his own in an engrossing battle with Trent West and Mark Blicavs.
But after failing to capitalise on a dubious 50m penalty that brought them to within 15m of goal and in sight of a 14-point deficit early in the last quarter, the hosts allowed Geelong to go coast-to-coast and all but the shut the gate.
From there it the Cats pu their foot down as early inaccuracy made way for scintillating form in front of goal, highlighted by Murdoch’s third.
The elusive left-footer split three defenders with a weaving run before drilling one from outside 50 to leave the Seagulls’ home crowd in no doubt of who was the side to beat this season.
A resolute defence led by Josh Hunt and Mitch Brown, and a midfield boasting the hardness of Josh Cowan and Jordan Schroder (nine clearances) was always going to be hard to stop.
Add to that mix the outside work of Billy Smedts (20 disposals) and the courage of Cam Eardley, and the reigning premiers appear odds on to again hold the trophy aloft.
Geelong meets Port Melbourne and Bendigo in its final two games of the home-and-away season, while the Seagulls face tough encounters against the North Ballarat Roosters and the Northern Blues.
Last Modified on 12/08/2013 13:02