GEELONG has jumped up to second on the VFL ladder following an astounding 58-point win over the Northern Blues on Sunday at Simonds Stadium as Justin Cooper reports.
The Cats set up their win with a dominant 11 goal to 1 first half, which left Blues’ coach Luke Webster with plenty of headaches.
It started with a four goal to nil first term for the Cats, who were running all over the Blues as they went into quarter time with a 25-point lead.
Webster wasn’t impressed with the lack of effort and endeavour shown by his players, yet despite a lengthy speech at the first break the Blues didn’t give much in the second quarter either.
So much was the struggle for the Blues that their first goal didn’t come until the 19-minute mark of the second term, as other forward opportunities were sqandered as the visitors trailed by 62-points at half time.
The Blues swung Sam Rowe from defence and Nick Duigan into the midfield to spark a more spirited second half, as the visitors levelled the Cats by kicking three goals yet still trailed by 58-points at three-quarter time.
One-goal apiece by both sides in the final term gave little change as the Cats ran out victorious, winning 15.13 (103) to 5.15 (45).
Despite outscoring the Cats in the second half, the Blues never looked close as they went down in disappointing fashion.
Josh Caddy (2 goals), Jordan Schroder (2 goals), Jaxson Barham (2 goals), Jed Bews and ruckman Dawson Simpson (11 disposals, 37 hit outs) were among the best in a dominant display for the Cats.
Sam Rowe (2 goals, 17 disposals, 7 marks) was the Blues’ only multiple goal kicker but was among the best, along with Matthew Watson (32 disposals), Tom Bell (28 disposals) and Nick Duigan (20 disposals).
Geelong has the bye as the VFL approaches Round 10, while the Northern Blues host the Frankston Dolphins at Preston City Oval in the ABC-televised game at 1.10pm on Saturday.
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 10/06/2013 16:05