Geelong’s five-goal burst late in the first half has shaken off West Coast and set up their 46-point AFL win.
Reeling from a 128-point Sydney hammering last week, the Eagles bounced back but ultimately were no match for the Cats, who won 7.20 (122) to 11.10 (76) on Sunday at Norwood Oval.
The crowd of 9434 is a record for Gather Round games at the inner-suburban Parade venue.
Mark O’Connor kicked three goals – the first multiple-goal game in his 151-game career, and the Irishman had the better of an entertaining duel with No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma.
Max Holmes had a polished game off half-back, racking up 34 possessions, while Tanner Bruhn and Tom Atkins were prolific in the midfield.
Bailey Smith amassed 16 inside-50s and had 34 disposals, with seven clearances and a goal. .
Young Eagles key forward Jobe Shanahan impressed again, kicking four goals, while Tom McCarthy had a team-high 28 disposals.
There were multiple lead changes in the first half as the Eagles had the first four scoring shots, but only managed one goal.
While the Cats led by a goal at the first break, every time they looked like kicking clear the Eagles would respond.
Young gun Harley Reid was prominent in the midfield and West Coast still had a one-point lead midway through the second term.
Then Brad Close’s soccered shot was ruled a goal on video review, which sparked the Cats’ decisive surge.
O’Connor snapped a stunning goal from 45m out and kicked his third soon after as the Cats dominated stoppages.
Deven Robertson, who returned to the Eagles’ side from suspension, limped off in the last quarter with a knee injury.
This was the first AFL game for Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij since the 2024 preliminary final, and he had a solid duel with Eagles star Jake Waterman, who kicked a goal.
