Geelong’s Dominant Performance Against North Melbourne
Geelong proved their mettle when it mattered most, turning a closely contested match into a decisive victory and extending their AFL winning streak over North Melbourne to 15 games. The Cats showcased their dominance in the final stages of the game, securing a 49-point win with a score of 21.9 (135) to 13.8 (86).
At the start of the third term, Jy Simpkin scored a goal, keeping the Kangaroos within four points of Geelong. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Shannon Neale closed out the quarter with two goals in quick succession. This marked the beginning of a strong performance from the Cats, who then took control of the game in the final term.
North Melbourne had high hopes of ending their losing streak against Geelong, which had lasted since 2015. Despite a slow start where they conceded the first four goals of the game, the Kangaroos were competitive for much of the match before ultimately falling short.
“It’s a difficult one — we’re pleased we competed so strongly for a big portion of the game, but obviously disappointed we couldn’t maintain that intensity,” said North coach Alastair Clarkson. “When the game was opened up and the pressure eased a bit, they were able to score freely. They’re hard to stop when they get forward momentum like that.”
Key Performances and Tactical Adjustments
Max Holmes was instrumental for Geelong, kicking two crucial goals in the third term that helped shift the game in their favor. His presence in the forward half was a strategic move by the Cats, as highlighted by coach Chris Scott.
“We thought he was really influential … one of the things we needed to change during the game was how we looked in front of the ball,” Scott said. “It’s a little bit unusual for him to be spending so much time in the forward half, but we thought the game called for it and we were pleased with his output.”
Another key factor in Geelong’s success was the defensive work of Oisin Mullin, who effectively contained Saints midfielder Harry Sheezel. Scott praised Mullin’s ability to handle such challenging tasks.
“Those jobs are hard to do. It’s not as if you go ‘let’s just take him out’ and it’s done,” Scott said. “We laud the really good players well, and rightfully so, but the guys who can play those defensive roles … he has become a really important player for us.”
Turning Point in the Game
The second term was a tough one for Geelong, as they managed only three goals despite favorable conditions. Some fans jokingly speculated whether the full moon had an impact on their performance. However, the Cats bounced back in the second half, kicking 16 goals, including nine in the final quarter.
Jy Simpkin played a crucial role in limiting the impact of Cats star Bailey Smith until the final term. Meanwhile, North’s Tristan Xerri set an AFL record for a ruckman with 26 contested possessions. Despite his efforts, the Kangaroos struggled to capitalize on his contributions.
Ultimately, North Melbourne paid the price for their errors in possession. Shaun Mannagh was the standout performer for Geelong, kicking a game-high four goals. The Cats also made a late change to their lineup, with Jack Henry being replaced by Jack Bowes due to a foot injury.
This dominant performance highlights Geelong’s ability to adapt and seize opportunities when it matters most, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the league.
