Geelong Dismantles Richmond in Brutal 72-Point Statement
Wow — what a performance by the Cats at GMHBA Stadium. Geelong absolutely dominated Richmond in a one-sided Round 17 clash that ended in a crushing 72-point victory. The final score? A commanding 18.16 (124) to 7.10 (52), and it felt even more decisive watching it live or on the replay.
Despite missing Bailey Smith due to illness, Geelong didn’t skip a beat. Jack Bowes stepped in, and from the second quarter onward, it was an all-out demolition. Richmond tried to hang with them early — in fact, the Tigers actually had more inside 50s in the first term — but the Cats were simply far more clinical. Their forward entries turned into goals, while Richmond struggled to make theirs count.
A massive moment came early when top draft pick Sam Lalor went down with what looked like another serious hamstring injury — the same one he hurt earlier this season. It was a gutting sight, and you could feel the energy drain from Richmond after that. Lalor had only just come back, and for him to go down again within minutes was devastating. Coach Adem Yze admitted afterward that it really shook the group.
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After a sluggish start, Geelong flipped the switch in the second quarter. Ten unanswered goals. Ten. And that’s where the match really blew wide open. It wasn’t just about piling on points, it was the way they moved — clean, fast, and relentless. Gryan Miers was electric, Shaun Mannagh stepped up, and there was a brilliant moment when debutant George Stevens slotted his first career goal. His teammates mobbed him in celebration, and the crowd loved it.
Then came Jezza. Jeremy Cameron had been teasing the milestone all game, missing a few gettable shots, but finally nailed his 700th career goal in classic style during the third quarter. He finished with four goals for the match and is now sitting equal 26th on the all-time goal-kicking list — and firmly in the lead for this year’s Coleman Medal. What a player.
Despite Richmond finishing with their best quarter late in the game, the damage was already done. Geelong simply outclassed them in every department — clearances, contested ball, and scoreboard pressure. The Cats had 10 different goalkickers. That kind of spread shows how cohesive and deep this side is.
Coach Chris Scott, in his 350th game, would’ve been thrilled. For Geelong, this was more than just a win — it was a serious statement in their top-four push. For Richmond, it’s another tough lesson in a rebuilding season marred by injuries.
In the end, it was a brutal but clinical reminder: underestimate the Cats at your peril.
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