Geelong Secures Top-Two Spot with Convincing Win Over Richmond
Geelong has officially locked in a top-two finish on the AFL ladder after a commanding 39-point victory against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday. The Cats dominated from start to finish, leading at every break and controlling the game with clinical efficiency. By the final siren, the scoreboard read 14.19 (103) to 9.10 (64) in front of a crowd of 46,109, securing not only second place on the ladder but also a home qualifying final, giving them a double chance when finals kick off in just two weeks.
The match started explosively for Geelong, as they raced to a six-goal opening term and built a 29-point lead by quarter time. Although a little inaccuracy in front of goal prevented an even larger margin, the Cats were relentless. Ollie Dempsey was especially prominent early on, contributing to five scoring involvements and helping set the tone for the team’s dominance. Richmond struggled to find their rhythm, and Geelong’s midfield, led by Bailey Smith with 34 disposals and seven clearances, and Max Holmes with 26 disposals, provided consistent drive and precision ball movement. Gryan Miers also made his presence felt with 26 disposals throughout the afternoon.
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Defensively, Geelong was virtually unbreakable for much of the match, holding Richmond goalless for a 68-minute stretch from the first into the third quarter. Tom Stewart was sensational in defence, finishing with 23 disposals, nine intercept possessions, and seven score involvements, continuing a brilliant run of form. The Cats’ forwards were well supplied, with Jeremy Cameron kicking four goals to bring his season tally into the 80s, while Rhys Stanley, Shaun Mannagh, and others contributed with timely majors. In total, Geelong had eight individual goal kickers, highlighting the depth and teamwork on display.
It was also a milestone day for Tom Atkins, who not only played his 150th AFL game but also broke the record for the most tackles in a single season with 205. His effort epitomized Geelong’s intensity and work ethic across the field. Meanwhile, Richmond had some positives to take, with standout performances from Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, and Dion Prestia, as well as a promising display from younger players like Sam Banks and Tom Brown. Unfortunately for the Tigers, it wasn’t enough to challenge the well-drilled Cats.
After a dominant first half where the Cats held Richmond to just a solitary behind in the second quarter, Geelong eased off slightly in the final term but still maintained control to seal the win. With this result, the Cats have secured a home qualifying final, although the identity of their opponent will depend on the outcome of Sunday’s clash between Hawthorn and Brisbane.
In short, Geelong’s performance on Saturday was a statement: precise in attack, resilient in defence, and brimming with confidence heading into the finals. Fans and players alike can now look forward to September with high expectations, knowing their team is firing at the right time.
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