Geelong has bounced back from their last quarter capitulation against Sydney last week with a dominant 61-point win over an injury-riddled Greater Western Sydney at GMHBA Stadium.
Mature-age recruit, Tim Kelly, continued the bright start to his AFL career with 30 disposals through the midfield, while power forward Tom Hawkins enjoyed a return to form with four goals.
Both sides preliminary finalists in 2017, it was expected to be a tight one down in Geelong as the Cats and Giants looked to really cement themselves at the top end of the ladder.
Exciting rookie Esava Ratugolea got proceedings underway for the Cats following a strong mark deep inside forward 50.
The dominance of Geelong’s key forwards would become evident early in the match, as a number of strong marks to Hawkins around the ground eventually led to him putting through the Cats' second goal.
A rare turnover by veteran Heath Shaw would gift Scott Selwood his first of the night as the Giants looked at risk of getting blown away early at the Cattery.
Daniel Lloyd would settle the nerves for the Giants through a long running goal, but it was clear around the ground the class and strength of the Cats was too much for the visitors.
A Hawkins buzzer-beater would send the crowd into a frenzy at the first change, as the home side leapt to a comfortable 19-point advantage.
The Giants would come out with good intent to start the second term, finally winning their share of the ball around the contest and locking the ball in their attacking half.
Their handling of the ball would amount to little however, as poor execution of skills both in general play and in front of goal would save the Cats on a number of occasions.
A strong mark and goal inside 50 by Jordan Murdoch would punish the Giants against the run of play, before an unexpected contested mark by Cory Gregson would see the lead extend out beyond five goals.
Inspirational GWS captain Callan Ward would do all he can to get his side back in the contest, converting a nice running goal to keep his side in touch.
But a late goal to new Geelong recruit, Stewart Crameri, would break the hearts of the young Giants who found themselves 27 points behind at half-time.
Hawkins would find himself engrossed in controversy going into the half-time break, as he made contact with umpire Dean Margetts following a contentious umpiring decision involving Nick Haynes.
With the support of the home crowd behind them, Geelong would dominate the Giants in the third quarter with many question marks surrounding the character of the GWS team.
After a quiet start, Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield would work his way into the game as he converted his first of the night.
Dangerfield's major sparked a run of four unanswered goals for the Cats, as the Giants simply looked second-rate for the majority of the term.
Ratugolea would put through his second goal following a strong contested mark, before being quickly followed by another to Dangerfield.
With the ball hardly leaving their attacking half, the Cats were almost spoiled for choice going forward as Crameri put through his second goal, before Hawkins added a third to his tally to push the margin to 56 points at the final change.
Having only managed two goals in the first three quarters of action, it was quickly turning into an embarrassment for the Giants as the fourth quarter commenced.
Defender-turned-forward, Jeremy Finlayson, finally got some reward for effort, taking a strong mark and converting for his first goal in AFL football.
The excitement would be short-lived however, as Geelong proceeded to again pile on the pain through a classy finish by Hawkins for his fourth goal.
Even reliable defender, Tom Stewart, was able to venture forward in the last quarter as he converted much to the enjoyment of his teammates and fans at Kardinia Park.
A late consolation goal to Finlayson would again give the Giants a brief moment of joy, as they slumped to a disappointing 61-point loss.
Greater Western Sydney will be happy to return to New South Wales next weekend as they face West Coast in a crucial match on Saturday afternoon, while Geelong face an in-form Collingwood team in what promises to be an absolute thriller at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
GEELONG 4.1 7.2 12.3 14.9 (93)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.0 2.5 2.7 4.8 (32)
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Ratugolea 2, Dangerfield 2, Crameri 2, Gregson, Murdoch, Thurlow, Stewart
Greater Western Sydney: Finalyson 2, Ward, Lloyd
BEST
Geelong: Kelly, Duncan, Dangerfield, S. Selwood, Stewart, Henry
Greater Western Sydney: Shiel, Coniglio, Haynes, Whitfield, Taranto, Ward
INJURIES Geelong: Bews (shoulder), Smith (back spasms) replaced in selected side by Stanley
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
TALKING POINTS
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