Pointing to victory:Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron.Credit:Getty Images
It was their skipper Joel Selwood who set the tone after the long break with his fierce attack on the ball similar to what injured Tigers’ skipper Trent Cotchin had provided for Richmond a week earlier against the Western Bulldogs.
His efforts seemed to inspire his fellow midfielders who outmuscled Richmond at the contest,wanting the ball more than the Tigers who weren’t as tough as they normally are when the ball was to be won.
The midfielders’ work helped Geelong’s forwards cash in,with the Cats kicking and decision making improving after quarter-time as they looked for targets at the 50-metre arc rather than bombing the ball deep or over-possessing with handball. Geelong ended with 20 marks inside 50 to Richmond’s six.
Geelong’s kicking was first class as they found teammates wherever they stood and moved the ball with ruthless efficiency with the Tigers poorer than anyone could have imagined given how hard they have been to play against in recent years.
The Cats’ forwards benefited with Cameron kicking half a dozen goals and Gary Rohan five goals as they stormed back from a nine-point deficit at half-time to lead by 35 points at three quarter-time with the result clear. Tom Hawkins’ experience was on show too as he used the ball unselfishly as well as chipping in with four goals.
Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch hardly had a look at the ball as Richmond’ midfield was demolished and when the ball did come their way they were beaten in one-on-one battles.