Geelong goes top of the ladder after win over Melbourne Demons, results, scores, video highlights
Geelong has sent out a major warning to the rest of the AFL after a convincing win over Melbourne in a stark contrast to last year’s finals match-up with the reigning premiers.
Despite being wasteful in front of goal for the entirety of the contest, the Cats proved to be far too strong for the Demons, running out 12. 17. (89) to 9. 9. (63) winners at GMHBA Stadium.
Geelong looked set to pay for its wayward kicking when Melbourne drew to within five points midway through the final quarter, before ending the match with the last eight scoring shots, with three of them goals.
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The Cats set up the win through a dominant showing in the midfield, winning the clearance count 54-36, including 16-8 in centre clearances.
Despite the likes of Clayton Oliver (34 disposals), Jack Viney (35 disposals) and Angus Brayshaw (27 disposals) getting plenty of the football, the Cats were able to curb the star trio’s influence on the contest.
“I think Geelong have done a great job to ensure this isn’t a Melbourne-type game,” Kangaroos great David King said of the midfield battle on Fox Footy’s coverage.
“They’ve disarmed them in a lot of ways, particularly around contest and clearance. We haven’t seen the breakaway power of Melbourne yet and, at times, Geelong have looked more threatening.
“It’s a huge win, that’s Melbourne’s biggest asset is those three guys in the middle that are so tough.”
Patrick Dangerfield enjoyed arguably his best match of the season in what’s been a hugely interrupted year, finishing with 31 disposals and nine clearances.
The win, Geelong’s seventh straight, vaulted it above the reigning premiers on the top of the AFL ladder with a 12-4 record and a percentage of 136.1, just above Melbourne’s 12-4 record with a percentage of 133.4.
Geelong faces Carlton at the MCG next weekend in a blockbuster clash that could determine the shape of the top eight, before facing a relatively easy run home.
Melbourne will travel to Alice Springs in round 18 with a tricky fixture against Port Adelaide on deck.
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