On a traditional wet and windy Geelong day a significant happening occurred. On a day not meant to be profitable for the large Cats, Geelong rediscovered its forward Mojo as Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins combined effectively as the Cats stunned Brisbane with a 93 point defeat.
Geelong recorded its first four quarter performance of the season over a Brisbane side that was clearly hampered by a lack of experienced ruck options. Cameron Mooney led the charge for Geelong with a performance reminiscent of his efforts during the 2007 season. Mooney was back to his hustling, creative best and was even taking full length diving marks in the second half. Mooney was ably supported up front with an impressive performance by Tom Hawkins whose work rate and second efforts were a feature that is not normally associated with his game.
The usual suspects in midfield were also impressive. Gary Ablett recorded his second consecutive 40 possession game and managed to thrill the crowd with a goal of the year contender from deep in the pocket against the strong wind. James Bartel played his usual blinder in the wet and Joel Corey and Joel Selwood were also more than useful contributors. Down back the Geelong defence reigned supreme. Matthew Scarlett blotted out Daniel Bradshaw, Harry Tayor held his own against Brisbane leviathan Jonathon Brown and Andrew Mackie and Darren Milburn mopped up the loose ball.
By half time the score was a dismal 13 goals to 3 but Michael Voss moved Bradshaw into the Cat forward line as a loose defender and the Lions fought hard to maintain an element of respectability on the scoreboard. Jonathon Brown lifted for the Lions and he led from the front with a hard working display, often against two or more opponents. Brown had very little in the way of support though. Perhaps only Joel Patfull, who did a solid job on Steve Johnson and Daniel Rich who was once again tireless throughout could hold their heads high.
Brisbane badly missed injured ruck pair Luenberger and Charman as Mark Blake and Shane Mumford controlled the rucks and fed the talented Cat midfield. Brisbane also lacked a small crumbing forward so the return of Rhan Hooper is something to look forward to for Lions fans. Despite a less than flattering score line the Brisbane team worked hard to stay in the game but were punished by some loose defence at times. The Cats had far too many winners and a focus on the day was an improved defensive effort as the back half were stung about being ranked 9th in defence so far this season.
The Lions recorded their lowest score as a merged entity and will be thankful that they don’t have to return to Geelong which is fast becoming a graveyard for Michael Voss’ men. As for Geelong the momentum is starting to steadily build and with Harley, Ottens and Ling to return to the side in the next few weeks they are looking an ominous proposition for opposing sides once again.
Geelong 5.4 13.8 15.11 18.18 (126)
Brisbane Lions 0.2 3.3 4.3 5.3 (33)
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 3, Mooney 3, Stokes 3, Ablett 2, Byrnes 2, Rooke 2, Bartel, S Johnson, Varcoe
Brisbane Lions: Brown 3, Rich, Sherman
BEST
Geelong: Mooney, Ablett, Bartel, Hawkins, Corey, J Selwood, Blake, Mackie, Milburn, Chapman
Brisbane Lions: Brown, Patfull, Rich
INJURIES
Geelong: TBC
Brisbane Lions: TBC
Reports: TBC
Umpires: McBurney, Kamolins, Findlay.
Official crowd: 15,580 at Skilled Stadium
