The VFL Cats have recorded their fifth straight win, toughing out an important 22 point victory over Coburg on Saturday afternoon.
Geelong was tested by a plucky Lions outfit, but strong performances from Jhye Clark (27 disposals & 2 Goals) and Mitch Hardie (28 disposals & 2 Goals) steered the Cats home.
Shaun Mannagh was lively up forward booting three goals, with the win moving Geelong back into third spot on the VFL ladder.
The Cats withstood an early challenge from the Lions, before Phoenix Foster got Geelong rolling with their first goal midway through the opening term.
Jhye Clark calmly slotted a set shot to give the Cats their second, before a clean Shaun Mannagh clearance sent Mitch Knevitt into an open goal to put Geelong in front.
A brilliant handball chain late in the quarter ended with Tanner Lovell, who split the middle to give the Cats a five point lead at the first break.
Lawson Humphries kickstarted Geelong with a piece of individual brilliance early in the second term, intercepting a Coburg kick and launching home a long range goal on the run.
Mitch Hardie and Shaun Mannagh put through a pair of classy snaps, while Jhye Clark launched through his second major as the Cats hung on to a slender six point lead at the main break.
Humphries was instrumental off half back with 17 disposals and numerous intercept marks, while Mitch Hardie continued his sensational start to the year with 16 touches in the opening half.
Geelong landed the first decisive blow after half time, with Mannagh and Hardie both curling home two consecutive goals in quick succession to extend the Cats lead.
Debutant Joe Pike stood tall late in the third quarter plucking a strong pack mark, before converting the set shot for his first goal in the blue and white hoops, to give the Cats a 14 point lead at the final break.
Pike once again seized a big moment in the last quarter, calmly converting a set shot against the flow of play as the Lions mounted one final challenge.
Mannagh slammed the door shut with a miraculous snap from deep in the pocket, as the Cats closed out an important 22 point victory.
Fresh off the plane from Darwin, Jhye Clark showed no signs of fatigue as he amassed 27 disposals and six clearances to go with two goals.
George Stevens was strong in the middle with 24 possessions, while Lawson Humphries continued his terrific start to the year with 23 disposals and eight marks.
The VFL Cats will return home next Saturday for a curtain raiser at GMHBA Stadium, taking on the GWS Giants from 12.05pm.
VFL Round 8
GEELONG 4.2 8.4 11.8 13.10 (88)
COBURG 3.3 7.4 9.6 10.6 (66)
GOALS: Mannagh 3, Clark, Hardie, Pike 2, Foster, Knevitt, Lovell, Humphries 1
DISPOSALS: Hardie 28, Clark 27, Stevens 24, Humphries 23, Herbert 20
@ Piranha Park, Coburg
