GEELONG has returned to winning ways with a 30-point win over Richmond at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.
The Cats trailed by 29 points late in the second quarter, but started to lift with two goals just before half-time to trail by 16 points at the main break.
Geelong slammed through six goals in the third quarter to lead by three points at the final change, finally steamrolling the plucky Tigers in the final term to win 15.9 (99) to 10.9 (69).
CATS v TIGERS Full match coverage and stats
After taking the lead for the first time 20 minutes into the third quarter, the Cats dominated the second half, scoring 14.6 to Richmond's 3.2.
The swing in momentum started in the middle with the Cats dominant in clearances (10-1) and contested possessions (26-11) in the third term. Jack Bowes, Tom Atkins, Tanner Bruhn and Mitch Duncan were all influential.
Bowes in particular set the tone for the second half comeback with a dominant third term when he registered 10 disposals, three clearances and a goal in that quarter. He finished with an equal team-high 29 disposals and nine clearances.
Forward of the ball Ollie Dempsey dominated with three goals and 27 possessions, while Shannon Neale and Tom Hawkins contributed two goals apiece.
Behind the ball, defenders Tom Stewart and Zach Guthrie were again prominent, helping keep the Cats in the hunt when Richmond had the momentum.
Geelong's next challenge is against ladder-leaders Sydney at the SCG on Sunday 9 June.
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00:51HighlightsHighlights
Training Highlights | First Week Of Pre-season
Geelong's full AFL team is back on the track and getting tucked into some training before the Christmas break.
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06:39PodcastPodcast
Locker Buddies Ep 1 | Zali Friswell & Chloe Scheer
In Geelong's newest podcast series, our AFL & AFLW players chat all things in and outside of footy in this short form format full of fun! Proudly Presented by Simonds Homes.
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04:22Press ConferencePress Conference
Jesse Mellor | Press Conference
Cat B Rookie Jesse Mellor spoke with media after training. Presented by Ford.
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10:24Press ConferencePress Conference
Harley Barker & Hunter Holmes | Press Conference
New Draftees Harley & Hunter spoke with the media after training. Presented by Ford.
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12:24FeatureFeature
Access The Draft | 2025 Draft Feature
Take a look behind what goes into an AFL clubs draft period with an exclusive look into Geelong’s recruiting and player development teams preparation for the draft. Match data, home visits, pick trading, draft night and the logistics of welcoming new people to the club all factor into selecting the newest Geelong players. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.
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03:20InterviewInterview
Off The Track | Lawson Humphries
Cats Media interviewed Lawson Humphries after his first day back at pre-season training.
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01:19HighlightsHighlights
Welcome, Nick Driscoll
The final signing of Geelong's 2025 Telstra AFL Draft period came in the way of Nick Driscoll from the Northern Knights in the Rookie Draft.
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05:26InterviewInterview
2025 Draft Wrap | Simon Murphy
Hear from Head of List & Recruiting Strategy & TPP Simon Murphy as he gives us an insight into the players we have drafted. Presented by Ford.
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02:13HighlightsHighlights
Welcome, Jesse Mellor
Jesse Mellor joins the club as a Category B Rookie, after a stunning u18's season.
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01:18HighlightsHighlights
Welcome, Hunter Holmes
Geelong have selected Hunter Holmes with Pick 33 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft!
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02:08HighlightsHighlights
Welcome, Harley Barker
Geelong have selected dashing winger, Harley Barker, with it's first selection in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.
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04:24InterviewInterview
Draft Memories | Shaun Mannagh
Shaun Mannagh sits down with Cats Media and talks about the day he was drafted.
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04:18InterviewInterview
Draft Memories | Connor O'Sullivan
Connor O'Sullivan sits down with Cats Media and talks about the night he was drafted.
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draft
GEELONG 2.2 5.3 11.5 15.9 (99)
RICHMOND 4.3 7.7 10.8 10.9 (69)
GOALS
Geelong: Dempsey 3, Hawkins 2, Neale, Holmes, Neale, Stengle, Z.Guthrie, Cameron, Hawkins, Close, Bruhn, Bowes
Richmond: Ryan 2, Martin 2, Lefau 2, Mansell, Cumberland, Campbell, Baker
BEST
Geelong: Holmes, Dempsey, Duncan, Bowes, Stewart
Richmond: Baker, Graham, McAuliffe, Rioli, Martin
INJURIES
Geelong: O.Henry (hamstring)
Richmond: Lefau (leg)
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Gary Rohan, replaced Oliver Henry in the third quarter
Richmond: Kaleb Smith, replaced Marlion Pickett in the fourth quarter
Crowd: 31,714 at GMHBA Stadium
