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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Awards
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
