George Stevens in Action for VFL Cats against Sydney. Photo by Benjamin Cuevas.

The VFL Cats have earned a hard fought nine point victory over the Swans on Sunday, claiming their eighth consecutive win and locking themselves into second position on the VFL ladder. 

Lawson Humphries (25 disposals & 1 Goal) was the hero with an incredible final quarter which included the game clinching goal from outside 50, a classy goal assist and a clutch spoil on the last line of defence to stop Sydney's momentum. 

Geelong captain, Dan Capiron inspired his side with a terrific performance amassing 22 disposals, 15 marks and a goal to go along with numerous intercept possessions. 

Mitch Knevitt (27 disposals, 11 marks & 1 goal) led the way for the Cats in the middle, while Brandon Parfitt (26 disposals & 1 goal) continued his strong form. 

The Cats worked their way into the game in a scrappy opening term, booting three goals in the last 15 minutes to open up an 11 point lead at the first break.

Kaelen Bradtke opened proceedings with a long range finish, before Ted Clohesy and Lewis Antonac added goals of their own to extend Geelong’s lead at the first break.  

The Cats found plenty of opportunities to start the second quarter, but struggled to convert before Mitch Knevitt kicked his first goal of the day at the 17 minute mark.

Patrick Hughes followed suit moments later, with the Cats steadying the ship to solidify their lead heading into the main break.

George Stevens was dominant through the middle with 17 disposals in the opening half, while Mitch Knevitt was instrumental with 14 possessions and and a goal.

Dan Capiron stood tall with an incredible third quarter as the Swans mounted a challenge, taking several intercept marks and launching home a brilliant goal, helping the Cats to maintain a 22 point lead at the final break.

Lewis Antonac and Phoenix Foster both hit the scoreboard, before James Willis booted the last two goals of the third quarter to extend Geelong’s lead.

Lawson Humphries broke open the final quarter with a scintillating run, hitting Brandon Parfitt with a lace-out pass and the experienced midfielder made no mistake, converting the Cats first goal of the last term. 

It was Humphries once again who slammed the door shut on the Swans late comeback, launching home a goal on the run from outside 50 as the Cats closed out the nine point win. 

The round 11 clash also saw exciting prospect Mitch Edwards make his Geelong debut, with the young tall picking up nine disposals and 11 hitouts in three quarters of action.

The VFL Cats will enjoy a week off, before they return in round 13 to face Port Melbourne. 

VFL Round 11

GEELONG    3.3    5.7    10.7     12.11    (83)
SYDNEY      1.4    3.5     6.9      10.14    (74)
 
GOALS: Antonac, Willis 2, Humphries, Parfitt, Capiron, Bradtke, Clohesy, Knevitt, Hughes, Foster 1

DISPOSALS: Knevitt 27, Parfitt 26, Humphries 25, Stevens 24, Capiron 22

@ SCG, Sydney