Geelong have climbed into the top four on the ladder for the first time since Round 1, taking down the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium. 

Registering their fourth consecutive win, the Cats have now defeated six of the top eight opposition teams on the ladder, setting themselves up for an exciting second half of the season. 

There were plenty of strong performances on Saturday afternoon, with every player on the ground making the most of their opportunities when they were presented. 

Take a look at five standout players from Geelong's important victory over the Suns. 

Max Holmes 

40 Disposals, 10 Clearances, 861 Metres Gained, Seven Inside 50s

What more can you say about Max Holmes' performance. 

A career high 40 disposals, a career high 10 clearances, seven inside 50 entries and plenty of run and carry provided, the superstar Cat broke the game open in difficult conditions on Saturday. 

Holmes' role became even more important when Bailey Smith was withdrawn late, but the brilliant on-baller stood tall under pressure and helped steer his team to an important victory. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Max Holmes of the Cats is chased by Matt Rowell of the Suns during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium on June 7, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Mark O'Connor 

21 Disposals, 10 Tackles, Seven Clearances

Speaking of important midfield roles, Mark O'Connor spent plenty of time following Gold Coast star, Noah Anderson in a negating role and undoubtedly took the points on Saturday. 

The Irishman was able to find plenty of the footy himself and used his solid frame to influence stoppages, but also held Anderson to 19 disposals which is his lowest disposal total since Round 6 of the 2024 season. 

O'Connor also went at 81% disposal efficiency and recorded seven inside 50's, a sensational display to continue a strong season in 2025. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Mark O’Connor of the Cats in action during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium on June 7, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Tyson Stengle 

11 Disposals, Five Tackles, Four Goals

With scoring hard to come by for both teams, Tyson Stengle stamped his authority with a brilliant performance, making the most of his opportunities inside forward 50 to finish with a game high four goals. 

In a stretch between the final minutes of the second quarter and midway through the last, Stengle booted his four majors while Gold Coast only managed two in that span, helping the Cats to build a match winning lead. 

The crafty Cat continues to lead the AFL for tackles inside forward 50 this year, laying five more tackles against the Suns to continually apply pressure to their defence. 

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Stengle hits it sweet for superb pocket finish

Tyson Stengle shows his class in the rain with a brilliant set-shot finish

Tom Atkins

23 Disposals, Eight Clearances, Seven Tackles, One Goal

Week after week, Tom Atkins continues to be among Geelong's top performers as he put together another influential display on Saturday afternoon. 

In the midst of a terrific season, Atkins collected another 23 disposals and eight clearances against the Suns, while laying another seven tackles to take his season tally to 126. 

The hard nosed on-baller also popped up inside 50 and booted the Cats first goal of the game, capping off his performance with an equal game-high six score involvements. 

Jack Henry

18 Disposals, 10 Intercept Possessions, Six Marks, Five Tackles 

Geelong were able to hold Gold Coast to just five goals from 51 inside 50 entries, a big part of that was the performance of star defender, Jack Henry. 

Henry was able to pick off a game high 10 intercept possessions, taking six marks and going at 83% disposal efficiency in an influential display. 

The Cats defenders were able to combine to take 15 intercept marks between them, with Henry and the back six pivotal in Geelong coming away with the four points.