The VFL Cats finished off their 2025 season in brilliant fashion, closing out a dominant 10.6 (66) to 16.15 (111) victory over the Sydney Swans at Tramway Oval.
Geelong welcomed back plenty of experience with the likes of Cam Guthrie and Mitch Duncan featuring on Sunday, opening with an ideal first quarter and keeping the Swans at bay for the rest of the contest.
Concluding a strong debut season with the Cats, Jay Polkinghorne (11 disposals, six marks) and Jacob Molier (17 disposals, 10 marks) finished with three goals each, performing strongly in Geelong’s versatile forward line.
Ted Clohesy (26 disposals, six tackles, two goals) played an influential role with his consistent pressure and ability to nail targets at 81% disposal efficiency, while Jake Kolodjashnij (13 disposals, six intercept possessions) put together a strong performance down back.
Geelong needed a big win to challenge for a spot in Finals and Ted Clohesy put them in a strong position early, kicking a brilliant opening goal from the right pocket as the Cats gained momentum early.
Geelong continued to pile on the pressure with another five majors throughout the opening term, creating repeat entries and opening up a 28 point lead at quarter time.
Both sides went goal-for-goal throughout the second quarter, Geelong matching the Swans with three majors but they were unable to extend the margin much further, holding a solid 30 point lead at half time.
Jacob Molier had an impactful first half, booting three goals up forward to go with his eight disposals and four marks, while Mitch Edwards was outstanding in the ruck winning 10 hit-outs and nine clearances.
Patrick Kelly and Joe Pike both hit the scoreboard early in the third term as Geelong strung together some impressive runs, extending the margin to 37 points by the final break.
George Stevens was instrumental through the first three quarters, powering through the midfield and setting his teammates up well collecting 20 disposals, four clearances and six score involvements.
Geelong looked threatening in the final term, Jay Polkinghorne kicked his third goal and Xavier Ivisic slotted another through a tough contest, but Sydney responded with three consecutive majors of their own.
With hopes of a Finals spot steadily diminishing, Mitch Duncan excited the team with a booming goal from outside the 50 metre arc, capping off a dominant 45 point win for the Cats.
Despite the victory, Geelong will finish the home and away season just outside Finals.
2025 VFL Season – Round 21
SYDNEY SWANS 2.0 5.0 7.2 10.6 (66)
GEELONG CATS 6.4 9.6 12.9 16.15 (111)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Lloyd 4, Leidler 2, Kluske, Harrison, Hanily, Bice 1
Geelong Cats: Polkinghorne, Molier 3, Pike, Henry, Clohesy 2, Murray, Kelly, Ivisic, Duncan 1
DISPOSALS
Sydney Swans: Warner 36, Roberts 30, Bice 24, Mitchell, Adams 23, Francis 22
Geelong Cats: Stevens 30, Clark 29, Clohesy 26, Duncan 21, Murray, Kelly, Edwards 20
@ Tramway Oval, Geelong
