Geelong has done enough to stave off a strong challenge from a plucky West Coast team on Sunday afternoon, flexing their muscle after an even start and pulling away late to record a 46-point win at Norwood Oval. 

It marks a fourth win in four editions of Gather Round for the Cats, while also extending their winning streak in South Australia to six, having not lost a game in the state since midway through the 2023 season. 

The victory moves Geelong into the top half of the ladder with their third win in the last four games, setting the stage for a mouthwatering clash against the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium next week. 

There were plenty of big performances on Sunday afternoon but nobody was more influential than Bailey Smith, the superstar on-baller putting together a consistent four-quarter performance and finishing with 34 disposals, seven clearances and 13 score involvements, while equalling the all-time V/AFL single-game record with 16 inside 50s.

Tom Atkins (30 disposals, 11 tackles) and Tanner Bruhn (28 disposals, 11 score involvements) were very impactful through the middle of the ground, Max Holmes (34 disposals, two goal assists) was brilliant across half back and Mark O'Connor (three goals) stamped his authority on the contest both through the midfield and inside forward 50. 

The Cats would also be pleased to see Jake Kolodjashnij (12 disposals) back in action after an extended absence, while James Worpel (20 disposals, 11 clearances) celebrated his 150th AFL game in style. 

The Cats were certainly challenged in the opening quarter as they afforded West Coast too much space in transition, the young Eagles outfit snatching an early lead but Geelong responded strongly with three goals to end the first term, heading into quarter time seven points ahead. 

It was proving to be a midfield-dominated battle on the narrow confines of Norwood Oval, with Geelong's first three goals all coming from stoppages and it was led by a sensational start from Bailey Smith, who collected 10 disposals and a goal in the first term alone. 

Another slow start to the second quarter saw the lead change hands several times, Geelong took some time to gain the ascendancy but in similar fashion to the first term, the Cats finished with a flurry as they kicked five unanswered goals to extend the lead to 30 points at half time. 

With some midfielders returning to the line-up, Max Holmes was pushed to half back and it proved to be a masterstroke in the opening half, the star Cat amassing 19 disposals and 464 metres gained to generate plenty of run and carry out of defence. 

Mark O'Connor had never kicked more than one goal in a game across his 150 matches with the Cats, but he quickly set about changing that with an incredible three-goal haul in the first half, adding 12 disposals and three intercept possessions for good measure. 

While he was reasonably well held after a dominant start, Smith still headed into half time with 16 disposals and seven inside 50s to his name, while Tanner Bruhn (16 disposals, two goal assists) and Tom Atkins (16 disposals, five tackles) were also crucial through the middle of the ground. 

Geelong's tall timber kickstarted the second half with Shannon Neale and Jeremy Cameron both hitting the scoreboard early in the third term, setting the tone for a free-flowing and high scoring quarter of football. 

Both teams would add four goals in the term as the Cats closed in on the 100-point mark with a quarter to play, their lead narrowly growing to 35 points heading into the final break. 

00:38

Irish delight: O’Connor strikes twice in as many minutes

Mark O’Connor drills back-to-back goals during the second term helping the Cats kick away with the lead

Needing one final burst to put the game out of reach, the Cats started the final term perfectly with Brad Close and Jeremy Cameron hitting the scoreboard in quick succession to build an unassailable lead. 

From there they were able to successfully ice the game, holding West Coast goalless until the final minute of the quarter as they closed out a strong 46-point victory, Geelong's third win in their last four games. 

2026 AFL Season - Round 5

GEELONG CATS    4.5   10.8   14.13  17.19   (121)  
WEST COAST        3.4    5.8      9.8   11.10    (76) 

GOALS
Geelong Cats: O'Connor, Cameron 3, Neale, Close, Henry 2, Worpel, Wiltshire, Smith, De Koning, Bowes 1
West Coast: Shanahan 4, Waterman, Schoenberg, Owies, Graham, Duursma, Baker, Reid 1

BEST
Geelong: Smith, Bruhn, Holmes, O'Connor, Worpel, Atkins
West Coast: Duursma, Ginbey, Shanahan, Williams, Kelly

CROWD: TBC @ Norwood Oval