It was a complete performance on Friday night footy as the Cats stormed to their fourth win in the last five weeks, moving inside the top four for the time being after a 75-point victory over the Western Bulldogs. 

There were big winners everywhere as 'Jezza' hit double digits for the second time in his last 13 matches, while Bailey Smith ran amok through the middle and Max Holmes blitzed the Bulldogs with his run and carry. 

But there were a number of other key performances that helped inspire the Cats to their big win, with some unheralded stars simply getting the job done when required. 

Take a look at five standout players from Friday night's victory over the Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium. 

00:33

Milestone man with the cherry on top

Jake Kolodjashnij kicks the unlikeliest of goals in his 200th game and teammates get around him in incredible scenes

Jack Martin

18 Disposals, 11 Score Involvements, Three Goal Assists

He had certainly shown signs of what he is capable of, but Jack Martin made a statement on Friday night in what is more than likely his best game for Geelong. 

The experienced forward barely wasted a possession as he registered 11 score involvements, while also dishing off three direct goal assists to go with a major of his own. 

Martin went at a brilliant 83.3% efficiency from his 18 disposals, also taking nine marks in a clear showing of his importance to the Cats. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Jack Martin of the Cats fends off a tackle during the round six AFL match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on April 17, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Oisin Mullin

13 Disposals, Seven Score Involvements, Five Tackles

While he had seven score involvements of his own, this addition is more about what Mullin was able to do defensively as he added another scalp to his collection. 

Sent to Bulldogs champion Marcus Bontempelli, Mullin was able to restrict him to just 14 disposals which is Bontempelli's equal lowest disposal total since Round 5 of the 2020 season. 

The Irishman was able to restrict him to just two clearances also, nullifying his impact in the most important part of the ground and taking away the Bulldogs' biggest weapon. 

The fact that he was able to get involved offensively was a bonus, but it was a complete performance from Mullin as he continues to lay claim as the competition's best tagger. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Oisin Mullin of the Cats and Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs compete for a mark during the round six AFL match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on April 17, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Shaun Mannagh

21 Disposals, Eight Inside 50s, Five Clearances

When Gryan Miers was ruled out of the clash, Geelong were set to miss their key connector between the midfield and forward 50 leaving a significant gap in their structure. 

But as they say, form is temporary and class is permanent. 

After a quiet couple of weeks by his lofty standards, Shaun Mannagh was back in a big way as he accumulated 21 disposals and a game-high eight inside 50s, finishing with a solid seven score involvements. 

He was also able to reprise his role around stoppages and won five clearances, sending another timely reminder of his importance and just how dangerous he can be. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Shaun Mannagh of the Cats handballs whilst being tackled by Joel Freijah of the Bulldogs during the round six AFL match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on April 17, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Jeremy Cameron

18 Disposals, 10 Marks, 10 Goals

No Geelong player since Gary Ablett Senior had kicked 10 goals in a single game, until Jeremy Cameron bagged 11 in Round 20 against North Melbourne last year. 

The feat was so nice that the superstar decided to do it twice, kicking an incredible 10 goals against the Western Bulldogs to reach double digits for the second time in his last 13 games. 

When the game was up for grabs, Cameron stamped his authority with five goals in the second quarter alone and seven in the first half, helping the Cats to build a massive lead by the main break. 

He put the cherry on top with a brilliant final term to reach 10 majors, in the blink of an eye Cameron has ascended to fourth place in the Coleman Medal. 

04:09

10 of the best: Every Jezza goal from night to remember

Jeremy Cameron’s incredible 10-goal haul leads Geelong in a dominant Friday night display

Bailey Smith 

33 Disposals, 11 Clearances, Eight Score Involvements, Eight Intercepts

Plenty of Geelong's drive and forward momentum was inspired by one man in particular, with Bailey Smith taking the game by the horns and putting his former side to the sword. 

The champion on-baller collected a game-high 33 disposals, 11 clearances and eight score involvements, continuing his incredible start to the year with another brilliant performance. 

But with an emphasis on centre stoppages this year, Smith won an incredible eight centre clearances on his own which helped Geelong to dominate the territory battle. 

If that was not enough, he also pushed back to pick off an equal game-high intercept possessions, capping off a simply dominant outing from Bailey Smith.