When a team records an 80-point win just like Geelong did against Melbourne on Saturday it is going to be off the back of a very strong team performance.

While most of the spotlight was shone on the performances of Patrick Dangerfield, Tim Kelly and the new additions to the team this year, two Cats have flown under the radar.

Both these men are part of a backline which helped restrict the Dees to just six goals. A remarkable feat given Melbourne propelled the ball inside 50 on 72 occasions.


Jake Kolodjashnij

For the second week in a row Jake Kolodjashnij was assigned with the task of restricting one of the opposition’s best attacking weapons.

In round one it was Jordan De Goey and on Saturday it was Christian Petracca.

When the match was there to be won, Kolodjashnij stood tall and won several 50/50 contests to keep the dangerous Dee scoreless, while also managing 17 disposals of his own.

Kolodjashnij’s performance drew praise from Harry Taylor and Chris Scott post-match.

“He doesn’t get a lot credit outside the four walls of our football club but to keep (Christian) Petracca pretty quiet for the night was an outstanding effort,” said Taylor.

“When he was in the contest and under the pump early, he was fantastic for us,” said Scott.


Mark O’Connor

In the absence of fellow Irishman and defender Zach Tuohy, Mark O’Connor has taken his game to another level so far in 2019.

The 22-year-old played a key role in Geelong’s win against Melbourne, finishing with 11 touches — five of those intercepts — as well as a first AFL goal.

Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser post-match, O’Connor admitted he is really enjoying his football at the minute.

“For me it was just building confidence, coming into the game late. I feel like I have that confidence now and I can really go out and enjoy myself and express myself,” said O’Connor.