Geelong produced another impressive team performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating Southport by 47 points with a polished display built on relentless pressure, fast-paced ball movement and contributions across every line.

The Cats settled into the contest quickly, with Mitch Knevitt opening the scoring before Geelong's attacking intent and fast transition game began to take hold.

Jay Polkinghorne, Jesse Mellor, James Worpel and Hunter Holmes all hit the scoreboard in an opening term where the visitors consistently looked dangerous going forward.

The second quarter saw Geelong maintain their intensity around the contest, applying strong defensive pressure while gaining the upper hand in both the handball and marking battles.

Joe Pike added another major as the Cats continued to create opportunities despite the inside 50 count remaining relatively even.

Jhye Clark was influential through the midfield, collecting 18 disposals, including 13 kicks, and taking four marks before half-time as Geelong carried a healthy lead into the main break.

Southport challenged after the interval in what proved to be a tightly fought third quarter, but the Cats responded when it mattered most.

Keighton Matofai-Forbes made an immediate impact with a courageous overhead mark, while Mitch Knevitt continued his strong afternoon with 17 disposals, four marks and two clearances through three quarters.

Jay Polkinghorne kicked his second goal of the game before Jesse Mellor continued his standout performance with a strong contested mark and goal.

Jamieson Ballantyne also found the big sticks before Mellor added another major late in the term, helping Geelong finish the quarter strongly and extend their advantage after a hard-fought opening to the second half.

The Cats carried that momentum into the final quarter, maintaining their pressure around the ball and refusing to allow Southport any late opportunities.

Mellor completed an outstanding afternoon with another goal, while Knevitt added his second major before Lewis Antonac also got on the scoresheet to cap off the convincing victory.

Clark finished with an outstanding 30 disposals, 16 kicks and six marks in another commanding midfield display, while returning Cat Keighton Matofai-Forbes enjoyed a successful comeback from injury with 12 disposals and five marks.

Across the ground, Gryan Miers was instrumental with 30 disposals, 16 kicks and three clearances, while Lenny Hofmann continued his consistent form with 28 disposals, six marks and two clearances.

Maintaining their pressure until the final siren, the Cats capped off an outstanding performance with a convincing win, further extending their advantage on top of the VFL ladder. 

2026 VFL Season - Round 13

SOUTHPORT   2.6   3.6    5.9    6.10   (46)  
GEELONG        5.2   6.5   10.8   14.9    (93) 

GOALS
Southport: Day 2, King, Dawson, Casalini, Butler 1
Geelong: Mellor 4, Polkinghorne 3, Knevitt 2, Worpel, Pike, Holmes, Ballantyne, Antonac 1

DISPOSALS
Southport: Dawson 33, Foot 30, Sullivan 21, Mills 20
Geelong: Miers, Clark 30, Knevitt, Hofmann 28, Burke 21