Geelong produced an outstanding performance to claim a commanding 82-point victory over Richmond in Saturday's VFL clash, with a host of Cats making their mark across the ground.
The Cats trailed midway through the third quarter but then, as a clear sign of their dominance this year, piled on 16 of the last 18 goals in the match to finish with more than double Richmond's total score by the final siren.
Jesse Mellor and Jay Polkinghorne were outstanding inside forward 50, combining to kick 11 of Geelong's 23 goals, while James Worpel (32 disposals), Hunter Holmes (31 disposals) and Gryan Miers (24 disposals, three goals) were all influential.
Both sides brought strong pressure from the opening bounce, but it was Geelong who settled first. Jacob Mollier kicked the Cats' opening major before Jay Polkinghorne and James Worpel added goals to cap off an impressive first term.
Strong tackling and relentless pressure highlighted the quarter, while Cillian Burke made an early impact with four disposals and two clearances. George Stevens also got on the scoreboard to go with eight disposals and a clearance as the Cats built early momentum.
Geelong continued to control the contest in the second quarter with disciplined defence and slick ball movement. A well-worked passage of play ended with Jesse Mellor converting, while Polkinghorne added another two goals to extend the Cats' advantage.
Ballantyne also found the big sticks, and Jay Rantall was influential through the midfield with 11 disposals as Geelong won the handball battle and continued to create quality scoring opportunities.
The Cats took complete control after half-time. Mellor's third goal of the afternoon sparked another dominant stretch, while Hunter Holmes, Gryan Miers and Costello all added majors as Geelong's attacking pressure continued to overwhelm the Tigers.
The Cats also generated more inside 50 entries and edged Richmond in the disposal count, turning their midfield dominance into scoreboard reward.
Geelong finished the match in style with another explosive final quarter. Ballantyne, Polkinghorne, Hofmann, Mellor, Molier, Rantall and Miers all added goals as the Cats piled on the scoring to seal a comprehensive 82-point victory.
Several Cats starred in the dominant win. James Worpel was outstanding around the contest, finishing with 32 disposals and 12 clearances, while Hunter Holmes gathered 31 disposals and seven clearances in another influential midfield performance.
Polkinghorne was a constant threat inside 50, booting five goals from 18 disposals, while Miers capped off an impressive outing with 24 disposals, two clearances and three goals.
With contributions right across the field and an impressive balance between defensive pressure and attacking flair, Geelong's emphatic win provides another confidence-boosting performance as the VFL season continues.
2026 VFL Season - Round 16
GEELONG 3.4 7.7 14.11 23.14 (152)
RICHMOND 3.1 7.2 10.4 11.4 (70)
GOALS
Geelong: Mellor 6, Polkinghorne 5, Miers 3, Ballantyne, Molier 2, Worpel, Holmes, Hofmann, Costello, Rantall 1
Richmond: Fawcett 3, Toner, Milner 2, O'Keefe, Burton, Armstrong, Loftus 1
DISPOSALS
Geelong: Worpel 32, Holmes 31, Stevens 25, Miers 24, Ballantyne 22, Bews 21
Richmond: Sonsie 32, Hotton, Collier 24, Philp 19
