Geelong has claimed a 26-point victory over St Kilda at RSEA Park, overcoming a tightly contested opening three quarters before pulling away late to record a 9.17 (71) to 6.9 (45) win.
The Cats were made to earn the four points, with the Saints matching Geelong early before the visitors' strength around the contest and defensive structure proved the difference in the final term.
Mitch Knevitt impressed throughout the afternoon, Nathan Kreuger was stoic in defence, while Jesse Mellor and Jacob Molier led the way in attack with two goals apiece.
The win is Geelong's 11th in a row, officially locking in a top four spot with three games remaining in the home and away season. The Cats will also be keeping an eye on Sunday's matches, where a GWS defeat to Frankston will be enough to secure a top two position and a home Qualifying Final.
Geelong settled quickly in the opening quarter, with Jesse Mellor kicking the game's first major before Tanner Lewis added another as the Cats edged ahead. Strong defensive work helped repel St Kilda's attacking opportunities in a quarter where inside 50s were evenly shared.
The afternoon also marked VFL debuts for Jed Henderson and Ben Pennisi, with Pennisi making an immediate impression, collecting five disposals in the opening term.
The contest remained an arm wrestle through the second quarter, as both sides applied relentless pressure around the ball. Inside 50s continued to be evenly split, but the Cats gained an advantage through efficient ball use by winning the kicking contest.
Jack Bowes was influential around stoppages, collecting 10 disposals and four clearances before halftime, while Lennox Hofmann found plenty of the football with 10 disposals and three marks.
With little separating the sides on the scoreboard, Geelong began to gain the ascendancy after the main break. The Cats controlled territory by winning the inside 50 count and took charge around stoppages, creating repeat opportunities in attack.
Mitch Knevitt and Jacob Molier both found the goals, while Ben Pennisi capped off a memorable debut by booting his first VFL goal to help Geelong take a valuable lead into the final change.
The Cats finished the stronger side in the last quarter, dominating the clearance battle and maintaining consistent attacking pressure. Bowes added a goal of his own before Mellor kicked his second major of the afternoon, as Geelong broke the game open to seal another important victory.
Knevitt was outstanding across four quarters, finishing with 22 disposals, six marks and three clearances. Nathan Kreuger was a commanding presence in defence, recording 16 disposals and taking 11 marks to repeatedly halt St Kilda's forward entries.
Jay Rantall continued his strong form with 21 disposals, seven marks and a goal, while Nicholas Driscoll was influential through the midfield with 20 disposals, six marks and three clearances.
Tom Peirce battled strongly in the ruck, finishing with 15 disposals, six hit-outs and three clearances, while Hunter Holmes' six score involvements highlighted his impact in Geelong's attacking chains.
The win sees the Cats continue their strong run of form, with a disciplined defensive effort and a dominant finish proving enough to overcome a determined St Kilda outfit.
2026 VFL Season - Round 17
ST KILDA 2.1 2.5 5.8 6.9 (45)
GEELONG 2.4 3.5 7.9 9.17 (71)
GOALS
St Kilda: Maginness, Bourke 2, Mazzeo, Dodson 1
Geelong: Molier, Mellor 2, Rantall, Pennisi, Lewis, Knevitt, Bowes 1
DISPOSALS
St Kilda: Macrae, Dow 25, Hastie 21, Phillips, Fincher, Boxshall 17
Geelong: Knevitt 22, Rantall, Hofmann, Driscoll, Bowes 21, Holmes 20
