Geelong did what they needed to on Saturday night, defeating Richmond and officially locking in a top six spot on the ladder heading into September. 

In what proved to be nearly a carbon copy of Round 24 last year, the Cats kicked away in the opening half and then took their foot off the gas after the main break, finishing Saturday in the top four with Sunday's clash between West Coast and Hawthorn to determine their final position. 

As is always the case, a number of star Cats produced outstanding performances to help lift their side to victory, particularly some big names through the middle of the ground. 

Take a look through some of the standout players from Saturday night at the Cattery. 

Shaun Mannagh

33 Disposals, Three Goals, 11 Score Involvements

He has been thrust into a more permanent midfield role in recent weeks, and it might just turn out to be one of Chris Scott's greatest masterstrokes as Shaun Mannagh looks increasingly comfortable in his new position. 

On Saturday night, he was the prime mover in the opening half as the crafty Cat collected 22 disposals, three goals and five clearances to the main break, torching the Tigers midfield unit and using the ball cleanly to set-up scoring opportunities for his teammates. 

Mannagh would go on to finish the night with an equal game-high 11 score involvements, while also tying his career-high of 33 disposals. 

It could be another asset that unlocks further success for Geelong heading into September, but Mannagh's midfield move certainly paid dividends once again on Saturday night. 

Bailey Smith

40 Disposals, Three Goals, 11 Score Involvements

Is there a player in the competition that has a better running capacity than Bailey Smith?

The star on-baller can pretty much do it all, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to keep moving, able to continually find space and burn off opponents, as evident with his final goal of the night. 

Smith finished with 40 disposals against the Tigers, the third time this season he has hit that mark, while also recording 11 score involvements and a game-high 827 metres gained. 

Patrick Dangerfield

22 Disposals, Three Goals, Six Inside 50s

Geelong will certainly be pleased by what their skipper was able to produce on Saturday night, looking like he is rounding into a nice vein of form at the right time of year. 

Dangerfield spent time both through the midfield and up forward against Richmond, notably breaking plenty of tackles and showcasing that trademark strength that has been evident right throughout his career. 

He went on to finish with 22 disposals, his second highest total of the season, and added three goals alongside his six inside 50 entries, a fantastic outing from the captain on the eve of Finals. 

Mitch Edwards

19 Disposals, 25 Hit-Outs, One Goal

The young star is growing before Cats' fans eyes each and every week, taking on the challenge against experienced ruckman Toby Nankervis on Saturday and doing a stellar job. 

Edwards finished with 25 hit-outs, his third-highest total of the season, while also collecting a career-high 19 disposals and looking remarkably composed with ball in hand. 

He added six score involvements, four intercept possessions and even kicked a goal on the run in the final term, capping off a sensational first regular season for Edwards and setting up an exciting first September campaign. 

Ollie Dempsey

27 Disposals, Two Goal Assists, One Goal

Dempsey's finish to the regular season has been nothing short of remarkable, and he added another terrific outing in Round 24. 

The star winger collected 27 disposals, which is the second-highest tally of his career, while still pushing forward to kick a goal and dishing off two goal assists. 

He ended the night with seven score involvements, but was also able to fold back and have an impact, picking off four intercept possessions in what was another well-rounded display for the brilliant Cat.