Bailey Smith has perfect start as Cats smash Dockers

Geelong Cats v Fremantle Dockers, AFL 2025 round 1 Ben Jensen Geelong opened their 2025 AFL season with a commanding 82-point victory over Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium, new recruit Bailey Smith having the perfect start at the Cats. The Cats showcased their dominance with a final score of 23.9 (147) to Fremantle’s 10.9 (69), thanks to a relentless display of pressure and precision. The Cats set the tone early, doubling the AFL’s average with 32 tackles in the first quarter. This intensity led to a 27-point lead by quarter-time, with contributions from debutant Smith and skipper Patrick Dangerfield. Tyson Stengle’s elite tackling and Ollie Dempsey’s creative goal further highlighted Geelong’s strong start.

In the second quarter, Geelong extended their lead with back-to-back goals from Brad Close and Max Holmes. Fremantle managed to break Geelong’s six-goal streak with a pocket finish from Josh Treacy, but the Cats quickly regained momentum. Stengle added two more goals, and Jeremy Cameron became the ninth goal-scorer for Geelong, pushing their lead to 54 points at halftime.

Fremantle fought back in the third quarter, with Michael Frederick and Bailey Banfield leading a resurgence that cut Geelong’s lead to 42 points. Debutant Murphy Reid shone for the Dockers, kicking four goals in quick succession and reducing the margin to 22 points. However, a crucial defensive effort from Jack Henry on the goal line helped Geelong maintain a 21-point lead heading into the final term.

The Cats sealed their victory with a dominant 10-goal final quarter. Tom Atkins broke the scoring drought, and Geelong’s relentless pressure overwhelmed Fremantle. The Cats’ ability to respond to Fremantle’s challenge and finish strongly underscored their status as a formidable team.

Geelong’s performance was marked by contributions from across the team, with multiple players stepping up in key moments. Their tackling pressure, efficient ball movement, and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities were pivotal in securing the win.

This emphatic victory sets a high standard for Geelong’s season, while Fremantle will look to regroup and address areas for improvement. The Cats’ fans at GMHBA Stadium were treated to a thrilling display of football, leaving them optimistic about the team’s prospects for 2025.

AFL 2025 ROUND 1
GEELONG CATS V FREMANTLE DOCKERS
SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2025, 13:20 AEST
GMHBA STADIUM

GEELONG CATS 5.4, 12.4, 13.6, 23.9 (147) DEFEATED
FREMANTLE DOCKERS 1.1, 3.4, 9.9, 10.9 (69)

GOALS
GEELONG CATS: Cameron 4, Stengle 3, O.Henry 3, Holmes 2, Dangerfield 2, Dempsey 2, Miers, Bowes, Close, Atkins, Neale, Smith, De Koning
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: Reid 4, Frederick 2, Brayshaw, Treacy, Banfield, Cox

BEST
GEELONG CATS: Smith, Dangerfield, Humphries, De Koning, Stengle, Holmes
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: Johnson, Reid, Brayshaw, O’Meara

INJURIES
GEELONG CATS: Nil reported
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: Dr Z Switkowski (groin)

CHANGES
GEELONG CATS: –
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: –

SUBSTITUTES
GEELONG CATS: Jhye Clark, replaced Mark O’Connor in the fourth quarter
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: Heath Chapman, replaced Sam Switkowski in the third quarter

REPORTS
GEELONG CATS: –
FREMANTLE DOCKERS: –

CROWD: 25,372 at GMHBA Stadium

GEELONG CATS
B: C.O’Sullivan, J.Henry, M.Blicavs
HB: Z.Guthrie, T.Stewart, L.Humphries
C: B.Smith, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey
HF: B.Close, G.Miers, T.Stengle
F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, P.Dangerfield – C
FOLL: S.De Koning, T.Atkins, J.Bowes
INT: O.Mullin, M.O’Connor, O.Henry, J.Clark, M.Knevitt
EMER T.Clohesy, M.Duncan, R.Stanley

FREMANTLE DOCKERS
B: B.Cox, A.Pearce – C, J.Draper
HB: L.Ryan, B.Walker, J.Clark
C: N.O’Driscoll, J.O’Meara, J.Sharp
HF: M.Reid, M.Frederick, S.Switkowski
F: L.Jackson, J.Treacy, J.Amiss
FOLL: L.Reidy, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw
INT: B.Banfield, M.Johnson, K.Worner, H.Chapman, C.Wagner
EMER: P.Voss, N.Erasmus, C.Simpson