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GEELONG TOO CLASSY FOR CROWS AS 'WE ARE GEELONG, THE GREATEST TEAM OF ALL' was playing throughout the stadium, Gary Ayres walked around the boundary for probably the last time. Victory was sweet for the Cats today, who surprisingly for many, outclassed the Crows. After an ordinary first half, the Cats finished behind on scoring shots but in front by two points where it mattered most. They came out and booted six goals three behinds in the third term, to Adelaide's two goals two. In the final quarter you would have expected the Crows to step up another notch but it was not to be, the Cats again outscoring them, to post a forty-three point victory. Geelong is now 2-4 on the AFL ladder, and has a 100% home record, having won both home fixtures at Telstra Dome and now Skilled Stadium. Only eighteen thousand turned up, on face value disappointing but considering it was televised lived against the gate, reduced standing room, and the icy conditions, it wasn't bad. Cameron Ling was popularly adjudged best on field, despite limping form the field in pain after the opening bounce. Coming back on just before quarter time, Ling amassed a lazy twenty six possessions and kicked three wonderful goals on the run. He was just everywhere, and is becoming a genuine 'star' of the AFL. Ben Graham's 200th AFL game was a memorable victory, at a time when the Club needs some good publicity. He kicked Geelong's first goal of the match, which came after some fifteen minutes of pain as the Crows had five scoring shots of their own. He delighted the crowd with a 'barrel' in the forth quarter, which sailed through at post height for a minor score. Ben comes under so much scrutiny each game, which is almost Richmond-like in its logic and feral delivery. But without the man, Geelong's forward line would still be struggling. Gary Ablett worked hard, back from injury, with three cameo goals. His first goal in the second term lifted the home town crowd, a key moment in the match. His other two were equally as good, the second coming in the third quarter from a kick just inside 50 on a difficult angle in the wind conditions. Andrew Mackie continued to display more glimpses the talent that Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells saw on grainy video tapes back in 2002. Kane Tenace was even better, too slick for the much more seasoned Adelaide midfielders. Brent 'Tweak' Moloney started on the ball along with Ling, makeshift ruckman Cameron Mooney and James Kelly. Moloney combined with Mackie and Ling for the goal of the day, after taking a couple bounces dishing off to Mackie, who handpassed to Ling who goaled on the run just inside 50 to give the Cats the lead going into half time. Paul Chapman played an honest game, chipping in with two handy goals. The backline of Matthew Scarlett, Tom Harley, Darren Milburn, Brenton Sanderson, David Wojcinski and Josh Hunt was more than a match for the Crows. Wayne Carey kicked his two goals in the last quarter, when the game, not quite over, wasn't far from it. Hunt has now every game but one this season, finally putting his run of injury behind him. He even kicked a goal, in the third quarter. Hunt's goal was the result of what can only be described as 'applied pressure'. After forcing each Crows' kick out from goal either out of bounds or back inside 50, Adelaide decided to chip out from goal. Hunt found himself in the right place at the right time. Hunt's long, accurate kicks from goal are becoming a feature of his game. Similar to another well built raking left foot kick who played his first game against Essendon at Kardinia Park in Round 21, 1993. Key forwards Ben Graham and Kent Kingsley were quiet. The conditions didn't suit Kinglsey, but when he was on the ground he contested very well, which the stats just won't show. His only goal came from a brilliant tumbling punt which I can only describe as a 'doosra'. It bounced one way and then the other, spinning through for a goal to put the game beyond doubt. Next week Geelong plays Hawthorn on Sunday night at Telstra Dome. It is Hawthorn's first game, but all Geelong fans are encourage to attend to put the pressure back on the Hawks. For Mother's Day, Level 1 has been declared 'General Entry'. For more information, visit the Metrocats website (http://www.metrocats.com.au). Hawthorn of course were defeated by Richmond last Friday night. The Hawks will have a nine day break, and presumably after being publicly humiliated will be out to 'do it for Schwabby'. So get down to Telstra Dome and cheer for the Cats. GEELONG: 1.0 5.2 11.5 15.11 (101) DEFEATED GOALS: Geelong: Ablett, Ling 3, Gardiner, Chapman 2, Graham,
Gardiner, Kingsley, Moloney, Hunt 1 |
BEN GRAHAM CARRIED OFF AFTER 200 GAMES (CLICK FOR FULL SIZE) NO CHANGE ON LEADER BOARD TIPPING
JOSH HUNT, AFTER STEALING A GOAL (CLICK FOR FULL SIZE)
KINGSLEY CELEBRATES AFTER KICKING A GOAL WITH A 'DOOSRA' (CLICK FOR FULL SIZE)
THE TEAM BELT OUT 'WE ARE GEELONG' (CLICK FOR FULL SIZE)
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