Geelong Cats Dominate Hawthorn Hawks in Round 17 Clash at GMHBA Stadium

In Round 17 of the 2024 AFL season, the Geelong Cats hosted the Hawthorn Hawks at GMHBA Stadium. The Cats secured a commanding 110-59 victory, much to the delight of their home crowd. The atmosphere was electric as fans witnessed a dominant performance from the home team.

The first quarter set the tone for the game, with Geelong coming out strong. Jeremy Cameron was quick to make his presence felt, scoring three behinds in the opening minutes. Tom Stewart added another behind before Dylan Moore of Hawthorn managed to get the Hawks on the scoreboard. However, it was Geelong who dominated, with Shannon Neale, Sam De Koning, and Gary Rohan (twice) all finding the back of the net. James Worpel scored a late goal for Hawthorn, but the Cats finished the quarter with a 29-7 lead.

In the second quarter, the Hawks tried to claw their way back into the game. Mitch Lewis scored early for Hawthorn, but Geelong quickly responded with goals from De Koning, Cameron, Bradley Close, and Neale. Mabior Chol and Changkuoth Jiath scored for the Hawks, but the Cats continued to pile on the points, closing the half with a 61-27 lead. The Cats’ efficient ball movement and strong defensive efforts were on full display.

The third quarter saw Geelong extend their lead further. Jeremy Cameron continued his stellar performance, scoring another goal early in the quarter. Gryan Miers and Bradley Close also added to the Cats’ tally. Despite goals from Mabior Chol and Dylan Moore for Hawthorn, the Cats maintained their dominance, ending the quarter with an 89-47 lead. The Hawks struggled to keep up with Geelong’s relentless pressure and precise kicking.

In the final quarter, Geelong sealed the victory with a series of impressive plays. Mark Blicavs and Jeremy Cameron each added a goal, while Bradley Close put the icing on the cake with a goal in the dying minutes. Although Massimo D’Ambrosio scored for the Hawks, it was too little, too late. The Cats finished with a resounding 110-59 win, showcasing their depth and skill across the field.

Geelong’s team statistics highlighted their superiority, with 377 disposals, 230 kicks, and 112 marks compared to Hawthorn’s 322 disposals, 191 kicks, and 79 marks. The Cats also excelled in tackles, clearances, and goals, demonstrating their all-around strength. Despite losing the hitouts battle 52-29, Geelong’s midfielders made up for it with their efficient ball use and defensive pressure.

Several players stood out for Geelong. Jeremy Cameron was a key performer, scoring four goals and four behinds. Bradley Close also impressed with four goals, while Sam De Koning contributed two goals and 15 hitouts. Tom Stewart was a rock in defense with 26 disposals and 11 marks. For Hawthorn, Dylan Moore and Mitch Lewis were notable, each scoring two goals, while James Worpel worked tirelessly with 26 disposals and a goal.

Individually, Geelong’s players showcased their skills and versatility. Shaun Mannagh led the team with 20 disposals and 14 tackles, while Mitchell Duncan had 25 disposals and 10 marks. Jack Bowes and Jhye Clark were also influential, contributing significantly in disposals and tackles. For Hawthorn, Jarman Impey and Karl Amon provided some resistance with 22 and 20 disposals respectively, but it wasn’t enough to stem the Cats’ tide.

In conclusion, Geelong’s comprehensive victory over Hawthorn solidifies their position as a formidable force in the 2024 season. The Cats’ ability to dominate both offensively and defensively was on full display, and they’ll be looking to carry this momentum forward. For the Hawks, it’s back to the drawing board as they seek to address the gaps exposed in this match.