We take a look at five key moments in Geelong’s thumping grand final win over Sydney.
Hawkins kick-starts the Cats
After just over nine minutes with no goals, Tom Hawkins kicked the first goal of the day and got the game going. Under pressure from Sydney, the key forward took a contested chest mark, turned and snapped. First goals of the day are always exciting, but this one seemed to kick some confidence into a nervous looking Cats side. Five minutes later Hawkins got another and then Geelong were off, kicking six goals to one in the first quarter and not looking back.
Smith’s two beauties
The pinnacle of Geelong’s free rein in the opening term was fan-favourite Isaac Smith booting two superb goals to kick the Cats into gear. Twenty minutes in, Sydney had an opportunity to goal, but Geelong’s defence forced a turnover. As a result, the ball found its way to Smith’s hands and he sent it through the big sticks. Such was the story for much of the game: Geelong quelling Sydney opportunities and making the most of their own.
Swans’ selection gamble fails to pay off
Sydney forward Sam Reid was a risk going into the game, and his adductor issue kept him from being able to run or insert himself into the contest. Sydney were desperate for a spark, especially from their forward line, which struggled to get hands on the ball or find opportunities to goal. The injured performance was a lowlight, and Reid was subbed off early in the third quarter.
Sam Reid came into the game carrying an injury.Credit:Scott Barbour
Stengle’s haul of goals
Young forward Tyson Stengle, who has revived his AFL career with the Cats this season, booted back-to-back goals late in the third term to bring his tally for the day to four. It made him the leading goalscorer on the ground and marked his eighth score involvement. In a day of great Geelong performances, Stengle was among the critical contributors.
Selwood puts icing on the cake
Joel Selwood provided the emotional highlight of the game with his goal late in the last quarter. Selwood put his hands over his face as he was overcome with emotion and his teammates came – passing Michael Tuck for most finals appearances in VFL/AFL history – and capped off an exceptional grand final performance, finishing with 26 disposals, four tackles and one goal.
