JACK Henry has kicked the matchwinner to give Geelong a classic three-point victory over Richmond in the best game of the season.

Leading by 35 points midway through the second quarter, the Cats’ advantage disappeared as Richmond came alive after half-time to grab a 17-point buffer early in the final quarter at the MCG.

Match Statistics - Cats v Tigers

But the lead would still change multiple times, with Maurice Rioli Jr calmly slotting a set-shot with two minutes remaining to put the Tigers back in front.

However, the Cats then burst out of the centre clearance with Henry, playing his first game since round five, flying high to grab a spectacular mark.

00:54

Heroic Henry wins it late

Jack Henry takes a spectacular mark in the dying stages to give Geelong the lead

The 23-year-old went back from 15m out to nail the Cats' 10th win of the season as Geelong held on for a rousing 13.11 (89) to 13.8 (86) win to jump into second on the ladder.

Richmond bravely fought back into the game after Geelong booted seven of the first nine goals, with the Tigers losing star midfielder Dion Prestia to concussion in the first quarter.

Prestia was dazed and confused after receiving a forceful high bump from All-Australian Geelong defender Tom Stewart that is certain to see the Cat suspended.

Stewart was in deep conversation with Cats coach Chris Scott during the quarter-time break as the 29-year-old appeared to be upset with his actions.

04:10

Last Two Minutes | Round 15

Enjoy the thrilling final moments between the Cats and Tigers at the MCG

He was booed by the Tigers faithful every time he went near the ball but still played a crucial role in the Cats' victory, including taking a big contested mark near Richmond's goals in the dying seconds.

Cats star Jeremy Cameron booted three goals in his 200th AFL game, as did resurgent small forward Tyson Stengle in a scintillating performance. 

Veterans Cam Guthrie and Mitch Duncan were also prominent, while Tom Atkins was tough in the contest.  

For the Tigers, Shai Bolton and Tom Lynch were outstanding with three goals each and Liam Baker was influential through the midfield.

Round 15 Showreel

  • 03:09

    Sweet 16 | Round 15

    Geelong defeated Richmond by three points in an instant classic at the MCG, the Cats' fifth straight win in a run of 16 through September.

    AFL
  • 03:47

    All The Goals | Round 15

    Enjoy all the goals from a great game against the Tigers, including the match winner from Jack Henry!

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  • 15:34

    Mini-Match | Round 15

    Extended highlights of the Cats and Tigers clash in round 15

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  • 02:42

    Roaming In The Rooms | Round 15

    Max Holmes takes us through the rooms after a ripping win against the Tigers! Proudly Presented by Total Outdoor Media.

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  • 01:36

    Inside The Circle | Round 15

    Join the team inside the circle for a win in Jeremy Cameron's 200th game.

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  • 15:21

    Scott Post-Game | Round 15

    Hear from senior coach Chris Scott following Geelong's Round 15 clash with Richmond. Presented by Morris.

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  • 06:54

    AFL Highlights | Round 15

    Watch all the best moments from Geelong's clash with Richmond at the MCG.

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  • 04:10

    Last Two Minutes | Round 15

    Enjoy the thrilling final moments between the Cats and Tigers at the MCG

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  • 00:57

    Close all class

    Brad Close provides a terrific finish to bring Geelong back within a goal

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  • 00:54

    Heroic Henry wins it late

    Jack Henry takes a spectacular mark in the dying stages to give Geelong the lead

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  • 00:51

    Henry gets Cats off to fast start

    Jack Henry kicks a goal on return for Geelong as they continue a hot start

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  • 03:25

    Cameron Milestone Messages

    Hear well wishes from friends and family. Presented by Ford

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  • 02:29

    Cameron Milestone Highlights

    In the lead up to his 200th game we look at some of Jezza's best work in his first 2 seasons at the Cats.

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  • 00:59

    Cameron is Ready for Saturday Night

    Jeremy Cameron is excited to play against an in form Richmond team this weekend to celebrate his 200th game milestone. Presented by Ford.

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  • 16:39

    Cameron & Scott Press Conference | Round 15

    Jeremy Cameron joined Chris Scott in this weeks press conference. Presented by Morris.

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  • 07:41

    Chris Scott | AFL 360

    Chris Scott joined Port Adelaide Coach Ken Hinkley on AFL 360 this week.

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Surprise moves from both coaches

Richmond swung a surprise when final teams were submitted, dropping ruckman Ivan Soldo to the substitute role in favour of Hugo Ralphsmith, who was brought into the 22. The curious move meant that Jack Riewoldt was rucking at times in the opening quarter before Soldo was activated later in the first term when Prestia was subbed out. The Cats also swung a very late change – 20 minutes before the opening bounce – when Gary Rohan was ruled out through illness. Zach Guthrie was brought into the starting team, which saw Chris Scott swing Jack Henry forward in a surprise move that paid dividends with two goals including the match-winner.

GEELONG           5.2      8.5     9.8      13.11 (89)
RICHMOND       2.0      5.3    10.7     13.8 (86)

GOALS  
Geelong: Stengle 3, Cameron 3, Henry 2, Blicavs, Miers, Smith, Tuohy, Close
Richmond: Bolton 3, Lynch 3, M.Rioli 2, Baker, Martin, Edwards, Ralphsmith, Clarke

BEST   
Geelong: Stengle, Cameron, Stewart, Duncan, Guthrie, Atkins
Richmond: Baker, Bolton, Vlastuin, Lynch, Pickett, McIntosh

INJURIES  
Geelong: Nil
Richmond: Prestia (concussion)

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Gary Rohan (illness) replaced in selected side by Zach Guthrie
Richmond: Ivan Soldo replaced in selected side by Hugo Ralphsmith

SUBSTITUTES  
Geelong: Cooper Stephens
Richmond: Ivan Soldo (replaced Prestia in the first quarter)

Crowd: 59,335 (Record Geelong v Richmond crowd at MCG)