Geelong captain Joel Selwood had a simple message for his men prior to the Cats’ clash with the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday: be professional, get the job done.

And that’s exactly what Geelong did.

The Cats were all business in the first term, seemingly in a hurry to put the game out of the Suns reach, piling on seven first quarter goals to eventually run out 60 point winners, and securing the minor premiership in the process.

Mark Blicavs (27 disposals, six marks, two goals), speaking to Fox Footy after the game said the plan was to challenge the Gold Coast defence by taking the game on and getting it into Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins as quickly as possible.

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Stengle nails it from the pocket

Tyson Stengle gives his side the first major of the night with this special finish from the forward pocket

“It was a good start, we come up here and Gold Coast always trouble us,” he said.

“They spread the ground and they run really well so that was the aim, go with them and use it through the middle and as always try to get it to Hawk and Jez.”

The Geelong forwards clearly appreciated the supply with Cameron and Tyson Stengle both kicking three goals, and Tom Hawkins also paying his way with nine score assists to go with a goal and eight marks.

But as has been the case through the 2022 season, it wasn’t just the usual suspects doing the damage, with players like Max Holmes (2 goals, 21 disposals, 6 i50s, 8 intercepts), Gryan Miers (2 goals, 21 disposals, 7 i50s) and Brandan Parfitt (28 disposals, 8 score involvements) all having a major impact. 

“We come off the ground each week and you're not sure who's had a good game because everyone has been really consistent," Bicavs said.

“You mention the young guys, obviously it was Zach Guthrie's 50th he's really stepped up, Brad Cloase, I could name them all. I thought he was brilliant with that chase down on Touk (Miller) when they were really flying in that third quarter. 

“I think that is where we've improved a lot is those young guys just consistent each week”

The Cats take on West Coast in the final round of the home and away season next Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.

You can get your tickets here.