GEELONG has scored its 10th straight win over Richmond, defeating the Tigers by five points in a scrappy but heated clash at the MCG on Sunday.
On a wet and cold afternoon, in front of a poor crowd of less than 35,000, the Cats dominated the early stages, opening a 35-point lead at the 20-minute mark of the second quarter.
The Tigers then rediscovered the play-on style of footy that was so successful last year, closing to within six points early in the last term, before Chris Scott's men weathered the storm and held on to win 11.15 (81) to 12.4 (76).
Richmond had its chances in the dying stages but never really looked like winning, with the Tigers' last goal coming on the final siren.
It was the Cats' sixth win from seven matches this season and ensures they keep pace with ladder leaders Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
Star defender Harry Taylor, who did a great job on Ty Vickery, was among Geelong's heroes in a pressure-packed finish.
Youngster Jordan Murdoch also rose to the occasion, snapping a brilliant goal that brought Richmond's charge to a halt.
Taylor, Jimmy Bartel, Steve Johnson and Corey Enright were the Cats' best performers, while Murdoch and fellow midfielders Mitch Duncan and Taylor Hunt booted two goals each.
Joel Selwood was held to just 10 disposals in the first three quarters by Shaun Grigg and Brett Deledio, but he lifted when it mattered most, gathering nine touches and kicking a goal in the final term.
Dashing half-forward Steven Motlop gathered 16 disposals in his first game for the season, while big man Tom Hawkins was well held by David Asbury, with the big Cat managing only three behinds on a day when the conditions didn't help his cause.
Astbury's job was made much easier by the return of fellow key defender Alex Rance, who was playing his first game since round one.
Rance was used as a loose man for much of the evening and produced a performance that was full of courage and endeavour.
But a high bump that he laid on Selwood during the third quarter is likely to attract the attention of the Match Review Panel.
Ruckman Shaun Hampson was another solid performer for the Tigers, while Reece Conca played his best game for the season and Brett Deledio, back in the side after a month on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, provided some much-needed dash.
But for all that, Richmond, who hasn't beaten Geelong since 2006, is now 2-5 and its finals prospects look shot.
Both the Tigers and Cats have a bye next weekend.
GEELONG 3.3 7.8 8.10 11.15 (81)
RICHMOND 0.1 4.3 8.3 12.4 (76)
GOALS
Geelong: Duncan 2, Murdoch 2, Hunt 2, Bartel, Varcoe, McIntosh, Johnson, Selwood
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Edwards 2, Vickery 2, Riewoldt 2, Deledio, Martin, Cotchin
BEST
Geelong: Taylor, Duncan, Enright, Bartel, Guthrie, Selwood, Murdoch
Richmond: Rance, Hampson, Conca, Vlastuin, Astbury, Deledio, Jackson
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
Richmond: Chris Newman (calf)
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Mark Blicavs replaced Dawson Simpson in the third quarter
Richmond: Shane Edwards replaced Nathan Gordon at half-time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Heath Ryan, Shane McInerney, Scott Jeffery
Official crowd: 34,377 at the MCG
Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol
