Geelong's VFL season has come to a close after the Cats fell to Southport by 29 points at GMHBA Stadium in Saturday's Semi Final.
A six goal to two second quarter from the Sharks saw them bounce out to a healthy lead early, with the Cats unable to peg the margin back despite controlling the play for large portions of the second half.
Mitch Knevitt was outstanding for Geelong finishing the day with 39 disposals, 13 clearances and 10 tackles to lead all players on the ground in those three categories.
Tom Hawkins (10 disposals, one goal) and Cameron Guthrie (19 disposals, eight tackles) both made successful returns from injury, much to the delight of a strong Cats crowd at GMHBA Stadium.
The top highlight from the first quarter came from none other than Tom Hawkins who booted a brilliant goal from a forward stoppage, but the Cats trailed Southport by five points at the first break.
Mitch Knevitt was incredible in the opening term collecting 13 disposals, five clearances and laying seven tackles in a dominant early display.
The Sharks continued to mount a strong challenge after quarter time, kicking six unanswered goals to extend the margin to 29 points just 10 minutes into the second term.
Mitch Hardie and Phoenix Foster hit the scoreboard to wrestle back some momentum, but the Cats still found themselves 27 points adrift heading into the main break.
Knevitt continued his phenomenal start finishing the half with 23 disposals, 10 clearances and eight tackles, while Brandan Parfitt (12 disposals, six tackles) and Mitch Hardie (10 disposals, one goal) worked hard through the middle.
An arm wrestle ensued after half time, Phoenix Foster breaking the deadlock with a long range setshot, before Cameron Guthrie booted another to cut the margin back to a manageable 17-points at three quarter time.
The Cats found plenty of chances in the last quarter but only kicked one goal from six scoring shots, as Southport closed out the 29 point win.
VFL Semi Final
GEELONG 2.3 4.6 6.11 7.16 (58)
SOUTHPORT 3.2 9.3 10.4 13.9 (87)
GOALS
Geelong: Foster, Hardie 2, Clohesy, Hawkins, Guthrie 1
Southport: Lockhart, Buzza 3, Heron 2, Gray, Derrington, Dixon, Sexton, Lake 1
DISPOSALS
Geelong: Knevitt 39, Clohesy 24, Hardie 20, Lovell, Guthrie 19
Southport: Dawson 27, Jepson 25, Woodcock 20, Manteit 18
INJURIES
Geelong: Gary Rohan (Concussion)
@ GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
