In the build up to the Cats blockbuster clash with Brisbane on Saturday afternoon, we take a look back at some iconic Preliminary Final moments in Geelong Football Club history.  

The second moment in this series looks at an inspirational, tone-setting play from a Cats champion early in the 2022 Preliminary Final. 

Geelong rolled into the penultimate week of the 2022 season on a 14 game win streak, looking to secure their second Grand Final berth in three years. 

Following a hard fought win over Collingwood in the Qualifying Final, the Cats attention swiftly turned to Brisbane who had progressed to the Preliminary Final after finishing outside the top four.  

The Lions entered the match in strong form, having secured close wins against Richmond (two points) and Melbourne (13 points) in the first two weeks of the Finals series. 

Geelong knew how important it was to get off to a strong start, no player recognising that more than Patrick Dangerfield in the opening stages of the game. 

Just 10 seconds into the first quarter, Max Holmes unloaded a kick inside 50 and Dangerfield with eyes only for the football, charged back with the flight to take a courageous mark just inside the Cats forward arc. 

If the mark was not inspirational enough, Geelong fans rejoiced as the ensuing set-shot sailed right between the big sticks to get the Cats on the scoreboard inside the opening minute of the game. 

It was a moment of class, courage and poise from Dangerfield that set the tone early for Geelong, before the star midfielder followed up with another long range goal later in the first term. 

The Cats went on to record a 71-point win over Brisbane, Dangerfield finishing with 28 disposals, eight clearances and two goals as Geelong secured a Grand Final berth against Sydney the following week.