Geelong’s VFL season has started off strongly with an impressive win against Sandringham on Sunday afternoon, closing out a wire-to-wire 31 point victory.

A nine goal first half for the Cats cemented a solid lead against the Zebras, then carrying momentum into the final half with six more goals, proving too strong for their opposition.

Oli Wiltshire (three goals, eight score involvements) lead the offensive charge after finding his groove during the third quarter, with support from Tobyn Murray (three goals, 16 disposals) and Paddy De Grandi (two goals, five marks) who both managed to capitalise on their opportunities.

The leadership duo of Dan Capiron (14 disposals, eight marks) and Marcus Herbert (26 disposals, eight tackles) brought some much needed composure throughout the match, as well as some big defensive plays that nullified Sandringham's attack.

In his first game as an AFL-listed player, ruckman Joe Pike (eight hit-outs) showed a lot of promise in combination with the experienced Rhys Stanley (23 hit-outs).

Geelong put the pressure on early, conceding only two goals during the first half thanks to a standout performance from returning Cat, Nathan Kreuger (10 marks, four contested) who took a possible mark of the year over the Zebras’ forward line.

Mitch Duncan showed off his class by controlling the game and securing 16 disposals at the half with a goal assist to Jay Polkinghorne (one goal), along with the assistance of George Stevens (26 disposals, seven clearances) and Patrick Retschko (23 disposals, one goal) who were both strong around the ball.

The Cats doubled down defensively in the second half with Charlie McCartin (19 disposals, 11 marks), Patrick Hughes (eight tackles, one goal), and Hamish Lucas (14 disposals, six tackles) all giving the Zebra’s little chance to gain any momentum.

After a 35 minute third term, a fourth quarter effort from Shaun Mannagh (14 disposals, five tackles) secured the round one win for the VFL Cats, a promising start to the season.

Geelong's next clash will be back at GMHBA stadium on Saturday afternoon, where the VFL Cats will face Northern Bullants at 12:35pm AEDT. 

2025 VFL Season - Round One

SANDRINGHAM       0.4     2.6      6.9        8.12    (60) 
GEELONG CATS       3.1     6.8     12.12     12.19    (91)
 
GOALS 
Sandringham: Said 2, Watson, Hutchings, Henry, Heath, Campigli, Travaglia 1
Geelong Cats: Wiltshire, Murray 3, De Grandi 2, Retschko, Polkinghorne, Hughes. Edmends 1

CATS BEST: Herbert, Duncan, Stevens, Wiltshire, Murray, Hughes

DISPOSALS
Sandringham: Schoenmaker 32, Carroll 23, Travaglia 22, Williams, Boxshall 21
Geelong Cats: Stevens, Herbert 26, Duncan 24, Retschko 23, McCartin 19

@ Trevor Barker Beach Oval