Geelong's VFL team returned to action on Sunday afternoon, recording an impressive 31 point win over Sandringham to kick off their season. 

A dominant first half set up the big win, with the Cats holding the Zebras to just two goals as they cruised to a 26 point buffer at the main break. 

Within the Geelong team there was en exciting blend of youth and experience, as a number of emerging talents put together brilliant four quarter displays.  

See five standout performances from Sunday's victory over Sandringham. 

Patrick Retschko 

In his first official hit-out for Geelong, 2024 draftee Patrick Retschko put together an impressive performance to help lead the Cats to victory. 

Doing a little bit of everything on Sunday, the athletic midfielder finished with 24 disposals and four clearances, while also pushing back to pick off six intercept possessions. 

At one stage in the match Retschko found the footy on the far wing, before working hard across the ground to lay a smother just moments later, highlighting his phenomenal work rate. 

With the Cats looking to make a strong start, the youngster accumulated a game-high nine disposals in the first quarter to help set the tone for the rest of the day. 

Retschko also showed poise in front of the big sticks, booting a terrific goal in the second term in a brilliant first outing for Geelong's new recruit. 

Oli Wiltshire

Lively up forward and classy with ball in hand, Oli Wiltshire was terrific on Sunday as he looks to build consistency in his second season with the Cats. 

The main standout from his performance was the impact on the scoreboard, finishing the afternoon with three goals and eight score involvements. 

But Wiltshire was also able to push up the ground, finding 18 disposals and three intercept possessions against the Zebras in a solid showing to kickoff the new year. 

Marcus Herbert 

Geelong's vice-captain picked up where he left off in 2024, putting together an influential display to help lead his side to an important win. 

Herbert accumulated plenty of the football finding 27 disposals, but was also able to do plenty of work inside the contest laying nine tackles and winning six clearances. 

While his work heading forward was sensational finishing with eight inside 50s, Herbert was also able to have an influence behind the ball picking off numerous intercepts. 

Mitch Duncan

In a game where the pressure was intense and clean passages of play were hard to come by, Mitch Duncan's experience and class shone through. 

The veteran Cat collected 24 disposals and eight marks on Sunday, but most impressively he rarely wasted a possession going at 83.3% disposal efficiency.

Playing predominantly across half back, Duncan was able to use his run and carry to set up numerous attacking forays. 

George Stevens

Another player looking to primed to build in his second season with the Cats, George Stevens impressed on Sunday with his contested work and ball-winning ability. 

The midfield bull accumulated 26 disposals, 14 of those contested along with eight clearances in a dominant on-ball display. 

After putting together a very solid pre-season, Stevens will be one to watch as he progresses in 2025.