RESURGENT Geelong's blistering start to 2016 has continued with a 44-point hammering of a disappointing West Coast outfit, which will be facing the blowtorch after another sub-standard effort on the road.
In what loomed as Geelong's biggest test since an Easter Monday triumph over Hawthorn, the Cats dominated the second term and withstood a third-quarter Eagles blitz to notch a 18.15 (123) to 12.7 (79) victory at Simonds Stadium.
A packed house at the Cattery was treated to an impressive display and the hype is bubbling away with Chris Scott's men climbing to the top of the AFL ladder courtesy of their fifth-straight win.
After an arm-wrestle with both sides sizing each other up in the opening term, the Cats found their range and blew Saturday's clash wide-open with a seven-goal-to-one second term.
Twin terrors Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield ran rampant, but it was livewire Steven Motlop who stole the show.
Motlop bagged three of his four majors – and handed off another on a silver platter to Tom Hawkins – as the Cats went to the rooms 35 points in front.
The margin ballooned to 51 points midway through the third term and the Cats' percentage looked poised for an even bigger boost until the Eagles finally sprung to life with five goals in a stunning seven-minute blitzkrieg.
Remarkably, a repeat dose of West Coast's miraculous 54-point comeback at Simonds Stadium in 2006 looked possible as the margin closed to 19 points.
But a botched handball by Matt Priddis in the centre square resulted in a goal to Josh Caddy and surrendered all the momentum and it was party-time for the home side in the final term.
It was a brave win by the Cats, who lost Lincoln McCarthy (ankle) in the first term and had fellow speedster Nakia Cockatoo (knee) operating below his best.
And after wins over strugglers the Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast, this was the triumph that will end doubts over Geelong's top-four credentials.
But for the Eagles, it was another damning road defeat that will raise more questions about whether Adam Simpson's side is a genuine contender.
West Coast won six games away from Perth last year on the way to a shock Grand Final berth, but the Eagles have looked miles off that pace after away beltings from Hawthorn, the Sydney Swans and Geelong.
Only a handful of Eagles could hold their heads high on Saturday, with Jeremy McGovern and Brad Sheppard battling against the odds in defence, and Chris Masten trying hard in midfield.
Recruit Lewis Jetta had another quiet day as the former Swan struggles adjusting to life in his new colours and ex-Lions midfielder Jack Redden also cut a frustrated figure.
Eight Cats racked up more than 20 touches, with Jimmy Bartel producing a vintage performance, while the new wave of Josh Caddy, Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie were strong all day.
McCarthy's injury aside, the only sour note for Geelong was Rhys Stanley's report for a heavy bump on Sheppard.
The Eagles defender wasn't badly hurt, which could save the big Cat when the Match Review Panel releases its findings on Monday.
GEELONG 2.4 9.7 12.11 18.15 (123)
WEST COAST 3.1 4.2 9.5 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Geelong: Motlop 4, Hawkins 3, Kersten 3, Guthrie 2, Stanley, Bartel, Caddy, Cockatoo, Mackie, Menzel
West Coast: Kennedy 3, Darling 3, Lycett 2, Cripps, Hill, Le Cras, Jetta
BEST
Geelong: Motlop, Dangerfield, Bartel, Selwood, Caddy, Kersten
West Coast: Naitanui, McGovern, Sheppard, Masten
INJURIES
Geelong: Nakia Cockatoo (calf), Lincoln McCarthy (ankle)
West Coast: Nil
Reports: Rhys Stanley (Geelong) for rough conduct on Brad Sheppard (West Coast) in second quarter
Umpires: Dalgliesh, O'Gorman, Jeffery
Official crowd: 25,429 at Simonds Stadium
