3 JIMMY BARTEL played at half forward in the first half and kicked the opening goal of the game, a feat the Cats have managed in every match this season. Bartel is widely regarded as a wet weather specialist and he lived up to that reputation, making a game-high 9 tackles. He was sent in to compete at the first centre bounce of the second half and spent more time in the midfield from then on, collecting a total of 24 touches.
DT: 118
SC: 126

5 TRAVIS VARCOE started inside the centre square for the opening bounce, just as he did last week against Port Adelaide. With a clean pick up and classy snap, Varcoe kicked a goal that defied the drizzly conditions. One of five unanswered Geelong goals to start the match, Varcoe played a big part in the Cats’ impressive start but faded after half time and finished with nine disposals.
DT: 45
SC: 36

7 HARRY TAYLOR was the most consistent Cat over four quarters and took a game-high 13 marks. Seven of those marks were intercepted from Richmond kicks and five taken in a contest, eclipsing the output of the next best player. Taylor was incredibly clean with his disposal despite the constant rain, tallying 19 disposals with 94.7% efficiency.
DT: 103
SC: 106

9 JAMES KELLY played predominantly in defence and was one of Geelong’s best players. His strength was a valuable asset in difficult conditions and his willingness leave his man and attack the ball displayed a growing confidence in a new role. Kelly was thrown into the centre square for the start of the final term when experience was required, finishing with a total of 20 disposals.
DT: 70
SC: 77

13 TOM LONERGAN spent most of the match side by side with Jack Reiwolt, more than holding his own against the two-time Coleman medalist. He out marked Reiwolt in their first one on one contest, the first of five marks for the match. Lonergan collected 12 possessions and limited his opponent to two goals.
DT: 60
SC: 56

14 JOEL SELWOOD was well held for most of the game, first by Shaun Grigg and then by returning Richmond vice-captain Brett Deledio. Selwood had only 10 disposals up to three quarter time but, when his team needed him most, the Geelong skipper imposed himself on the match. He won the first clearance of the final term and another minutes later, winning possession at a boundary throw in and shrugging two tackles before scoring the first goal of the quarter from 55m out. Selwood won a total of seven clearances and had nine last-term touches to finish with 19 for the match.
DT: 82
SC: 92

16 DAWSON SIMPSON competed well in the air and his physical presence was valuable in a congested game. The big ruckman won three possessions and 16 hit-outs playing 53% of the match. Simpson was substituted for Mark Blicavs 20 minutes into the third term and watched the rest of the contest from the boundary, wearing the red vest.
DT: 19
SC: 37

17 HAMISH McINTOSH was fortunate to win a free kick inside 50 early in the match, but seized the opportunity and kicked the Cats’ third goal. He gathered nine disposals and won 25 hit-outs against Shaun Hampson, a duel that was evenly fought for most of the match. McIntosh was excellent in the fourth quarter, winning several crucial ruck contests that helped Geelong win the clearances and ultimately the match.
DT: 62
SC: 65

19 TAYLOR HUNT competed against Brett Deledio for much of the first half, playing on the half back flank. Following his opponent up the ground, Hunt outmuscled Deledio to win the ball at a boundary throw in and snap the first goal of the second term. He was effective with 12 of his 14 disposals and took a season-high six marks. Late in the game Bartel had half a step to get boot to ball and found Hunt, who took one step and snapped his second goal.
DT: 85
SC: 83

20 STEVE JOHNSON was unstoppable in the first quarter, gathering 13 disposals. He was slowed down by Daniel Jackson from the second term onwards, but was still aggressive with his disposals and scored Geelong’s fifth straight goal 10 minutes after the first change. Johnson tallied 29 disposals and was effective in both attack and defence, making seven tackles and kicking inside 50 on six occasions. Outstanding at stoppages, Johnson won a game-high eight clearances to round out another fine performance.
DT: 110
SC: 135

21 JORDAN MURDOCH collected 18 possessions and was the most influential of Geelong’s permanent forwards. He hacked the ball out of mid air to score his first of his two majors, interrupting the Tiger’s run of four goals in the final 10 minutes of the first half. With seven points separating the two sides in the last quarter, Murdoch’s second was just what the doctor ordered. Running down a Richmond defender, he forced a spillage and snapped a sensational goal.
DT: 81
SC: 85

22 MITCH DUNCAN gathered 21 disposals and took five marks playing in the midfield. Capping off an excellent second quarter, Duncan snapped a goal with his ninth touch of the term, 10 seconds before half time. He contributed five inside 50s for the match and proved capable of scoring beyond the arc, kicking his second goal with a long range set shot.
DT: 88
SC: 92

25 JARED RIVERS lined up on former Kangaroo Aaron Edwards and clearly won the contest. His aerial work was excellent, taking four marks and leading the Cats with five spoils. Rivers was reliable with his 11 disposals, executing with 90.9% efficiency. Geelong prevented Richmond from possessing the ball inside 50 for 10 minutes in the final term, thanks in no small part to River’s presence.
DT: 36
SC: 46

26 TOM HAWKINS was contained by emerging young defender David Astbury. The swirling breeze and persistent rain did not make it easy for key forwards, but Hawkins had his chances to impact the contest, scoring three behinds from three set shots. He took two of his four marks inside 50 and finished the match with 14 disposals.
DT: 49
SC: 37

27 MATHEW STOKES was Geelong’s leading disposal winner and one of their most influential players. Collecting a total of 30 touches, he rebounded defensive 50 three times and sent the ball into the attacking arc on five occasions. Stokes spread hard from stoppages to take eight uncontested marks and regularly dropped back to the support the Cats’ defence.
DT: 110
SC: 109

29 CAMERON GUTHRIE had success tagging Patrick Dangerfield earlier in the year and was again issued a run-with role, this time on Tiger captain Trent Cotchin. Guthrie shadowed him at stoppages and made eight tackles, limiting his opportunities for uncontested possessions. Guthrie was also able to attack, contributing three clearances and three inside 50s with his 14 disposals.
DT: 72
SC: 76

31 GEORGE BURBURY had nine disposals against Richmond in his fifth straight game for the Cats. Playing as a permanent half forward, he struggled to be clean in slippery conditions and missed opportunities to score. He lead all forwards with six tackles, however, applying fantastic pressure on the opposition.
DT: 47
SC: 49

32 STEVEN MOTLOP made his long awaited season debut following summer surgery. He hit Hawkins on the lead with his first kick and the first of his six forward entries. Motlop managed to amass 16 disposals despite playing just 67% of game time. He has added five kilograms to his frame but lost none of his pace, as displayed when he forced a turnover during the second term that resulted in a goal to the Cats.
DT: 46
SC: 67

33 GEORGE HORLIN-SMITH plays a game style well suited to wet weather football but did not make the impact he has in recent weeks. He made four tackles and won four clearances, which continues to be the young Cat’s strength. Horlin-Smith tallied 11 possessions, utilised in the midfield and occasionally as a half forward or an extra in defence.
DT: 55
SC: 45

38 JACKSON SHERINGHAM had 11 disposals playing at half back with former Richmond skipper Chris Newman as his opponent for much of the day. Newman is relatively new to the forward line but has played 231 more games than Sheringham. Despite the mismatch in experience, Sheringham was persistent with his defensive pressure, making five tackles and an equal game-high five spoils.
DT: 59
SC: 60

44 COREY ENRIGHT returned to vintage form after a quiet performance against Port Adelaide. Richmond could not find an avenue to goal early in the game with Enright regularly sweeping across to intercept forward entries. He lead the Cats with five rebound 50s and lead the Geelong defence with 24 disposals.
DT: 82
SC: 102

46 MARK BLICAVS was the starting substitute, as he has been several times this season. He replaced Dawson Simpson 20 minutes into the third term, running straight off the bench to take an uncontested mark on the wing. Such is Blicavs’ versatility, Geelong were able to add greater run without sacrificing height. He provided excellent support in the ruck with 12 hit-outs and won two clearances. Blicavs also made five tackles and was effective with every one of his four possessions.
DT: 50
SC: 61