GEELONG has stamped its premiership credentials with a superb 44-point win over Greater Western Sydney at Simonds Stadium that secures the Cats second spot and a vital qualifying final in Victoria.
The Cats blew the contest open when they kicked the first five goals of the third quarter to turn a six-point half-time lead to a 40-point advantage at the final break.
Geelong cruised to the 15.13 (103) to 8.11 (59) victory, a result that may see the Giants slide to fourth if Richmond defeat St Kilda on Sunday.
After the final siren, champion defenders Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan walked around the ground farewelling the crowd and later confirmed this season will be their last in the AFL.
The understated Mitch Duncan set the tone winning four centre clearances in the third quarter as the Cats began to dominate territory with 17 inside 50s to the Giants 10 for the quarter.
The Cats turned forward 50 entries into goals either out-marking or harassing the Giant defenders to turn supply into goals.
Five talking points: Geelong v GWS
Geelong coach Chris Scott said the game was won during the opening stages of the third term.
"If you're winning the ball around the contest and taking it forward it puts the opposition under pressure," Scott said.
Duncan had great support from superstar Patrick Dangerfield and prolific ball winner Sam Menegola, with Dangerfield's 24 contested possessions taking him to 386 for the season and passing Sydney skipper Josh Kennedy's record of 368 from 2012.
That pair were helped by ruckman Zac Smith who gave his midfield first look of the football and the defensive pressure from Scott Selwood and Cam Guthrie.
Out-of-contract pair Steven Motlop and Dan Menzel put in strong performances with their class particularly telling. Menzel laid four tackles to go with his two goals while Motlop chimed in for a goal but he also broke the game open at times with his run.
The Cats' defence was miserly blocking most of the Giants famed run and gun style of football.
By contrast the Giants were disappointing with only co-captain Callan Ward holding his head high but he had few helpers.
Jake Kolodjashnij quelled Tom Scully, while Scott Selwood just went to Josh Kelly or Dylan Shiel whenever they looked likely to have an influence.
Former Cat Steve Johnson had a disappointing night only winning eight disposals and failing to kick a goal, while Brett Deledio only showed his talent in glimpses.
Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron said the Giants were outplayed.
"You just can't win a game of footy when you have 16 or 17 losing their position," Cameron said.
"We've just got to better because you can't serve that up against a top-four side like Geelong."
The Giants' only period of ascendancy came late in the second quarter when Geelong's pressure dropped off and the Giants moved the ball end to end in familiar fashion.
Toby Greene battled hard kicking three goals after copping a severe knock in the first quarter when Brandan Parfitt kneed him in the back in a marking contest.
The loss means the Giants face an interstate trip in their first final, either to play Geelong again or Adelaide if Richmond beats St Kilda.
The Cats will hope to have skipper Joel Selwood back from an ankle injury to play the first final in a fortnight.
MEDICAL ROOM
Geelong: James Parsons hurt his lower leg in the second quarter when he attacked the ball in a contest and did not reappear. Chris Scott said after the match the 20-year-old suffered a mid-foot sprain.
Greater Western Sydney: Toby Greene hurt his ribs when Brandan Parfitt kneed him in the back in a marking contest then Jacob Hopper suffered the same fate when Jordan Murdoch flew above him. Both played out the game but were in some discomfort.
GEELONG 5.3 6.7 12.11 15.13 (103)
GWS GIANTS 3.1 5.6 6.7 8.11 (59)
GOALS
Geelong: Menegola 3, Menzel 2, Hawkins 2, Murdoch 2, Duncan, S.Selwood, Buzza, Motlop, Dangerfield, Henderson
GWS Giants: Cameron 3, Greene 3, Patton, Deledio
BEST
Geelong: Dangerfield, Menegola, Duncan, Smith, S.Selwood, Hawkins, Murdoch, C.Guthrie
GWS Giants: Ward, Kelly, Greene, Deledio, Cameron
INJURIES
Geelong: Parsons (ankle)
GWS Giants: Greene (ribs), Hopper (ribs)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Schmitt, Meredith, McInerney
Official crowd: 30,087 at Simonds Stadium
