Tom Lonergan’s inspirational comeback proved to be the driving force behind the Bendigo Bank Cats’ dominant 72-point win over Tasmania at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

Geelong controlled the match from start to finish and handled the slippery weather conditions with far greater authority than the struggling Devils, prevailing 14.14 (98) to 3.8 (26).

The Cats rose to the occasion and overcame a suffocating Tasmanian game plan, storming home to victory with a nine-goal-to-one second half whitewash to advance into top position on the ladder for the third time this season.

Jason Davenport emerged as the chief destroyer in attack with five goals, while Brent Prismall and Tim Callan continued their irrepressible runs of form this season.

Davenport was confined to the goal square after coming down with an illness on Saturday, but appeared unimpeded and lurked with intent in the forward line where he proved a difficult option to negate.

Prismall, with 31 possessions, was instrumental through the midfield and set the Cats up all afternoon, while Callan – 28 disposals and 12 marks - reveled in the conditions and was influential in repelling off the half back line.

Josh Hunt was creative and was used many times as the loose sweeper across halfback, finishing with 27 possessions, while Tom Hawkins spent time in the ruck.

Lonergan played the second half of each quarter and, despite the magnitude of his previous injury, showed little sign of apprehension or trepidation throughout the afternoon.

He spent a majority of his time in attack, where he presented well and took several marks on the lead, and was also given a license to roam through the midfield to get a feel for the game.

The courageous 23-year-old, who finished with 10 disposals and five marks, slipped back into the side somewhat seamlessly and was relieved to get the comeback out of the way.

“It's a big relief, just the build up towards it has just been massive,” Lonergan said.

“It's good to get it over and now I can just concentrate on getting some form.”

Lonergan said once his initial nerves subsided during the first quarter, his comeback was full steam ahead with little concern of injury.

“The first quarter I was a little bit nervous still, but during the game it just started to get easier and easier and I worked my way back into it,” Lonergan said.

“Once you get out there your instincts take over and you just play the game and everything else goes out the window.”

Geelong won the crucial arm wrestle for the momentum in the second quarter and broke the match open in the third with an impressive display of wet-weather football.

The Cats sustained their intensity in the last quarter to flex their superior fitness and cruise to victory against a side that, in the end, offered very little resistance.

“We really controlled the game after quarter time,” coach Leigh Tudor said.

“We probably used the ball better, kicked the ball to advantage in the wet – we actually played the conditions really well.

“It’s a good win. (Tasmania) have been struggling a bit, but you’ve still got to play well. The conditions made it tough and the way they played made it tough as well, so it was a pleasing win.”

Nathan Djerrkura was a late withdrawal, while Liam Bedford did not return after half time with thigh soreness.

Both are expected to be available for the Cats’ clash with in form Williamstown in a fortnight’s time.