It’s about time we got things started.

Geelong has launched its season with a dominant victory against North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday.

The 'Bankers' set up the 79-point win with a blitz of goals in the second and third quarters, with the final score finishing 18.15 (123) to 6.8 (44).

The Cats lead by 64-points at half time with Josh Jenkins the dominant target in attack with three of his four snags coming in the opening two quarters.

Esava Ratugolea was impressive for the Cats both in attack and in the ruck. 

His strength and agility through the contest were unrivalled despite an interrupted preseason.

“It was just good to be around the boys,” Ratugolea said.

“Playing footy again mate, it’s nice. It was nice to finish off with the song as well.” 

“You sort of get sick of rehab so it’s nice to be out there with the boys.”

02:21

VFL: Ratugolea Post-match

Esava Ratugolea speaks to media after VFL match against the Kangaroos.

With a strong team performance, Ratugolea thought it was one of the squad’s capable small forwards that stood out most.

“I thought Lukey Smith was really good today, I rate him.” he said.

“I actually played [for the Bushrangers] with him in the TAC cup, I thought he was really good with our small forwards.”

Luke Smith in action for Geelong in their Round 1 VFL win against North Melbourne on Sunday. Credit Arj Giese.

As a versatile big developing his craft, “Sav” is always looking to expand his game to become a strong contested player below the knees.

“I think it’s always been something I’ve been able to do in the ruck and it’s just being able to bring it into games.”

“As long as I can follow-up and bring my ground ball work into it I’m happy and I know I’m working well for the team.“

Oscar Brownless in action for Geelong in their Round 1 VFL win against North Melbourne on Sunday. Credit Arj Giese.

Other standouts included Max Holmes, whose kicking was absolutely on-point, and Oscar Brownless, as he showed off his endurance and contested skill.

With a promising start to the season, the Cats will take on the Under 18 AFL Academy squad in their bye next round.

Geelong 1.8    9.10    17.13  18.15  (123)
North Melbourne 0.3    2.3    4.3    6.8    (44)

Goals: Jenkins, Jarvis (4), McLachlan, Smith, Johnston, Mitchell (2), Stevens, Ratugolea (1)

Best: Holmes, Fort, Ratugolea, Guthrie, Brownless, Jarvis

Reports: Nil 

Injuries: Nil 

@GMHBA Stadium