With only nine rounds remaining in the home and away season, we look back at the mid-year point and reflect on the Cats performances so far this season.

Today, we focus on the opening five rounds.

Round 1: Geelong 14.13 (97) defeated Melbourne 13.16 (94)
Lucky to escape with the win in the opening game of the season, the win against Melbourne saw prodigal son Gary Ablett play his first game upon returning after a stint with the Gold Coast Suns. A seven goal to two second quarter set up the win for the Cats, as both Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett collected 39 disposals. Daniel Menzel kicked four goals, while Brandan Parfitt slotted two majors.

Round 2: Geelong 18.9 (117) defeated by Hawthorn 17.16 (118)
The Easter Monday clash didn’t disappoint (unless you are a Cats fan) as it was a thriller. The Hawks got up by one point, but plenty to like about it from a Geelong perspective. A six-goal last term almost saw the Cats steal victory. Gary Ablett had team-high 35 disposals, while Patrick Dangerfield played his first game for the year and amassed 31 disposals and two goals. Daniel Menzel carried on from round one, slotting another four goals.




Round 3: West Coast 14.11 (95) defeated Geelong 11.14 (80)
The Cats first interstate trip for the year was a topsy turvy affair. The Eagles got out to a 32-point lead at half time as it looked like they would run away with the game. The Cats flicked a switch in the third term, kicking six goals to none taking a five-point lead into three quarter time. However, the Eagles slotted seven goals in the last term to run out 15-point winners. Patrick Dangerfield collected 33 disposals, while Sam Menegola had 29 and laid seven tackles.

Round 4: Geelong 15.13 (103) defeated St Kilda 7.14 (56)
The Cats first game at the newly named GMHBA Stadium was fruitful. The Cats were in control all game as the Saints rarely challenged. A 29-point lead at half time for the Cats blew out to a 48-point lead at three quarter time, before they ran out comfortable 47-point winners. Brandan Parfitt was best on with 28 disposals, three goals and seven tackles, while Daniel Menzel slotted his first five goal haul for the year.




Round 5: Port Adelaide 7.8 (50) defeated by Geelong 12.12 (84)
Geelong’s dominance at Adelaide Oval continued with a 34-point win over the highly fancied Port Adelaide side. The win was Geelong’s 14th in their past 15 outings against the Power. A four-goal to nil last term sealed the Cats third win for the year. George Horlin-Smith was a late inclusion for Tom Hawkins and went on to have 26 disposals and kick two goals. Captain Joel Selwood had 29 disposals and seven tackles, while youngster Lachie Fogarty laid a team high 10 tackles.