GWS Giants soar as Geelong’s recruit of the year turns it on

The GWS Giants have kept one of the most bizarre records in the AFL going after taking care of business against the Cats on Sunday.

The GWS Giants continued their dominant run at GMHBA Stadium over Geelong to five-games in a nailbiting contest on Sunday.

Jesse Hogan put the side on his back in a blistering display in front of goal, kicking seven as the Giants secured the 16.9 (105) to 14.17 (101) victory.

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Not since 2018 have the Cats defeated GWS at their home venue.

New Cat Bailey Smith left it all out on the park in yet another enormous outing, racking up a team-high 35 disposals, 10 tackles and eight marks.

But it wasn’t to be as the Giants held on thanks to some wayward kicking in front of goal from the Cats in the fourth quarter.

The Cats had plenty of chances to win the match late, but Mark Blicavs sprayed his set shot while Shaun Mannagh couldn’t convert his snap in the dying seconds.

“What a gutsy win!” Jonathan Brown said.

“That third quarter where they just hung on for dear life was inspirational.”

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Jesse Hogan of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round nine AFL match between Geelong Cats and GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on May 11, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

While Hogan was the star of the show, Smith’s continued brilliance since landing in Geelong continued in front of his home fans.

His 35-disposal display equals his season high and comes after he tallied 34-disposals in the three-point win against Collingwood last weekend.

Through the opening eight games of the season, Smith is averaging a career-high 30.8 disposals per game and has the Cats midfield firing alongside Max Holmes.

On the other side of the field, fellow new recruit Jake Stringer was proving his worth in front of goal for the Giants.

Bailey Smith has been on fire in 2025. Picture: Michael Klein

With questions hanging overhead of the forward line set up, Stringer showed glimpses of his best form.

He had two goals – and could have had a third before half time – before a hamstring injury saw his day end early.

Despite losing Stringer, the Giants had Hogan in unstoppable form as they took care of business against the Cats to record their fifth win of the season and slot into eighth spot on the ladder.

Geelong sit on spot ahead on seventh with only percentage separating the two teams.

Originally published as GWS Giants soar as Geelong’s recruit of the year turns it on