AFL 2016: Geelong defeats Hawthorn by 30 points at MCG in Round 1

IN another instalment of footy's greatest current rivalry, Geelong held off Hawthorn to win an Easter Monday classic by 30 points.

AFL: Round 1 Cats v Hawks

THE two biggest questions of the off-season have been answered two hours into the season.

Geelong is again a legitimate premiership contender and Patrick Dangerfield is so brilliant he has made them so.

The Cats won an astonishing, seesawing and rugged contest against Hawthorn by 30 points — 18.8 (116) to 12.14 (86). It was an early, but significant vindication of a summer recruiting spree that was seen to be as risky as it was brilliant.

But first some disclaimers.

The Hawks were no doubt hurt by the absence of premiership trio Jarryd Roughead, Liam Shiels and Bradley Hill and had a month less to prepare.

They won this game last year by 10 goals and were 4-4 before winning their third consecutive premiership. Needless to say their book is so far from closed it’s not funny.

But was about the book that has reopened and the men — or man — writing the script.

Dangerfield chose his Geelong debut to play the best statistical game of his career, gathering 44 possessions — half of them contested — seven clearances, 10 inside 50s and five tackles.

Not even two easy misses in front of goal could blight his incredible performance, for even they came via a pair of spectacular contested marks that had the MCG in raptures.

Geelong's Tom Hawkins could not believe a free kick that went against him.

With the inspirational ‘Danger’ riding shotgun and another recruit, Zac Smith, his co-pilot, Geelong had Hawthorn on the ropes as early as six minutes into the second quarter when they led 36-9.

The Cats held a commanding five-goal advantage at halftime after shooting the lights out with 11.1. Smith kicked three of them from 12 possessions and three clearances going into the main break.

Smith would fade in the second hour, but two of his three goals came from holding-the-ball tackles. This is not your typical ruckman; this is a 205cm athlete who pressures like a man possessed.

But if Hawthorn was missing some stars and arguably a little match sharpness, it wasn’t missing that thing ingrained in premiership sides — pride.

The sort of irresistible spirit that comes with three straight premierships saw the Hawks slam on 5.5 to 0.3 in the third quarter. They’ve played far more attractive footy, the Hawks, but you had to admire the steamroller surging into gear when nothing previously had gone their way.

Sam Mitchell had 12 of his 36 disposals that term, Jordan Lewis nine of his 30 and Paul Puopolo kicked two of his three goals. Luke Hodge had been quiet, but his hardness and acts of desperation were threatening to rip the heart out of the Cats fairytale.

Billy Hartung and the Hawks nearly got up.

Jack Gunston had also grown into the game. Suddenly, the Hawks were in front.

The Cats had answered every challenge and in a clash dripping in pressure, stood up in the pivotal last quarter moments. As good as Dangerfield and Smith were, the domino effect they created was just as big.

Joel Selwood and Mitch Duncan, who would normally have rivals hanging all over them, became more critical as the game wore on.

Ditto Mark Blicavs, who has been freed to fly after Smith’s arrival and will cause all manner of havoc for opposition sides this year.

Geelong kicked the last four goals of the game.

We’ve been here before in the wake of Easter Monday. But there’s something different about the Cats and it all starts with No. 35.

GEELONG CATS 18.8 (116)

def

HAWTHORN 12.14 (86)

GOALS

GEELONG CATS: Caddy Smith Lang 3, McCarthy Hawkins 2, Blicavs Guthrie Motlop Murdoch Henderson

HAWTHORN: Gunston Puopolo 3, Langford Breust 2, Burgoyne Hartung

BEST
GEELONG CATS: Dangerfield, Blicavs, Caddy, Duncan, Selwood, Smith, Lang

HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Gunston, Lewis, Langford, Burgoyne