AFL Round 10 Geelong v Gold Coast: All the news and fallout from Saturday’s clash

The Cats survived a scare from the Suns on Saturday but now all eyes turn to stars Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie who went down with injury. See the incidents.

Kane Pitman

5 min read

May 22, 2021 - 6:46PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

AFL News

Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Geelong survived a scare to outclass a gallant Gold Coast Suns outfit, running away in the second half to register a 34-point win at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

But it could come at a cost with stars Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie going down with injury.

Holding a monopoly on the footy in the first term, Geelong led the disposal count 114-68 and inside 50s 19-6, with the Suns not registering their first foray into the forward arc until the 16-minute mark. Despite the dominance, Geelong left the door ajar, managing just four goals to one for the term.

Battling back into the game in the second quarter to draw within 13 points, a monumental upset appeared on the cards when Hugh Greenwood snapped truly at the 3-minute mark of the third quarter to close to within seven points.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The Cats never looked back after Jeremy Cameron’s moment of brilliance in the third term. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos

For the second week in a row, the Cats were then let off the hook by poor execution in front of goal, with Ben King and Sam Flanders missing regulation opportunities to leave the Suns trailing by five points, despite registering 12 scoring shots to seven.

“Our execution obviously cost us but I am really proud of the effort, particularly after last week. Come down here to give it a shake and had we taken our chances … there were a few 12-point turnarounds. They’re the ones that really hurt,” Suns coach Stuart Dew said post-match.

“The good teams make you earn (the opportunities). They’re more glaring because you don’t get as many opportunities against the best.”

Those two misses proved costly, with a Hawkins bomb from outside fifty, followed by a moment of brilliance from marquee recruit Jeremy Cameron. Roving a boundary throw in stoppage to perfection, Cameron cleanly collected the ball in motion before launching a 45-metre left-foot snap at full speed to open up the Cats advantage to 18 points.

The Suns would never challenge from that moment on, with the Cats banking the four points for the fifth time in the past six outings.

“It took us a long time for us to get on top. It wasn’t the cleanest game but sometimes you’ve just got to get your hands dirty and accept the way the game is going to be played,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

“I think the key part for us was to hold our nerve when the game was tight. We never thought this was one that we would blow the game open and have everything on our terms.”

STARS GO DOWN

Classy Cats veteran Duncan was piecing together another excellent game before a Nick Holman tackle ended his afternoon just before halftime. Streaking out of defence on the far wing, Duncan was mown down by Holman, with the Gold Coast utility pinning his right arm as he dragged him to the ground. Duncan’s head crashed into the GMHBA Stadium turf and he was subbed out of the game for Zach Guthrie at halftime.

Reigning best-and-fairest Guthrie was another casualty, exiting during the third quarter with what appeared to be a serious shoulder injury, though Scott was optimistic about his chances of playing the Pies post-match.

“He went back on the ground so we’re pretty confident it’s not serious. I don’t really know, I think it’s an AC which is much, much better news than a dislocation or broken collarbone,” Scott said on the Guthrie concern.

“If there’s a manageable one, this might be it, but I wouldn’t take my word for it.”

Nick Holman tackles Mitch Duncan into the turf on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos

Duncan was subbed out of the game with concussion as a result. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos

SKIPPER BACK TO HIS BEST

Just days from his 33rd birthday, Geelong captain Joel Selwood produced his highest disposal count since round one 2018 on Saturday afternoon, racking up 39 disposals in a best on ground performance.

“I think we’ve spoken pretty openly about his physical shape the last couple of years, he hasn’t been at his best,” Scott said. “I think there’s a case to make that he will be better this year than he had been the previous two years because he’s healthier.”

“How he can use his will to overcome physical limitations can’t help but surprise you, which is why we’re optimistic if he can actually get his body in good shape, he’ll continue to play really good footy.”

“I think he’s been great; he’s led the team really well. It’s not just in the absence of Dangerfield, it’s others and part of his role is to bring the others through. Previously, I thought it was just you go in and get it done for us. It’s probably symbolic of the evolution of our list, particularly the midfield.”

One of the “others” to come through in the win was 23-year-old, Quinton Narkle, who finished with a career-high 34 disposals.

“We’ve got a lot of confidence in Quinton. It was a combination of him getting a little bit more of an opportunity but more him taking that opportunity. He’s a super player around the ball. He’s a strong, smart player so there’s a lot to like about him,” Scott said.

TUOHY REFUSES THE CROWD

On the back of his mammoth torpedo out of full-back last week, the Geelong faithful were eager to see a repeat from Zach Tuohy. Each time the Irishman brought the ball back the crowd cheered with anticipation, only for Tuohy to take a more conventional option to the jovial boos of the home fans.

More concerns for the Cats as Cam Guthrie leaves the ground with an injured left shoulder ðŸ¤•

ðŸ“š BLOG: https://t.co/NmEjAc0mqd
ðŸ“± MATCH CENTRE: https://t.co/Z83tqO1wKx
ðŸ“º WATCH #AFLCatsSuns on @kayosports: https://t.co/4KBWkJZKVT pic.twitter.com/cRyMVVhUXG
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 22, 2021

THE BOUNCE OF THE BALL CRUELS SUNS

The footy was up to its old tricks late in the first quarter with the Suns looking to attack. Noah Anderson attempted to find the leading Ben King on the far side of the ground on the 50-metre arc. The ball fell just short, bouncing at right angles into the hands of Jack Henry. Six seconds later, the ball was in the hands of Cameron 25 metres out directly in front via Henry and Gary Rohan. Cameron kicked his first and the Cat’s fourth of the day in a cruel turn of events for the scrappy Suns backline.