A dominant eight-goal performance from Scott Simpson propelled Geelong to an impressive upset 32-point win over premiership-favourite Williamstown at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

The Cats produced their best performance of the year to topple the previously undefeated Seagulls, displaying the resolve and discipline that had been missing at times this season.

Simpson, drafted with pick 44 in last year’s national draft, was simply superb in attack and gave the Cats other viable option in a forward line already boasting Tom Lonergan.

Williamstown unsuccessfully tried to subdue Simpson, but the 18-year-old’s fearless attack on the ball and smart positing proved to potent to stop.

Joining Simpson on the long list of encouraging performances for coach Leigh Tudor and his hierarchy were young guns Harry Taylor and Simon Hogan.

Taylor, dropped after three AFL matches, displayed all the composure and knowledge that paved the way for him to make his AFL debut this season.

Hogan, named as an emergency for Saturday’s AFL match, continued his strong start to the season and again played his role for the side.

Geelong’s hard-working midfield machine was in overdrive, as captain James Byrne and Shannon Byrnes propelled the Cats to some of their best football this season.

The Cats denied the Seagulls early possession, stifling their game plan that revolves around uncontested possession and space through the midfield.

In a disciplined performance that reaped immediate dividends, the Cats held the Seagulls at arm’s length until deep into the second quarter, when a lapse in concentration leaked two easy goals.

Stung into action, the Cats emerged in the third quarter and set the foundations for victory with five goals to two, as Simpson continued to assert himself on the contest.

The Cats’ buffer appeared under threat midway through the final quarter when an inspired Seagulls clicked into gear and looked to have seized the crucial match-winning momentum.

But, instead of crumbling under the weight of their much-fancied rivals, the Cats held strong and responded with three goals of their own to coast to a comfortable victory.

The Cats have a bye this week, before heading to MC Labour Park next Sunday afternoon to take on Collingwood.