AFTER a three-week stretch in which the Cats conceded an average of more than 15 goals per game against Essendon, West Coast and the Brisbane Lions, Chris Scott was delighted that his players returned to their defensive best against Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
With Matthew Scarlett leading the way by blanketing Jack Riewoldt, the Cats held the Tigers to just one goal in the first half as they opened a 61 point lead at the long break.
And despite a lacklustre second half, the Cats cruised to a 62-point win.
"I don't think it was any secret out there in the competition that in the last month we'd been easy to score against," Scott said after the match.
"That's not what we want to be about so we needed to arrest it. And we've arrested it for one game - probably half of one game.
"So we've got to keep getting better in that area because that was our strength early in the year, and it's been a weakness in the last month."
The downside for the Cats was their fadeout in the final quarter, during which they were outscored two goals to one.
"The second half was pretty average footy from both sides," Scott admitted, while pointing to the fact that both teams were down to two players on the bench by the closing stages.
"It translates to tired players, poor skill execution and ugly football."
Nevertheless, Scott won't be disregarding his side's error-filled finish to the contest.
"We're going to be tired towards the end of games in finals as well, so we can't disregard it completely," he said.
"But I do think it's difficult for players subconsciously when the game's beyond doubt.
"We pride ourselves on being a ruthless side and I didn't think we were all that ruthless in the last half, but if that's the worst of our problems I'll be happy."
Geelong's major casualty from the game was half-forward Shannon Byrnes, who aggravated the calf problem that has plagued him during the past 12 months.
"We're hoping that's really minor," Scott said. "It's disappointing for him because he hasn't played much footy this year and he looked pretty sharp early.
"He mounted a really good case to play last week as well, so we were keen to get him back in.
"We hope we got [the injury] early enough and we were really cautious with him. At worst it might be a one or two-weeker."
Mathew Stokes and James Podsiadly both suffered knocks to the head during the second half.
The latter had the Cats' medical staff most concerned after the game.
"He was cleared of concussion, but there's a slight risk that he might home some small, I won't say facial fractures, but bone bruising," Scott said.
"Again, we were determined to be cautious with him."
Stokes, meanwhile, suffered concussion in a solid but fair clash with Reece Conca.
"All indications are that he'll be ok," Scott said.
The coach was particularly impressed with second-year midfielder Allen Christensen, who continued his run of impressive form by gathering 26 possessions and booting two goals.
"The fact that he's fought his way into our best 22 speaks volumes I think," Scott said.