GEELONG has thrashed Richmond by 72 points in their NAB Challenge match at Skilled Stadium on Friday evening.
In one of the pre-season’s most lop-sided encounters, the Tigers kicked the opening two goals of the game and then sat back as Geelong piled on 14 of the next 17 goals to lead by 62 points at the half.
By three-quarter time the margin reached an embarrassing 90 points as Richmond’s confidence and structure disintegrated.
The Tigers outscored the Cats six goals to two in the final term but it was truly a case of too little, too late.
It was anything but what coach Terry Wallace ordered in the side’s final tune up before facing Carlton in the season opener at the MCG.
In warm conditions on a slick Skilled Stadium surface, the Cats simply ran rampant.
With 16 of last year’s premiership guiding the way – Max Rooke, Brad Ottens, Mathew Stokes and Joel Selwood were rested – it was all too easy for the Cats, who did as they pleased all over the ground.
No less than 13 players helped themselves to goals in a match the at times looked like men against boys.
Up forward Cam Mooney was solid in booting four goals before being rested while Steve Johnson produced some wizardry in compiling two goals and some telling possessions inside 50.
Tom Hawkins, Ryan Gamble and Shannon Byrnes all kept the scoreboard ticking over with handy efforts.
Gamble’s three-goal haul on the back of last week’s five-goal compilation against the Brisbane Lions puts him right in the mix for a round one berth.
Matthew Scarlett’s return was unspectacular but he got through unscathed and was rested late while Paul Chapman and Gary Ablett were busy, particularly after half time.
So bad were Richmond that despite having more possessions than the Cats in the opening half, they were outscored 14 goals to five and rarely looked threatening while in possession.
Shane Tuck and Kane Johnson tried hard, but too often their touches were under pressure and ill-directed.
Nathan Brown had just three possessions in the opening half and was forced to roam well up the field after half-time in order to get into the game. He did so but with minimal impact.
Matthew Richardson had a day to forget opposed to Harry Taylor and Darren Milburn, but to his credit, kept battling away and was rewarded with three final term goals.
Brett Deledio was again played forward for the majority of the match, but was moved into the midfield at times during the second half to give his side some life.
A rare bright spot was the form of diminutive back pocket Jake King. Playing with zest and purpose, the 23-year-old showed up many of his more experienced teammates with a solid defensive effort.
At the very least, the Tigers emerged from the match injury free.
So too did the Geelong, who will look to its Grand Final rematch with Port Adelaide on Easter Thursday with sky-high confidence.
GEELONG 6.2 14.9 20.9 23.11 (149)
RICHMOND 3.0 5.1 6.3 12.5 (77)
GOALS
Geelong: Mooney 4, Gamble 3, Byrnes 2, Ablett 2, Bartel 2, S Johnson 2, Ling 2, Corey 2, Hawkins, Wojcinski, Prismall, Blake, Mackie
Richmond: Richardson 3, Morton 2, Deledio 2, Coughlan, Howat, White, Hughes, Foley
BEST
Ling, Bartel, Kelly, Mackie, Prismall, Byrnes, S Johnson, Enright.
