GEELONG 3.2 8.5 8.9 11.14 (80)
RICHMOND 3.4 4.5 7.9 9.12 (66)
Goals: Geelong: H Taylor 4 D Menzel 2 A Mackie C Guthrie R Stanley S Motlop S Simpson. Richmond: D Martin 2 B Houli D Butler D Rioli J Caddy J Riewoldt S Edwards T Cotchin
Best: Geelong: Taylor, Motlop, Dangerfield, Lonergan, Tuohy, Smith, Mackie
Richmond: Prestia, Martin, Cotchin, Lambert
Umpires: Matt Stevic, Simon Meredith, Andrew Mitchell.
Official Crowd: 32,266 at Simonds Stadium.
While doing the radio rounds pre-match, Geelong chief executive Brian Cook made it clear the Cats would soon be open to offers for Steven Motlop - the inconsistent but sometimes match-winning star who is off contract.
Almost three hours later, the Cats may have had a different opinion, for Motlop - in his return from a fortnight's training block - was instrumental in his team edging Richmond by 14 points at Simonds Stadium.
It was an afternoon to savour for the locals, for they finally had one of the traditional "big four" Melbourne-based clubs in town. There was barely a spare seat for this intriguing clash that had major momentum swings, with the Cats hanging on and appearing to lock in a top-four berth.
This was arguably the Cats' best win of the year for it came without three of their best four players - Joel Selwood (ankle), Tom Hawkins (suspended) and Mitch Duncan (suspended). But their resilience, composure and clever coaching from Chris Scott proved the difference.
While there had been great focus on the battle betweenPatrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin, with both having an influence, the Cats also went to work on what they felt was another key match-up. Without Hawkins, the Cats opted to direct their attack as often as possible through Harry Taylor in an attempt to expose Alex Rance's one perceived weakness - his ability to prosper in one-on-one marking battles.
Taylor ensured the league's intercept king had to be accountable, and were even prepared to drag him to full-forward to do so. This meant Rance could not provide rebound for teammates - a telling blow. The Saints were able to do the same last month in a major win.
Taylor finished with four goals, was involved in several others, and took six marks. He provided the sealer after another strong mark over Rance, with the multiple All-Australian Tiger then banished to the forward line in what was considered a statement by coach Damien Hardwick. Why Rance wasn't moved on to another opponent was a question the Tigers may ponder.
The loss means the Tigers, who enjoyed another fine performance from Dion Prestia, must defeat Fremantle and St Kilda in the final two rounds to still be a chance for the top two.
Motlop, who has battled groin soreness, finished with 19 touches, 15 uncontested, but was in the top five players for metres gained. He played as if he knew his future was on the line. His work rate and dash ensured the absence of Selwood and Duncan was not sorely felt.
Coach Chris Scott was delighted with how Motlop had responded.
"We took him out for two weeks to manage an injury. As a lot of players do at AFL level, they are not perfect every week. A lot of them continue playing every week but he was limited to the point we didn't think there was any value in him playing on," he said.
He also delivered a telling goal in the final term, a clever shot from the outside of his boot that left the majority of the 32,266 fans delirious.
Dangerfield was typically tough in the contest and had a game-high 30 possessions. He may have polled votes for a Brownlow Medal he cannot win. Martin also had plenty of valuable touches and kicked two goals.
The Tigers too often panicked with the ball in their back half - an issue that cannot be repeated if they are to enjoy a deep finals run.
"We didn't hunt the ball anywhere near to the level that we would like. That will be an area of improvement this week," coach Damien Hardwick said.Â
They had burst from the blocks, booting the opening two goals inside five minutes. Caddy had a fine start against his former club, snapping successfully. He has been a great find up forward, having left the Cats because he did not get enough time on the ball. Sadly, his day would soon end with a hamstring strain. When Jack Riewoldt, in his return match from an eye problem, marked strongly and converted, the Tigers were up and about. Or so we thought.
From there, the Cats slowly, then surely, took control. Rhys Stanley, Taylor and Cam Guthrie would have the Cats in the lead within a four-minute burst, as the hosts lifted their intensity.
That would elevate further in the second term, with Taylor dominant inside 50. While Dan Butler prospered from a mistake from Zac Smith to provide the Tigers with the opening goal, the Cats would drill five in a row. Bachar Houli didn't help the Tigers by missing the first of two easy shots from 20 metres, having benefited from a 50-metre penalty.
The Cats were able to absorb the Tigers' pressure, then rebound. Contested and uncontested possessions remained even but the Cats won the key moments. When the Tigers did win possession at a stoppage, the Cats would regain it through having more numbers a kick behind play. Ruckman Zac Smith had the better of the Tigers pairing Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo.
Rance's dirty afternoon was on show when he was fooled by an ugly bounce that allowed Taylor to dribble through a goal.
That Zach Tuohy, Jake Kolodjashnij and Andrew Mackie led the Cats' possession count to half-time highlighted the dominance of the Cats' half-back line. When Mackie drifted forward on the cusp of half-time and drilled a goal confirming a four-goal lead, the Tigers were in strife.
The script, once again, would flip, to the extent the Cats were goalless in the third term - their first goalless term this season.
The Tigers crunched their opponents in contested ball, while Prestia, Cotchin and 10 touches to Kane Lambert ensured greater midfield drive.
It would take 13 minutes for the first goal, when Daniel Rioli capitalised on a poor decision to centre the ball by Stanley. Houli would botch his second easy shot, again having been aided by a 50-metre penalty. However, he would make amends minutes later - and the Tigers were on a roll.
Dominating clearances 7-1 and inside 50s 10-2 for the term to that point, the Tigers again capitalised when Cotchin found room from a heavy pack and snapped successfully, leaving his side six points behind at the final change - and a riveting contest for all on hand to enjoy.
VOTES
8: Harry Taylor (Geelong)
8: Steven Motlop (Geelong)
8: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
7: Tom Lonergan (Geelong)
7: Dion Prestia (Richmond)
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