A PATRICK Dangerfield-inspired Geelong have stormed to a comprehensive 80-point AFL win over Melbourne in teeming rain at GMHBA Stadium.
The Cats thrived in the tricky conditions on Saturday night, Dangerfield leading the way with 37 possessions and two goals in the 20.6 (126) to 6.10 (46) belting.
A dark night for the Demons was made worse with star recruit Steven May failing to see out the match after picking up a groin injury.
The demoralising result leaves Melbourne, a pre-season flag fancy, winless after two rounds, while Geelong improved to a 2-0 record.
Dangerfield starred but the complete Cats, who had 14 goal scorers, had winners all over the ground.
Tim Kelly (30 disposals and a goal) got plenty of the ball again, Luke Dahlhaus laid 11 tackles and booted two goals, Gary Rohan booted three goals and Harry Taylor marshalled the defence superbly.
Gary Ablett had 25 possessions in his 323rd game and Charlie Constable was just as important in his second career match with 31 touches and a goal.
Clayton Oliver (44 disposals) and Angus Brayshaw (33) battled away on the ball and Max Gawn (53 hitouts) bounced back after last week’s troubles against Port Adelaide, but that will be of little consolation to Demons coach Simon Goodwin.
The heavens opened halfway through the first quarter and Geelong lifted a gear in the wet, the Cats slamming through five unanswered goals to lead by 23 points at the first break.
It was 24 points at half-time after a second-quarter arm wrestle, but Melbourne’s challenge was washed away by the driving rain in the second half.
The Demons had twice the amount of inside 50s (20-10) in the third quarter but couldn’t manage a goal, while the efficient Cats put the contest out of reach with six majors to lead by 55 points at the last change.
Ruthless Geelong finished the job with a seven-goals-to-three final term.
© AAP 2019
GEELONG 6.1 7.4 13.4 20.6 (126)
MELBOURNE 2.2 3.4 3.9 6.10 (46)
Goals: Geelong: G Rohan 3 J Selwood 2 L Dahlhaus 2 P Dangerfield 2 T Hawkins 2 B Parfitt C Constable E Ratugolea G Miers J Clark M Duncan M O’Connor S Menegola T Kelly. Melbourne: J Melksham 2 A Brayshaw J Lockhart J Viney S Weideman.
Umpires: Shane McInerney, Brent Wallace, Nathan Williamson.
Venue: GMHBA Stadium.