TOM Hawkins was the centre of attention in Geelong’s 22-point victory over Sydney on Saturday, kicking a match-winning four goals and then collecting impressive young Swan Jordan Dawson with a forearm to the head.
A free kick and 50m penalty were paid against Hawkins, with the incident certain to attract the attention of match review officer Michael Christian.
In the big Cat’s favour is that Dawson was back on his feet quickly and played on, making a fine the most likely outcome.
The Cats overcame a slow start to win 13.7 (85) to 8.15 (63), improving their win-loss record to 10-1 and going two games clear atop the ladder.
Sydney have enjoyed a remarkable run of success at GMHBA Stadium, winning in each of the previous three years – a record made even more remarkable as the Cats have dropped only one other match at home to any other team in three-and-a- half seasons.
The Swans made another flying start on Saturday, scooting out to an early 15-point lead with three of the first four goals.
The Cats steadied with five-straight majors – including two to Hawkins to edge 16 points ahead.
Again Sydney surged and it needed a big goal right on the siren from Mitch Duncan to give the Cats a narrow six-point advantage at halftime.
The Cats made the decisive break at the start of the third term with three goals inside two-and-a-half minutes.
Shortly afterwards, Hawkins kicked his fourth to push the margin out to 29 points.
The Swans kept plugging away in the final quarter but were never able to get the margin under two goals.
The first games by enigmatic forwards Gary Rohan and Daniel Menzel against their former sides were mostly non-events.
Rohan was held goalless while Menzel kicked his only major late in the final quarter in his first senior match for the Swans.
The Cats were well served by midfield stars Tim Kelly, Patrick Dangerfield and Duncan, while Dane Rampe and Luke Parker starred for the Swans.
Geelong lost first-choice ruckman Rhys Stanley to an adductor strain before the opening bounce, freeing the way for Zac Smith to play his first senior match of 2019.
Geelong’s next match is a Friday night blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG.
Sydney host reigning premiers West Coast on Sunday week at the SCG.
GEELONG 5.1 7.2 11.4 13.7 (85)
SYDNEY 3.3 5.8 6.12 8.15 (63)
Goals: Geelong: T Hawkins 4 E Ratugolea 2 P Dangerfield 2 G Miers J Clark L Dahlhaus M Duncan T Kelly. Sydney: W Hayward 2 D Menzel I Heeney L Franklin N Blakey S Reid T Papley.
Best: Geelong: T Kelly M Duncan T Hawkins P Dangerfield T Stewart L Dahlhaus. Sydney: D Rampe L Parker W Hayward J Dawson I Heeney.
Injuries: Geelong: R Stanley (adductor) replaced in selected side by Z Smith. Sydney: Nil. Reports: Nil.
Umpires: Chris Donlon, David Harris, Brendan Hosking.
Venue: GMHBA Stadium.
