The VFL Cats have secured a clutch 16.8 (104) to 15.12 (102) victory over North Melbourne in a thrilling clash on Sunday afternoon, Tobyn Murray proving to be the hero with a goal after the siren as Geelong prevailed in an epic at Arden Street.

A dominant period of play saw Geelong open up a 41-point lead early in the third quarter before North Melbourne came charging back, the Cats falling behind for the first time in the match at the 27 minute mark of the last quarter, but Murray nailed the game winner after the final siren to snatch victory for his side. 

In his second game of the season, Toby Conway dominated in the ruck winning 23 hit-outs, 17 disposals and eight clearances, while also proving to be impactful in a number of Geelong’s scoring plays. 

Jhye Clark was everywhere on Sunday collecting 24 disposals, five tackles, two goals and seven intercept possessions, while George Stevens performed strongly in his return accumulating 28 disposals, six intercepts and a game-high 12 clearances.

Entering the game with one of their strongest line-up’s for the season, the Cats were brutally efficient in the opening term booting seven goals to take a healthy 24 point lead into the first break.

Geelong produced plenty of scoring opportunities and Oli Wiltshire and Jhye Clark were able to capitalise kicking two majors each, with Toby Conway having a massive impact around stoppages which gave his team the ability to surge ahead in a scintillating first quarter.

The rain fell hard in the second term but the Cats continued to storm ahead, Jesse Mellor kicked a sensational goal on debut that inspired his team as they booted another three goals, extending the margin to 28 points over the Kangaroos.

George Stevens was incredibly impactful for Geelong during the second quarter, collecting 17 disposals and 10 clearances as he loomed large around stoppages which the Cats were dominating, leading both hit-outs (+13) and the clearance battle (+5) behind the impressive duo of Toby Conway and Mitch Edwards.

Geelong remained in control after half time as Xavier Ivisic and Ollie Henry hit the scoreboard early, before the Kangaroos wrestled back momentum with four unanswered goals that cut into the Cats margin, reducing it to just 15 points at three quarter time.

Jed Bews and Kye Annand picked off 10 intercept possessions in a brilliant defensive display, helping to limit the damage under a flurry of attacking forays from North Melbourne.

The final term was an intense battle in the wet conditions, Ivisic hit the scoreboard once more for the Cats but like the quarter the proceeded it, the Kangaroos stormed back into the contest. 

Four unanswered goals left Geelong trailing for the first time in the match at the 27 minute mark of the final term, but one final foray forward produced a stunning match-winning moment. 

Tobyn Murray drew a free kick deep in the pocket, the Kangaroos conceded a 50 metre penalty which took the crafty Cat to the goal line, the siren sounded and Murray converted the set shot, Geelong snatching victory in the most dramatic circumstances. 

The VFL Cats will enjoy a bye next weekend before returning to GMHBA Stadium in Round 20 for their penultimate match of the season, taking on Essendon at 12.05pm AEST.

2025 VFL Season – Round 18

NORTH MELBOURNE    3.1    6.4     11.8    15.12   (102)
GEELONG CATS              7.1    11.2    14.5     16.8    (104)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Whitlock, Payne 4, Trembath 3, Scott, Hotton, Hansen Jr, Goad 1
Geelong Cats: Polkinghorne 3, Wiltshire, Ivisic, Henry, Clark 2, Retschko, Murray, Mellor, Clohesy 1

DISPOSALS
North Melbourne: Tomlinson 31, Ford 24, Phillips, Machperson, George 20, Wardlaw 19
Geelong Cats: Stevens 28, Clark 24, Clohesy 22, Bews 20, Retschko 18, Conway 17
@ Arden Street Oval, Melbourne