Melbourne’s MCG golden run is over, losing to rejuvenated Geelong by 20 points.
Entering the Friday night blockbuster with a perfect 9-0 record at the ‘G this year, the Demons were destroyed by the Cats’ powerful seven-goal second quarter.
(Getty Images)
The second half was a stalemate after Geelong led by 20 points at the main break, the Cats always responding to the Dees’ challenges to secure a vital win — 18.9 (117) to 14.13 (97).
In the absence of injured star Jeremy Cameron, key forward Shannon Neale put through four first-half goals and seemed set for a career-best bag.
Neale finished with five goals, but recalled forward Ollie Henry stepped up with four to justify his late promotion when key defender Sam De Koning was pulled out of the squad with illness only an hour before the match.
Oliver Wiltshire also had a significant cameo, kicking three goals, including dribbling the sealer through with six minutes remaining.
After losing five out of six games, the Cats have managed to defy crucial injuries to beat St Kilda and Melbourne to keep themselves in the hunt for a top-six finish.
After signing on to play again in 2027 earlier on Friday, captain Patrick Dangerfield had to battle through pain after hurting his adductor in the second term.
Dangerfield soldiered on to finish with 12 possessions, but never looked convincing in his body and continued to receive heavy treatment whenever he was on the bench.
Melbourne will remain in sixth, but the result cost them a chance to keep pressure on for a top-four spot.
AAP