CATS THRASH TIGERS
B Jensen April 19 2004

The Monkey finally jumped off Geelong's back last Saturday night at Telstra Dome. History repeated, as Geelong thrashed another generation of hapless tigers. On the back of Ben Graham's four goal opening term, the Cats never looked back, winning all four quarters. It was hard to find a Cat who did not contribute to the win, such was the depth Geelong displayed.

A standout for Geelong was Cameron Mooney. Starting in the ruck, Mooney more than held his own around the ground. While conceding most hitouts, which in the modern game are become more and more useless, Mooney was unmatchable at either end of the ground.

Rookies Andrew Mackie and Kane Tenace rewarded the selection panel's optimism; both kicking handy goals. A few more consistent games and both may find themselves receiving a Rising Star nomination. David Johnson played one of his best matches in his career thus far, rendering Kane Johnson largely ineffective.

One of the plays of the day came from a trademark run down the wing from halfback by David Wojinski; after taking four bounces, the speedster passed to Henry Playfair, who kicked truly. Nominations for goals of the night came were in good supply.

In the first term the Cats once more kicked long. After a marking contest involving Graham, in the confusion the ball spilled free. Paul Chapman and Henry Playfair pounced; Playfair being rewarded with the soccer-style goal. Andrew Mackie kicked two fine goals, making something from nothing while Riccardi continued to dazzle the crowd.

Richmond on the other hand lacked confidence all night, making mistake after mistake that you shouldn't see at an AFL level. (Link: Tiger Fans vent collective spleens). The one disappointment at Geelong's opening home game was the relatively low attendance of just over 31,000.

Interestingly, both Toyota and Ford signage featured on the goalposts. And Ford signage dominated the revolving boundary advertising. There was no Toyota signage in sight.

With Gary Ablett and Darren Milburn highly likely to return, just who shall make way? Jarad Rooke, who did well in his short time on the ground after being a late replacement for Milburn, is an obvious candidate. There may also be more changes forced upon Geelong, with Joshua Hunt under a cloud. Hunt, who is finally delighting fans with accurate kicking down field in the AFL, has an elbow injury.

GEELONG: 7.0 11.1 15.5 19.13 (127)
RICHMOND: 1.4 3.7 7.10 11.12 (78)
MATCH STATSs

GOALS: Geelong: Graham 6, Kingsley 3, Haynes, Playfair, Mackie 2, Ling, Riccardi, Tenace, Mooney 1
Richmond: Brown 4, Ottens, Coughlan 2, Fiora, Gaspar, Tivendale 1