GEELONG SMASHED BY BRISBANE
B Jensen 19 June 2005

GEELONG was comprehensively defeated by a rampant Brisbane Lions team today at the Gabba. The loss of three key players Corey Enright, Henry Playfair and Brad Ottens was compounded with the late withdrawal of captain Steven King and Andrew Mackie.

For Brisbane Jason Akermanis put on a brilliant display of goalkicking and ball winning; he was unstoppable. Jonathan Brown booted four goals and was equally unstoppable. For the Cats Kent Kingsley kicked two, the only multiple goalkicker.

BRISBANE LIONS 4.3, 8.10, 14.12 17.14 (116) DEFEATED
GEELONG 3.2, 4.4, 5.8 6.11 (47)

GOALS
BRISBANE Jason Akermanis 5, Jonathan Brown 4, Anthony Corrie 2, Jed Adcock, Simon Black, Chris Johnson, Ashley McGrath, Luke Power, Troy Selwood
GEELONG Kent Kingsley 2, David Haynes, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey, Tom Harley

Injuries have exposed the depth of the side, something that once appeared assured. Another possible addition to the injury list is defender Jarad Rooke may miss a couple weeks after injuring a hamstring. Rooke would be one of the least-paid in the side but he has performed week in week out this season, he will be missed.

IN THE VFL, Geelong's 'run' of two wins came to an end at the hands of North Ballarat. Matt McCarthy continued to stake his claim for promotion, with four goals.

GEELONG 0.3 3.5 6.7 10.11 (79) DEFEATED BY
NORTH BALLARAT 2.4 6.7 10.12 14.15 (99)

GEELONG
Goal Kickers: M. McCarthy 4, J. Garth 2, C. Thurley, J. Cheep, M. Spencer, J. Byrne
Best Players: S. Clarke, P. Koulouriotis, M. McCarthy, N. Ablett, L. Buckland, J. Byrne
NORTH BALLARAT
Goal Kickers: J. Plunkett 4, D. Whyman 3, N. Saunders 2, J. Field, S. Hutchinson, G. Miller, J. McNamara, J. McCorkell
Best Players: J. Plunkett, D. Whyman, M. Porter, X. Moloney, N. Saunders, S. Hutchinson