Giants get better of Cats in Mothers’ Day clash

Edit Post
Site Icon

Carlton surprise with win over Geelong
· Post
Ctrl+K

Save

Editing code
Exit code editor
Add title
Carlton surprise with win over Geelong
Type text or HTML

Geelong Cats v Greater Western Sydney Giants, AFL 2025 round 9 Mothers’ Day turned into a bit of a nightmare for the Cats as the Giants led for most of the match, though won by just four points in the thrilling clash at GMHBA Stadium yesterday. The Cats just had no answer for Giant forward Jesse Hogan who booted seven goals – and will rue being so inaccurate in front of goal, having six more scoring shots than their opponents.

GWS came out firing, kicking five of the first six goals to establish early dominance. Their ball movement was crisp, and their ability to find space in Geelong’s defensive setup allowed them to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. Jake Stringer, before being substituted out due to injury, was instrumental in the Giants’ early surge, kicking two goals and providing a strong presence inside fifty.

Despite the Giants’ fast start, the Cats did manage to stay in touch through their efficiency in attack. Jeremy Cameron and Mitch Duncan found the goals, ensuring the Cats remained within striking distance. At quarter-time, the Giants held a 10-point lead, but the game was far from settled. Geelong lifted their intensity in the second term, with Bailey Smith and Max Holmes driving the Cats forward. Their ability to win contested ball and transition quickly allowed the Cats to claw back the momentum. Tom Green (no relation) playing his hundredth game was a standout collecting 37 disposals and providing crucial clearances.

The Cats began to find their rhythm, with Shaun Mannagh and Ollie Dempsey hitting the scoreboard. The Giants, however, continued to apply pressure, with Lachie Whitfield and Finn Callaghan controlling possession across half-back. By halftime, the game was evenly poised, the Cats trailing by just seven points.

The second half soon saw both teams trade blows in a gripping contest. Geelong’s midfield, led by Mark Blicavs, started to assert dominance, winning clearances and creating scoring opportunities. The Cats took the lead for the first time in the match, but the Giants responded swiftly, with Jesse Hogan continuing his masterclass in front of goal.

Hogan’s seven-goal performance was pivotal, as he consistently found space and converted under pressure. His ability to take contested marks and finish clinically kept the Giants in the fight with the Cats threatening to snuff them out. As the quarter drew to a close, the Cats clung to a narrow lead, setting up a thrilling final term.

The last quarter was a rollercoaster. The Giants started sluggishly, dropping marks and allowing Geelong to surge forward. The Cats had multiple chances to seal the win, but three missed shots in the dying minutes proved costly. With less than two minutes remaining, Mark Blicavs had a set shot from 40 meters, but could only hit the post. Moments later Mannagh had a rushed attempt but failed to score, leaving the door open for the Orange Team to hold on. Jake Riccardi kicked the match-winning goal, ensuring the Giants extended their winning streak at GMHBA Stadium to five consecutive games(!!!)

AFL 2025 ROUND 9
GEELONG CATS V GWS GIANTS
SUNDAY 11 MAY 2025, 15:20 AEST
GMHBA STADIUM

GWS GIANTS 5.2, 9.7, 13.7, 16.9 (105) DEFEATED
GEELONG CATS 3.4, 9.8, 11.12, 14.17 (101)

GOALS
GWS GIANTS: Hogan 7, Stringer 2, O’Halloran, Greene, Cadman, Ward, Green, Thomas, Riccardi
GEELONG CATS: Cameron 2, Mannagh 2, Dempsey 2, Stengle 2, Close, Dangerfield, Duncan, Neale, O.Henry, Miers

BEST
GWS GIANTS: Callaghan, Briggs, Hogan, Taylor, Green, Whitfield
GEELONG CATS: Cameron, Holmes, Smith, Dangerfield, Blicavs, Dempsey

INJURIES
CARLTON BLUES: Jake Stringer (hamstring)
GEELONG CATS: Nil reported

CHANGES
GWS GIANTS: Nil
GEELONG CATS: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
GWS GIANTS: Josaia Delana, replaced Jake Stringer during in the second quarter
GEELONG CATS: Ted Clohesy, replaced Jhye Clark after three-quarter time

REPORTS
GWS GIANTS: –
GEELONG CATS: –

CROWD: 28,407 at GMHBA Stadium, Kardinia Park

TEAMS
GEELONG
IN: Oisin Mullin, Oliver Wiltshire, Jhye Clark
OUT: Gryan Miers (injured), Mitch Knevitt (injured), Ted Clohesy (omitted)

B: C O’Sullivan, S De Koning, M Blicavs
HB: L Hmphries, T Stewart, Z Guthrie
C: J Bowes, M Holmes, O Dempsey
HF: B Close, S Mannagh, T Stengle
F: J Cameron, P Dangerfield – C, S Neale
FOLL: R Stanley, B Smith, T Atkins
INT: M O’Connor, O Mullin, O Wilthire, O Henry, J Clark
EMER: M Duncan, G Stevens, T Clohesy

CARLTON BLUES
IN: Harry McKay
OUT: L Young (omitted)

B: J Silvagni, J Weitering, A Saad
HB: N Haynes, M McGovern, Z Williams
C: A Cerra, P Cripps – C, O Hollands
HF: M Cottrell, H McKay, L Fogarty
F: J Motlop, C Curnow, C Durdin
FOLL: T De Koning, S Walsh, G Hewett
INT: M Carroll, B Acres, W White, E Hollands, C Lord
EMER: L Young, L Cowan, S Docherty

Post
Block

Carlton surprise with win over Geelong

Set featured image
339 words, 2 minutes read time.
Last edited 19 days ago.
Status
Published
Publish
April 27 9:29 pm
Link

/carlton-surprise-with-win-over-geelong
Discussion
Open
Revisions
3
Move to trash

AI Assistant
Write Brief (Beta)
Visualize issues and apply AI suggestions.

Show issues & suggestions
Optimize Title
Based on your post content and SEO best practices.

Generate title options
Get Featured Image
Based on your post content.

Generate image
Get Feedback
Get feedback on content structure.

Generate feedback
Available Requests
18

Upgrade
Learn more about Jetpack AI↗
Give us feedback↗
AI guidelines↗

Access

Excerpt
Toggle panel: Ad Settings
How to disable ads on specific pages

Disable ads on this page
Open save panel
NotificationsYou are currently in edit mode. To return to the navigation mode, press Escape.