Geelong has stormed past North Melbourne with an emphatic nine-goal fourth quarter to record a 49-point win at GMHBA Stadium.
After a competitive first three quarters, the Cats put their foot down in the final term in a scary blitz to win 21.9 (135) to 13.8 (86).
It was a much-needed response from Chris Scott’s mean after last week’s loss to Port Adelaide as it improved to 5-3 and climbed into fifth place on the ladder.
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Meanwhile North suffered a second-straight loss as it fell to 4-4.
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The 3-2-1 (what we learned) …
3. CATS’ ‘PROFESSIONAL’ Q4 BLITZ STUNS
Geelong was un-Geelong like in the first half.
Yet seemingly within the blink of an eye, the Cats went from being in an arm wrestle to completely dominant.
Chris Scott’s men obliterated North with nine-goal fourth quarter to come away with a big win in the end, after such a competitive first three terms.
”Geelong has eradicated those unusual mistakes from the second and third quarter,” Saints great Nick Dal Santo said on Fox Footy during the fourth term.
Hawks champion Jason Dunstall responded: “Just professional team, aren’t they?”
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – MAY 02: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats celebrates a goal during the round eight AFL match between Geelong Cats and North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium, on May 02, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It was a crucial response from Geelong after 30-point loss to Port Adelaide last week that was also uncharacteristic from Scott’s group.
But in 30 minutes of dominant footy the Cats reminded the footy world exactly what they’re still capable of, even on a night when they were well down on their best.
“A lot said this week about the response and what it would look like from a Geelong perspective,” Dal Santo continued.
“It took them a fair while to break the Kangas.
“But the maturity and professionalism of this last quarter has stood out.”
2. ‘GET WHAT YOU DESERVE’: ROOS CONCERNS AFTER LATE COLLAPSE
North Melbourne did so much right and looked capable of pulling off a huge upset to continue a promising season.
But Alastair Clarkson’s men ultimately fell by 49 points in a scoreline that arguably doesn’t represent the competitive nature of the game.
The Roos were in the thick of the contest GHMBA Stadium for the majority of the game. Tristan Xerri led a midfield domination, while Jy Simpkin blanketed Bailey Smith for only 26 disposals.
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But North gave up nine goals in the last term in a step backwards for this group after its taken so many steps forward in 2026.
“At the end of the day, North Melbourne probably doesn’t deserve to lose by 10 goals. But you don’t always get what you deserve in this game,” Hawks great Jason Dunstall said.
“You’ve got to find a way to fight it out, find a way to stop making these mistakes.
“Just lacked a bit of composure when needed.”
1. MRO WATCH FOR CATS YOUNG GUN
Does Geelong youngster Connor O’Sullivan have an MRO case to answer for?
O’Sullivan could come under scrutiny for an incident where he elbowed North Melbourne forward Nick Larkey in the head during a marker contest.
The ball sailed over both players heads as they were wrestling, before O’Sullivan turned his body and lifted his elbow into Larkey’s face.
Former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon suggested O’Sullivan could have a case to answer for.
“I thought it was just a fend off that might have slipped high,” he said on Fox Footy at half-time.
“You can see Connor just on his left elbow strikes Larkey in the head.
“(The MRO) Might have a little look at that one, I would’ve thought.”
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