Cats end Hawks winning streak

Geelong ended Hawthorn’s five-game winning streak by defeating them by 51 points in the first match with a crowd at GMHBA Stadium since 2006. Jeremy Cameron led the Cats with four goals and 13 total possessions, while Brad Close also scored four goals. Geelong’s even performance overwhelmed Hawthorn’s defense, leading to a 63-39 advantage in inside 50s. Despite losing six of their previous seven games, the Cats remain in contention for a top-four finish. Hawthorn, on the other hand, played more like they did at the start of the season, when they lost their first five games. Key forward Mitch Lewis left the field with blood streaming from his head and clutching his knee after a collision with Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij. Hawthorn declined to confirm whether Lewis was under concussion protocol or provide an update on his knee.Geelong ended Hawthorn’s five-game winning streak by defeating them by 51 points in the first match with a crowd at GMHBA Stadium since 2006. Jeremy Cameron led the Cats with four goals and 13 total possessions, while Brad Close also scored four goals. Geelong’s even performance overwhelmed Hawthorn’s defense, leading to a 63-39 advantage in inside 50s. Despite losing six of their previous seven games, the Cats remain in contention for a top-four finish. Hawthorn, on the other hand, played more like they did at the start of the season, when they lost their first five games. Key forward Mitch Lewis left the field with blood streaming from his head and clutching his knee after a collision with Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij. Hawthorn declined to confirm whether Lewis was under concussion protocol or provide an update on his knee.

MONKEY

Geelong bounced back from their mid-season slump by beating Hawthorn by 51 points to end the Hawks’ five-game winning streak.

In the first match in front of a crowd at the GMHBA Stadium since 2006, Hawthorn were bullied by the hungry Cats, allowing the home side to win 16.14 (110) to 9.5 (59) on Saturday.

Key Hawthorn forward Mitch Lewis, playing his first game since round three, was injured in the final quarter after a heavy collision with Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij.

Lewis left the field with blood streaming from his head and appeared to be clutching his knee in worrying scenes that ended a tough game for the Hawks.

Hawthorn manager Sam Mitchell and the club declined to confirm whether Lewis was under concussion protocol, nor would they provide an update on the 25-year-old’s knee.

“When I left the rooms … I thought it was better to go in here a little bit naive than to have to tell you what I know, so I don’t really know the answer,” Mitchell said of Lewis’ health.

Geelong started with five consecutive deficits, three of them to Jeremy Cameron, but never relinquished their lead, winning every quarter.

Star player Cameron is almost back in top form, with 4.4 goals and 13 goals, the highest total of the match.

Small Cats forward Brad Close equalled Cameron with four goals.

The Cats put in a very even performance, overwhelming the Hawthorn defence, without captain James Sicily, by 63 to 39 within 50.

Despite losing six of their seven games and beating Essendon by 45 points at the MCG last Saturday, the Cats are still in contention for a top four finish.

“I wasn’t too flat about how we played, disappointed and a little bit annoyed, but I didn’t overreact either,” said Geelong coach Chris Scott.

“And we’re not going to overreact now that we’ve had a few wins. It’s fair to say the signs are good.”

In celebration of his 200th AFL game, forward Gary Rohan made a striking cameo at the end of the first half with two goals in as many minutes.

Premiership fullback Sam De Koning had his best game since being moved to the ruck three weeks ago, scoring two goals to double his career total early in the second quarter, outscoring Hawthorn’s Lloyd Meek.

Hawthorn had moved to the brink of a top eight finish after winning seven of their previous eight games before the trip to Geelong.

But without Sicily (shoulder), dynamic forward Jack Ginnivan (leg) and young, tall Calsher Dear (soreness), the Hawks played more like they did at the start of the season, when they lost their first five games.

On Friday night Geelong play injured reigning premier Collingwood at the MCG and on Saturday the Hawks travel to Launceston for a thrilling clash with Fremantle.