Geelong holds off North Mebourne challenge to win in Ablett’s milestone match
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TODAY’S LINE-UP from 12PM: Matthew Lloyd, Jimmy Bartel, Mick Warner, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, and Tiff Cherry.
Photo: Tracey Nearmy / AAP
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FULL TIME
Geelong has held off the Kangaroos to win by 37 points.
North cut the margin to 10 points early in the final quarter, but the class of the Cats shone out.
Gary Ablett (34 touches and a goal) was outstanding in his 200th game as a Cat.
JIMMY’S VOTES
5. Gary Ablett
4. Tom Hawkins
3. Shaun Higgins
2. Tom Stewart
1. Mark Blicavs#AFLCatsNorth pic.twitter.com/TyrIzvd8DA— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) June 9, 2018
Matthew Lloyd said Geelong’s even spread of contributors was telling.
“North Melbourne had too many poor players today,” Lloydy said.
“The depth of Geelong’s midfield just overpowered them.”
Click PLAY to hear the full-time wrap
Ablett runs, carries, shoots, and seals it!
Jimmy: “The Ablett terrace stands as one.”
Lloyd: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better player on the run.”#AFLCatsNorth
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) June 9, 2018
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HALF TIME
Geelong lead by 25 points at the main break.
Matthew Lloyd said the Cats have been more “dynamic”, with a good spread of contributors.
Players like Ablett, Stewart, Hawkins, Duncan, Dangerfield, Fogarty, and Menegola have all been involved.
By contrast, Lloydy said Shaun Higgins has played a lone hand for North.
Tiff Cherry said the Cats have one injury concern in Tom Stewart’s ankle.
Click PLAY for the half-time wrap
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North coach Brad Scott says North’s heavy VFL defeat is not an indicator of poor depth at the club.
North lost to Geelong by 100 points in the curtain-raiser on Saturday afternoon.
But Scott told 3AW Football VFL results can tell “absolute lies”.
“We’re just trying to play a system,” Scott said.
“That certainly goes against winning, at times, but that’s what our VFL team is there for.”
Click PLAY for the full interview
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THE BUILD-UP
Geelong and North Melbourne sit alongside each other on the ladder in 5th and 6th place respectively.
So it goes without saying that these are four valuable points on offer today!
The Cats have won the last two between these sides, but the last time these teams met in Geelong (2015), the Kangaroos won by 16 points.
Who will claim the all-important win today?
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