A classic Patrick Dangerfield efficiency has propelled Geelong into their seventh grand last since 2007, however they might want to win the flag with out concussed defender Tom Stewart.
At age 35, Dangerfield is 9 years faraway from his Brownlow Medal win, however turned again the clock to play one of many nice finals video games and lead the Cats to a 30-point victory over arch-rivals Hawthorn, 17.13 (115) to 13.7 (85).
Almost 100,000 followers watched Geelong largely dominate after quarter-time, though the Hawks hung round lengthy sufficient to maintain issues fascinating.
Patrick Dangerfield was mobbed by Shaun Mannagh and Brad Close throughout his classic show.Credit: Getty Images
Tyson Stengle successfully sealed the take care of a soccer aim from the highest of the sq. that prolonged the Cats’ buffer to 24 factors with about seven minutes remaining.
Chris Scott’s males await the winner between Collingwood and Brisbane Lions on Saturday night as they attempt to win a 3rd premiership below their present coach.
Geelong misplaced Stewart inside the ultimate three minutes earlier than quarter-time to cap a tardy begin, with Hawk Mabior Chol pinning his arms in a forceful deal with that noticed the Geelong star’s head crash into the MCG floor.
Stewart additionally instantly clutched his left wrist, but it surely was his head harm that prompted the Cats – who trailed by 13 factors at quarter-time – to swiftly sub him out of the match.
The league’s concussion guidelines imply the 2022 premiership participant should miss the grand last, in a merciless blow that reignites debate round whether or not the pre-finals bye ought to be switched to the week earlier than the decider.
Hawthorn can even sweat on match assessment officer Michael Christian’s evaluation of Chol’s deal with, however the ramifications usually are not as nice, given a grand last spot will not be at stake.
The AFL sometimes takes a dim view to gamers pinning rival’s arms in a deal with as a result of it leaves them weak and unable to brace for contact.
It was a brutal starting for Geelong, with Dangerfield (32 disposals, three objectives and eight clearances) and Jack Henry each leaving the sphere for therapy earlier than Stewart’s exit.
Henry regarded in peril of being out for the night time after struggling a left ankle harm, however returned to play the match out.
Just as regarding for the Cats was how they butchered the ball within the opening half an hour, beginning with Tom Atkins kicking straight to James Sicily with the primary disposal of the night time.
By distinction, the Hawks racked up uncontested marks and regarded far sharper, however their mistake was not doing sufficient scoreboard injury whereas Geelong have been reeling.
Dangerfield sprung to life with 9 disposals in a frenetic second quarter the place the Cats minimize off Hawthorn’s kick-and-catch and drew degree, earlier than a skied Jack Bowes snap gave them a one-point edge on the most important break.
The third quarter, outdoors of some minutes of brown-and-gold resistance, was a Geelong masterclass.
They received all seven centre clearances and dominated territory as Dangerfield’s working mates Bailey Smith (36 disposals, six clearances) and Max Holmes (25 touches) helped him run riot.
But a three-goal binge late within the time period – beginning with Jack Martin, then Jeremy Cameron slotting his 88th main of the season, earlier than a powerful Shaun Mannagh on-the-run end – proved devastating to the Hawks’ hopes.
The margin was 28 factors at three-quarter-time, and blew out to a match-high 35 earlier than Hawthorn managed to slash it to 18, however by no means obtained any nearer.
