Cats find a cure for the

AT the nine-minute mark of the first quarter on Saturday night Geelong supporters could have been forgiven for thinking of the lyrics in Moloko’s hit song Familiar Feeling.

They go something like this: “Nothing can come close to this familiar feeling, we say it all without ever speaking.’’

Three consecutive goals to Carlton had given the underdogs an 11-point lead and for Cats fans, memories of losses in similar circumstances must surely have been flooding back.

They didn’t need to say anything as they would already have known that it is matches such as Saturday night that have been precisely the ones Geelong has struggled with in the past 18 months.

Faced with an opponent they have been expected to beat — often comfortably — the Cats had squandered their opportunities to exert their dominance over less-fancied rivals. But this time around there would be no upset.

This time, Geelong said enough is enough and got to work, showing the competition why it is sitting second on the ladder.

Zac Smith led the way with a dominant performance in the ruck, including 33 hit-outs and seven clearances.

But it was Smith’s work around the ground that left the biggest impression.

The former Gold Coast big man had 23 disposals, took four marks, laid two tackles, and significantly, kicked two goals.

Those sorts of numbers meant the inside-50 count of 65-39 was always on the cards and went a long way in ensuring the Blues were kept to a score of just 58 — the lowest the Cats have conceded since Round 4 against Hawthorn.

At the defensive end Tom Lonergan showed again why he is universally admired when he stood in front of the leading Levi Casboult and copped a knee in the back.

The veteran defender sent a scare through the Geelong camp when he went down into the rooms but returned to complete the game.

In the forward half, Tom Hawkins returned to some of his best form with six goals, but he was also busy providing a presence up the field.

At halftime he was the leading possession winner on the ground with 16, and his final tally of 27, together with his 12 marks, seven inside-50s and five tackles, spoke to the intent with which he and his teammates displayed for the majority of the night.

Nakia Cockatoo (three goals from five scoring shots and four tackles) was another who showed more than enough to suggest he will be a handful for opposition teams come September, provided he can stay on the park.

His ongoing hamstring issues will be of concern to the Cats, but outside of his injury the coaching staff at Simonds Stadium was left extremely happy with their team’s performance.

In reality, those that had any doubt Geelong was ready to play in the manner it did were probably looking too much into the past instead of seeing this team for what it is: a genuine premiership contender.

As Moloko sang: “How could you have questioned us? It’s yourself you deceive.’’