Red hot Cats run riot

GEELONG has scored its most significant victory of the season and one of its best in recent years to leave Richmond needing to overcome recent history if it is to claim a hat-trick of premierships.

The Cats produced a stunning 63-point win in a remarkable turnaround at the MCG on Friday night to leave the two-time defending premier with a 4-4 record a third of the way through the season.

Geelong had trailed by 19 points early in the second quarter and looked on track for a heavy defeat, suffocated by Richmond’s pressure.

But Chris Scott’s side flipped the heat after half-time to hand the Tigers their biggest loss since through 2019 when Geelong won by 67 points.

Records suggest the Tigers are up against it to be holding the cup at the end of the year.

Only three teams this century, including one in the past 16 years, have claimed the flag from a 4-4 start — Hawthorn in 2015, Sydney in 2005 and Brisbane Lions in 2001.

Not even Richmond in its slow starts in recent seasons has started this badly.

It was only Geelong’s third victory over Richmond from the past nine meetings between the two sides.

A brilliant third term saw a wounded Geelong split Richmond like winter firewood, bringing Cats fans to their feet at three-quarter time.

They kicked eight goals to one in the third quarter, inspired by Jeremy Cameron’s three majors in a 21-minute burst on his way to a bag of six.

The enigmatic Gary Rohan, in his 150th game, also kicked two in the third stanza.

Invariably when Rohan fires, so do the Cats.

In the nine times he has kicked three goals or more since joining Geelong, the Cats have won.

He finished with an equal career-high five.

Sam Simpson was subbed out soon after half-time with what appeared to be a right hamstring injury in his first game of the season.

Luke Dahlhaus was also sore and did not take any further part from midway through the third term.

Esava Ratugolea was also assessed in the rooms after a heavy collision.

Matches against St Kilda, Gold Coast and Collingwood before the bye could see Geelong reach 8-3 and in a position to launch for a 12th top-four finish since 2007.

In a rare highlight for Richmond fans, Shai Bolton provided one with a spectacular mark over Mark Blicavs.

If they give away a car for Mark of the Year, Bolton might have to start making room in his driveway.

But it was the Cats that drove away with the four premiership points after a gutsy come-from-behind win.