Dangerfield dominates as Cats crush winless Dees by 39 points

Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield turned back the clock with a vintage display on Friday night, guiding the Cats to a strong 39-point win over Melbourne in slippery conditions at GMHBA Stadium.

The 12.13 (85) to 6.10 (46) result handed the Demons their fourth consecutive loss of the season — their worst start since the 2012 AFL season — and provided the Cats with a much-needed reset after back-to-back defeats.

Dangerfield was the standout in a game shaped by experience and leadership. The 34-year-old champion was everywhere: bursting from stoppages, hitting the scoreboard, and setting the tone with his trademark aggression. He finished with 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions and three goals, proving too powerful for Melbourne’s defence to handle.

It was a timely performance, especially with fellow veteran Max Gawn also trying to inspire his team from the other side. Gawn battled manfully in the ruck with 34 hitouts and five clearances, but lacked the midfield support to turn his influence into a match-winning edge.

Melbourne did briefly threaten in the third quarter, trimming Geelong’s lead to just 10 points, but Dangerfield’s third goal steadied the ship and from there, it was all Cats. The home side slammed on four unanswered goals in the final term while holding the Dees to just three behinds.

Zach Guthrie was outstanding across half-back for Geelong with 30 disposals and 17 marks, stepping up after Jack Henry was subbed out with a hamstring injury.

Rhys Stanley, a late inclusion for the ill Mark Blicavs, also made his mark with a critical goal on quarter-time and a solid 23 hitout performance.

Geelong’s ability to control tempo was key. The Cats registered a record-breaking 148 uncontested marks, smothering any momentum the Demons tried to build. Melbourne finished with more inside 50s but couldn’t make them count, managing only five marks in their attacking arc compared to Geelong’s 17.

It was another frustrating night for Simon Goodwin’s men. Despite patches of improved effort — particularly during the second and third quarters — poor forward efficiency and lack of polish killed any chance of a genuine fightback.

Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca found the footy but couldn’t convert that into scoreboard pressure.

While Geelong got their season back on track at 2-2, Melbourne now find themselves in serious early-season trouble at 0-4.

Finals may still be mathematically possible, but unless the Dees can find composure and cleaner ball movement, it will be a steep hill to climb.

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