Geelong Cats unleash in the final quarter to bury an early-starting North Melbourne Roos
Geelong has dismantled North Melbourne at their home stadium, sealing a commanding 49-point victory on the back of a spectacular nine-goal final quarter.
Following a back-and-forth battle over the initial three quarters, the Cats finally hit the accelerator in the final stanza and their relentless late drive ended in a commanding 21.9 (135) to 13.8 (86) win, that left the visitors stunned, asking where they went wrong.
The result provided a vital course correction for Chris Scott's side following a shock defeat to Port Adelaide last week and propels them into the top five of the premiership ladder.
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Geelong was hot off the press in the opening minutes, kicking the first four to quickly give themselves a 24 point lead.
However, North Melbourne refused to be looked over, kicking three late goals before the first break, leaving the field just seven points adrift.
Geelong celebrate their victory at home. Getty
The rising Roos continued to find their footing in the second quarter, trimming the margin to a single point by half-time.
They carried that momentum, with Colby McKercher kicking a goal less than thirty seconds into the third quarter to give North Melbourne their first lead of the game.
But skipper Jeremy Cameron quickly responded for the Cats, putting the two teams level again at 42 apiece.
Spurred on by a roaring home crowd, Geelong finally found their devastating edge in the final stanza.
"It becomes a really important last 13 minutes. They (North Melbourne) don't want to end up suffering a 10-goal defeat here when you've been competitive for three quarters," said Jason Dunstall on Fox Footy.
Dunstall's comments were somewhat headed, with the Cats inflicting only a runaway nine-goal onslaught which blew the margin out, leaving the exhausted Roos in their wake.
North Melbourne blew their lead to Geelong in the final quarter. AFL Photos via Getty Images
North Melbourne host the Sydney Swans on Saturday afternoon and Geelong play Collingwood next Saturday night.
