Cats Roar Back to Tame Eagles

Geelong's season-defining trait emerged again at Kardinia Park. Despite trailing at the final break, the Cats deployed their trademark fourth-quarter assault to overwhelm West Coast. The 43-10 blitz transformed certain defeat into commanding victory. Jeremy Cameron's unexpected surge sparked discussions about possible tactical changes, while Oscar Allen's resilience showcased the West Coast Eagles' promise under fresh leadership. What Chris Scott said at three-quarter time would prove decisive.

Fourth Quarter Dominance Continues for Geelong

The Geelong Cats' fourth quarter has become their most lethal weapon in 2025, and Saturday's 43-10 final term against West Coast exemplified their late-game mastery. After trailing by six points early in the final quarter, the Cats' defensive adjustments suffocated the Eagles' ball movement, forcing critical turnovers that sparked their seven-goal blitz. Geelong's fitness advantage proved decisive as they overwhelmed a tiring West Coast side, extending their remarkable fourth-quarter record to 11-1 with a commanding +219 differential. Chris Scott's passionate three-quarter time address ignited his experienced squad, who systematically dismantled the Eagles to secure a thorough 116-73 victory.

Jeremy Cameron Explodes After Quiet Three Quarters

Jeremy Cameron's final quarter masterclass turned frustration into elation as the star forward tormented West Coast with four pivotal goals after being held goalless for three quarters by Reuben Ginbey. The Eagles defender had executed a disciplined shutdown role, limiting Cameron's influence and denying him scoring opportunities through tight checking and physical pressure. However, as West Coast's defensive structures crumbled under Geelong's relentless pressure, Cameron's finishing ability proved decisive. He capitalized on defensive lapses and turnovers, converting four critical chances that broke the game open. His 5-goal haul ultimately overwhelmed Ginbey's defensive performance in a devastating display.

Oscar Allen Shines in Forward Role for West Coast

While Cameron's late surge sealed Geelong's victory, West Coast found a rare positive through Oscar Allen's impressive return to form in attack. The key forward kicked a season-high four goals, showcasing his natural forward line presence without injured teammate Jake Waterman. Allen's goal kicking efficiency proved indispensable in keeping the Eagles competitive through three quarters, converting his opportunities when West Coast needed momentum. His performance served as a timely reminder of his capabilities when deployed in his preferred position rather than filling gaps elsewhere. Despite the loss, Allen's display offered encouragement for the rebuilding Eagles' attacking structure.

Chris Scott's Three-Quarter Time Address Sparks Comeback

Six points down at three-quarter time, Geelong faced a pivotal moment that would define their season's trajectory. Chris Scott's passionate address proved the catalyst for transformation. His strategic adjustments unleashed the Cats' potent fourth-quarter form, as they stormed home with seven consecutive goals. The coaching decisions to restructure defensive setups and accelerate ball movement paid immediate dividends. Jeremy Cameron, previously stifled by Reuben Ginbey, exploded with four final-term goals. Scott's ability to inspire veteran-laden teams in clutch moments again proved decisive, extending Geelong's remarkable 11-1 fourth-quarter record while demonstrating why experience matters when seasons hang in balance.

Eagles' Early Promise Fades Under Pressure

Three quarters of spirited football from West Coast evaporated in a devastating final term collapse at GMHBA Stadium. The Eagles' six-point advantage early in the fourth quarter proved fleeting as Geelong unleashed released seven goals to one in a 43-point demolition. West Coast's young team's inexperience became evident when pressure intensified, with costly turnovers and defensive lapses allowing Jeremy Cameron to explode with four final-quarter goals. Despite Oscar Allen's season-high four goals and glimpses of Andrew McQualter's preferred high-tempo style, the Eagles' early momentum squandered under the Cats' relentless assault, exposing the gap between promise and execution.

Geelong's Depth Tested Without Dangerfield

The Cats proved their premiership credentials by dismantling West Coast without their talismanic midfielder Patrick Dangerfield. Geelong's depth contributions key to the 116-73 victory, with multiple players stepping up to fill the void. Jeremy Cameron's explosive final quarter showcased the Catskicks display that has become their trademark in 2025, as they improved their fourth-quarter record to 11-1. Chris Scott's system demonstrated its effectiveness as role players elevated their performance when needed most. The 43-point winning margin emphasized how Geelong's list depth allows them to overcome the absence of stars, maintaining their position as genuine premiership contenders.

McQualter's High-Tempo Style Shows Early Signs

West Coast's spirited performance against Geelong offered glimpses of Andrew McQualter's evolving game plan taking shape in his first season as senior coach. The Eagles displayed McQualter's coaching style through aggressive forward handball and rapid ball movement, challenging the experienced Cats for three quarters. West Coast's fast paced game troubled Geelong early, with the young side maintaining competitiveness until the final term avalanche. Despite the 43-point defeat, the Eagles' high-tempo approach and willingness to take risks reflected their new coach's philosophy. The narrow six-point deficit entering the last quarter demonstrated significant progress under McQualter's system.

Statistical Breakdown of the 43-Point Turnaround

Numbers rarely tell a more dramatic story than Geelong's fourth-quarter demolition of West Coast, transforming a six-point deficit into a commanding 43-point victory. The Cats outscored the Eagles 43-0 in the final term, with Jeremy Cameron's four goals spearheading the comeback momentum. This scoring disparity highlighted Geelong's lethal finishing ability, improving their season's fourth-quarter record to an imposing 11-1 with a +219 points differential. West Coast managed just three behinds after leading early in the term, while Geelong kicked 7.1, demonstrating the gulf in class when the Cats' experienced lineup shifts into top gear.