Eagles pull away to thrash Cats

West Coast have claimed another scalp and extended their winning streak to six games, dismissing Geelong by 56 points at Domain Stadium today.

The Eagles overcame wastefulness in front of goal to register their seventh victory of the season and maintain second place on the ladder with the 16.24 (120) to 10.4 (64) victory.

The Cats had no right to be in the match at three-quarter time, with the Eagles dominating the contest but unable to convert in front of goal.

But West Coast finally took full toll in the final term with seven goals to one to make it another percentage-boosting win.

Nic Naitanui's stunning mark. Pic: Michael Wilson/WA News

Nic Naitanui had a huge influence with 36 hit outs, 17 disposals and two goals and brought the crowd of 37, 676 to their feet when he took what could be mark of the year in the final term.

Andrew Gaff (32 disposals) got plenty of the ball, while Josh Kennedy maintained his lead in the Coleman Medal race with another six goals.

There were few winners for Geelong, but Tom Hawkins was a constant threat in attack opposed to Will Schofield with three goals from five shots on goal.

Cats captain Joel Selwood was kept to just 19 disposals.

Both teams were up for the contest early, with the Cats making the better of their opportunities on counter attack.

Fraser McInnes and Josh Kennedy celebrate an Eagles goal. Pic: Getty Images

Josh Caddy missed a simple opportunity in front of goal in the opening minutes before veteran Steve Johnson booted a classy goal from the pocket to give the visitors a positive start.

The Eagles missed repeat opportunities at their end before Geelong rushed it down the end to spearhead Hawkins, who kicked the goal from the square after West Coast’s runner ran through the mark.

Kennedy was looking extremely dangerous up the other end, kicking two majors from three opportunities to give his side some reward for their dominance.

The home side continued to press early in the second term, but it was Jordan Murdoch who registered the first goal for the Cats.

Kennedy and Naitanui both hit back with goals of their own but that came among a bucketload of opportunities missed by teammates, who could have buried Geelong by half time.

James Kelly comes out of this encounter on top. Pic: Getty Images

When Jamie Cripps missed a shot on the run and Geelong rushed it down the other end and into the arms of Hawkins for his second, coach Adam Simpson was left scratching his head.

It was a nine-point lead for the Eagles at half time, but it should have been so much more given they enjoyed a 23-13 advantage in clearances, were ahead 71-57 in contested possessions and were winning the inside 50m count 33-15.

Geelong took a chance by substituting Rhys Stanley out of the game to inject Matthew Stokes into the game for the start of the third.

That backfired when Mitch Clark limped to the bench with an ankle injury, forcing Mark Blicavs into the ruck against Naitanui and Callum Sinclair.

Cameron Guthrie of the Cats gets tackled by Andrew Gaff and Callum Sinclair. Pic: Getty Images

Kennedy missed a couple of early chances before West Coast finally started to take advantage, Josh Hill booted two majors to release the pressure.

But a strong performance from Hawkins down the other end meant the Cats were still within three goals at the final change.

Jamie Bennell was subbed out for the Eagles to allow Brant Colledge’s to shed the green vest in his first game of the year.

Geelong needed early goals to be a chance of overrunning the Eagles, but Cripps made life very hard when he converted a free kick for holding the ball six minutes in to make it a 25-point lead.

When Naitanui rose high in the air and brought down and absolute screamer, before booting the goal minutes, it was party time for the Eagles.

Jed Bews of the Cats hand passes under pressure from Luke Shuey. Pic: Getty Images

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