If there were any doubts about Geelong's premiership bona fides, there certainly isn't now.
The Cats were lively early, courageous when challenged, then dominant when it mattered in overcoming Adelaide and keeping their unbeaten start to the season intact.
On for young and old: Gryan Miers celebrates after scoring for Geelong as Gary Abblet jnr looks on.Credit:AAP
Patrick Dangerfield set Adelaide Oval alight with an electric first half in another masterful display, Tim Kelly had his moments in the midfield before limping off favouring his right leg in the last quarter and Gryan Miers announced himself on the big stage with three clever goals.
After seeing their 23-point half-time margin whittled down to just three points when Tom Lynch converted a free kick after the three-quarter-time siren, Geelong refused to blink and, following an arm wrestle, dictated the fourth term.
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Compounding the Crows' defeat, Paul Seedsman was carted off the field in the closing minutes after his left knee hyper-extended when he landed awkwardly on the outer side.
Adelaide were undisciplined early and conceded three 50m penalties in the first term, at the end of which Geelong led by 14 points.
On the lowdown: Geelong's Tim Kelly grabs a chance to take possession.Credit:AAP
The Cats' defence was desperate and organised while their second-quarter charge was piloted by Geelong-raised third-gamer Miers who slotted the Cats' only two goals for the term – threading the needle from the pocket, then snapping truly.
Adelaide were fortunate Geelong, Miers aside, were errant in front of the sticks, giving the hosts a sniff at half-time, which they took advantage of through co-captain Rory Sloane and the Crouch brothers, Brad and Matt.
Walker finally got on the board midway through the third quarter during which the Crows had 19-7 inside 50s and stormed back into the contest.
Heads up: Adelaide forward Taylor Walker gets tackled by Lachie Henderson.Credit:AAP
The Crows kept pace with Geelong early in the final period but the Cats steadied and lifted.
Gary Ablett nailed a superb long goal, then turned playmaker, dishing to Miers for his third, before Gary Rohan kicked truly to blow the margin out.
Danger Man
Brownlow Medal favourite Patrick Dangerfield's odds of claiming the prized award for the second time in his career shortened after Thursday's masterclass.
Dangerfield applied the heat with game-highs of 20 possessions and seven clearances at half-time, almost certainly securing three votes to create space between himself and Nat Fyfe and Patrick Cripps atop the leaderboard in the early stages.
Top Cat: Patrick Dangerfield looks for a handball under pressure.Credit:AAP
Unsurprisingly, Dangerfield lifts whenever confronted by his old team, averaging 30.3 touches and 8.8 tackles against Adelaide, against overall career averages of 24.0 and 3.9. In tonight's game he racked up 32 possessions, 10 clearances, 12 inside 50s, seven tackles (all team-highs) and one goal.
Smiling Cat
Last year Luke Dahlhaus was uncontracted, unhappy and, according to former Western Bulldogs great Bob Murphy, unmotivated.
A change of scenery as done him the world of good.
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