AFL Roundup: Dockers reach the summit with Geelong not far behind

Aaron Murphy

Cameron Zurhaar pumps his fists following his match-winning goal against the Suns.DANIEL POCKETT / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Geelong moved to third on the ladder with their fourth authoritative win in four weeks, dealing the Swans a considerable reality check.

The numbers that matter

The big winners of Round 11

Geelong just never go away, do they?

The 2022 Premiers have made four Grand Finals and missed the finals only twice in Chris Scott's 16-year tenure and appear locked in for yet another foray into September despite having churned through an entire generation of players during his lengthy stay at Kardinia Park.

Whether it's the recruiting, the club culture, or both; the Cats continue to be one of the AFL's most professional and ruthless outfits and that was again on display when they put former ladder leaders Sydney to the sword on home turf this weekend.

Scott singled out Lawson Humphries, young ruck Mitch Edwards and star recruit Bailey Smith as three individuals in a very impressive bunch who were able to adapt and nullify the Swans' running threat off the half-back line.

Despite being actively tagged by Sydney's James Jordon, Smith dazzled in the so-called 'Premiership quarter' with 18 disposals, three clearances and seven goal involvements in a single quarter of football.

Even Connor O'Sullivan, who was tasked with keeping Charlie Curnow quiet - and did so with Curnow recording just ten kicks and two goals - moved forward in the third quarter to get on the board before Curnow did.

Scott's men are on a tear with six wins from their last seven matches, dealing with the reigning Premiers and former ladder leaders in the last fortnight, and should keep the momentum rolling when they face Carlton next week.

Who kicked big bags this week?

GWS veterans Jake Stringer and Toby Greene led the way this week with five each in the rout of the Lions. In what was another quiet week for key forwards, Blake Hardwick, Jye Amiss and Joel Amartey chipped in with four each.