GEELONG has capped its day of premiership celebrations at Simonds Stadium by scoring a thrilling 10-point victory over Richmond.
The Cats unfurled their 2011 flag prior to the opening bounce, then survived a series of challenges from the Tigers before running out 11.9 (75) to 9.11 (65) winners.
Kicking with the wind in the final quarter, Richmond looked a big chance to pull off an upset victory when Nathan Foley levelled the scores with 12 minutes remaining.
But Geelong held its nerve, a clever snap from youngster Allen Christensen and two brilliant smothers from Corey Enright helping the home side scramble over the line.
It was the Cats' eighth-straight win over the Tigers, and their 15th victory in the last 16 matches between the sides.
Paul Chapman and Mathew Stokes booted two goals each for Geelong, while Tom Lonergan did a brilliant job at full-back on Jack Riewoldt, restricting the Richmond star to only one goal.
Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood led the way for Cats in the midfield.
Just six days after needing plastic surgery to require a deep cut to his lip, Andrew Mackie collected 19 touches roaming across half-back.
Another of the Cats' experienced defenders, Josh Hunt, who was making his first appearance since injuring his calf in the final round of the NAB Cup, gathered 13 disposals and kicked a goal.
However, Chris Scott's pre-game demand that his players lift their hardness around the ball failed to have the desired impact, as Geelong lost the contested possession count for the fourth straight week.
Wingman Shaun Grigg was Richmond's best player, while youngster Brandon Ellis, in just his fourth game, showed plenty of poise and skill in the backline.
Robin Nahas was the Tigers' leading goalscorer with two.
The Cats kicked with a three-goal breeze in the opening quarter, yet they led by only six points at the first change.
Scott's men then took control of the game when the booted three unanswered goals into the wind in the second quarter.
In a clear demonstration of their improvement this season, Richmond refused to be blown away, but Geelong just had too much grit, determination and belief in the end.
The Cats travel to Brisbane in round five to play the Lions, and they will be boosted by the return of champion full-back Matthew Scarlett, who has served his three-game suspension for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne.
Richmond hosts West Coast next Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
The Tigers face the prospect of losing Reece Conca to suspension for the second time this year after he delivered a high bump to Christensen in the last quarter.
GEELONG 4.1 7.3 10.4 11.9 (75)
RICHMOND 3.1 3.6 7.10 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Geelong: Stokes 2, Chapman 2, Hunt, Selwood, Hawkins, Podsiadly, Duncan, Motlop, Christensen
Richmond: Nahas 2, Riewoldt, Maric, Vickery, Grigg, Jackson, White, Foley
BEST
Geelong: Bartel, Guthrie, Lonergan, Taylor, Mackie, Selwood, Hawkins
Richmond: Foley, Deledio, Cotchin, Nahas, Grigg, Ellis, Tuck.
INJURIES: Motlop (head)
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Jesse Stringer replaced George Horlin-Smith at three quarter-time.
Richmond: Matt White replaced Addam Maric midway through the third quarter.
Reports: Trent West (Geelong) for rough conduct on Ty Vickery in the first quarter
Umpires: Fila, Schmitt, Pannell
Official crowd: TBA at Simonds Stadium
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
