Geelong continued its strong start to the 2022 AFL season with a commanding victory over Adelaide on Friday night, as defender Tom Stewart’s milestone 150th game was marked by a record-breaking performance. Stewart’s exceptional defensive display, marked by a record-equalling 10 intercept marks, played a crucial role in Geelong’s 20-point win over Adelaide.
The Cats’ dominant performance was epitomized by key forward Tom Hawkins, who delivered a standout performance with four goals, including a dynamic third-quarter display that halted Adelaide’s resurgence. As Geelong celebrated its second consecutive win, Adelaide’s search for their first victory of the season remains ongoing, with the team unable to find a way past Geelong’s defensive prowess or contain Hawkins’ attacking threat.
While Adelaide’s Matthew Nicks’ men trailed by 24 points at three-quarter time, they showed determination and had opportunities to turn the tide late in the game. However, Geelong’s defensive masterclass, led by Tom Stewart, proved to be a formidable barrier for the Crows. Stewart’s impeccable intercepting skills frustrated Adelaide throughout the game, reflecting his status as a key asset in Geelong’s defensive line.
Stewart’s milestone game was highlighted by an impressive overall performance, despite an early highlight being a narrowly missed opportunity for a mark of the year contender. Meanwhile, as Geelong secured their second win of the season, Adelaide faced the disappointment of another defeat, compounded by the absence of power midfielder Jason Horne-Francis due to a hamstring complaint. The extent of Horne-Francis’ injury is yet to be determined, adding to the team’s challenges.
In another development, former Melbourne president Glen Bartlett is reportedly contemplating legal action against Simon Goodwin, Max Gawn, and Gary Pert, signaling potential off-field turmoil. This news adds an intriguing off-field subplot to the vibrant start of the 2022 AFL season.
