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AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Cats pull clear for AFL win over Crows

The Cats have inflicted a fifth-straight defeat on the Crows, winning 97-55 in Geelong. (AAP)

Jeremy Cameron has kicked four goals to help Geelong strengthen their claims for an AFL top-four spot with a 42-point triumph over Adelaide.

Heavily favoured at home, the Cats rode a strong challenge during the third term to prevail 15.7 (97) to 7.13 (55) on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium.

It gave them consecutive wins for the first time since rounds three and four, and improved their record to 7-3 ahead of a bumper clash with the Western Bulldogs next Friday night.

In the No.5 jumper made famous by Gary Ablett Snr, key forward Cameron produced three brilliant snapshots that the club legend would have been proud of.

Former Crow Tyson Stengle booted three goals in his first game against the club that axed him and Gryan Miers matched his tally, with Tom Hawkins adding two.

Brandan Parfitt (30 disposals), Cam Guthrie (34) and Joel Selwood (24) were busy in the midfield and Tom Atkins laid 17 tackles.

Tom Stewart (40 disposals) was outstanding in defence, where young tall Sam De Koning also impressed with another assured display.

The 21-year-old sent a brief scare through the Geelong camp when he clutched at his left knee during the final quarter but waved away trainers and played on.

Adelaide dominated the clearance battle (32-16) in the first half but it didn't translate to territorial dominance as Geelong's defence proved hard to penetrate.

The Cats enjoyed a 61-36 advantage in inside-50s.

Recalled after a week in the reserves, Adelaide ruckman Reilly O'Brien fought hard in a losing cause with 28 disposals, 24 contested possessions, 46 hit-outs, nine clearances and seven tackles.

Young forward Darcy Fogarty booted three goals for the Crows.

Rory Laird (38 disposals) and Ben Keays (28) racked up big numbers but the visitors lost defender Jordon Butts after he fell heavily in a third-quarter marking contest.

An uninspiring opening to the match was best illustrated by the Crows' poor goalkicking as they posted 0.6 and trailed by 10 points at the first break.

It was Adelaide's second goalless quarter of the season and the Cats took advantage, kicking away to a 34-point lead before halftime.

Keays lifted around the ball and kicked one of three straight Crows goals to start the second half as they trimmed the margin back to eight points.

But Geelong steadied, kicking seven of the last eight majors.

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