Geelong key forward Jeremy Cameron has booted six goals, including three of his side's seven during the final term, in a stunning 13-point come-from-behind AFL win over Collingwood.
The Cats' 16.8 (104) to 13.13 (91) victory at the MCG on Saturday night looked unlikely when they conceded nine goals during the third quarter and trailed by 30 points at the last change of ends.
But they responded with 7.2 to 0.1 in the fourth quarter in a salute to captain Joel Selwood, who overtook Carlton legend Stephen Kernahan as the longest-serving captain in league history.
In doing so, the Cats improved their season record to 2-1 and handed first-year Collingwood coach Craig McRae his first taste of defeat.
Former GWS forward Cameron bagged half a dozen goals for the second time in Geelong colours and attacking partner Tom Hawkins finished with three.
Both kicked crucial majors in the final two minutes of the match to seal the result.
Patrick Dangerfield (25 disposals), Tom Stewart (29), Cam Guthrie (22), Brandan Parfitt (21) and Selwood (22) were prolific ball-winners for the Cats.
Geelong defied a lop-sided inside-50 count to lead by five points at half-time.
Tempers flared during the third quarter as Collingwood dialled up the intensity, with Oliver Henry's chase-down tackle on Selwood lighting the fuse.
Henry converted his free kick and confident youngster Jack Ginnivan shoved Cats skipper Selwood, to the annoyance of Tom Atkins, who dragged Ginnivan to ground.
A melee ensued and Ginnivan was awarded a free kick before the ball had returned to the centre, adding another major to continue the Pies' onslaught.
Taylor Adams (30 disposals), Jamie Elliott (26), Jordan De Goey (20), Nick Daicos (26) and Steele Sidebottom (19) were everywhere in the third term as Collingwood took complete control.
Adams had 11 disposals and six clearances in the third quarter alone.
But Dangerfield, Selwood and Cameron helped turn the match on its head as the Cats surged home.
There was a sour note for Geelong when ruck-forward Esava Ratugolea was substituted out of the match after three quarters because of an ankle injury.
Brisbane destroys North Melbourne for 108-point win
Brisbane have mauled North Melbourne by 108-points at the Gabba to continue their perfect start to the AFL season.
Led by a career-best five-goal display from small forward Lincoln McCarthy, the Lions were relentless against the Kangaroos as they claimed a 23.18 (156) to 7.6 (48) victory.
Others to get amongst the goals in the rout included Zac Bailey and Joe Daniher (three each) while Charlie Cameron, Daniel McStay and Jarryd Lyons had two apiece for the hosts as 11 players booted majors.
It is not only the highest score kicked by the Lions under Chris Fagan but the winning margin eclipses a 91-point win over Gold Coast in round 21, 2019 as the biggest win of his tenure.
Nick Larkey, on the back of his six-goal haul in last weekend's win over West Coast, kicked two to be the only multiple goalkicker for the visitors.
Captain Dayne Zorko showed little sign of his troublesome calf issue as he picked up 28 disposals and 10 marks in an impressive display.
Hugh McCluggage (29 disposals, four tackles and four clearances) was also busy while key defenders Harris Andrews and Marcus Adams were dominant at the back.
Despite the heavy defeat, Kangaroo Jy Simpkin led the disposals count for the match with 31 touches to be the visitors' best.
Having been somewhat below their best in two hard-fought wins in the opening two rounds of 2022, the Lions came out of the blocks roaring.
Joe Daniher's shot on the run from outside 50 in the opening minutes began a seven-goal barrage in the opening term to have the hosts up by 30 at the first break.
Their tails up, Brisbane charged into a 55-point lead during the second term before three late goals before the break by North got them back.
As good as the Lions were in the opening term, a moment of ill-discipline by Jarrod Berry, who was reported for striking Nick Larkey with a swinging arm behind play, will have left coach Chris Fagan fuming.
Brisbane resumed their charge in the third quarter but despite several impressive marks by Cameron, the Lions' forward failed to kick a goal, scoring four behinds in the quarter.
A nine-goal final term by the Lions piled on the pain for North who have a 1-2 record heading to the SCG next weekend to face Sydney.
The Kangaroos also lost Ben McKay in the fourth quarter with a corked thigh after a heavy collision with Josh Walker meant he had to be subbed for Aiden Bonar.
Brisbane travel to Geelong to face the Cats in their next fixture.
Giants cruise to win over stuttering Suns
GWS have sealed their first win of the season with Stephen Coniglio reinforcing his return-to-form and Braydon Preuss impressing in the 26-point victory over Gold Coast at Giants Stadium.
The GWS midfield came out firing after criticism of their performance last week against Richmond with co-captain Coniglio and club debutant Preuss joined by Tom Green and Tim Taranto in setting the tone around stoppages.
The Giants won the clearances 54-35 as the Suns' prolific on-baller Touk Miller was restricted to only 17 possessions and Matt Rowell also had little influence on the match.
The resurgent Coniglio again looked to have rediscovered some of his best form as he collected 21 disposals in the first half, and finished with 32 touches and a game-high 10 clearances in a stirring display.
The injury-prone Preuss made his Giants debut after arriving at his third club late in 2020 and had an instant impact with 34 hitouts, 16 possessions and seven clearances while getting the better of Suns co-captain Jarrod Witts.
The inclusion of the 206cm Preuss and 204cm Lachlan Keeffe allowed emerging on-baller Green to leave the rucking to the bigger bodies so he could focus on winning the ball at ground level.
The 21-year-old continued his outstanding start to the season and ended with 28 disposals and six clearances while also drifting forward to be a regular target inside 50. Green kicked 2.2 including a smart right-foot snap in the third quarter when the game was still in the balance.
Tim Taranto (35 disposals, one goal) also stood out in the second half in particular while Harry Himmelberg (three goals) and Jesse Hogan (two goals) ensured the Giants midfield dominance was reflected on the scoreboard.
The Suns' co-captain Miller was unable to shake the close attention of Lachlan Ash as he dropped under 29 touches for the first time in the past 19 matches.
Mabior Chol and Levi Casboult (both three goals) kept the scoreboard respectable for the Suns while Jack Lukosius was missed in defence but set up several shots on goal with his neat kicking when playing in the front-half.
It was a happy homecoming for GWS who were playing their first match at Giants Stadium for 287 days after being forced to play away from Sydney due to COVID-19 last year.
The Giants' victory improved their record against the Suns at the venue to five wins from as many matches now by an average of 82 points.
GWS are due to travel to Perth to play Fremantle next weekend while Gold Coast will look to bounce back when they host Carlton at Carrara Stadium in round four.
Ladder
AAP
