The West Coast Eagles will close the book on a rough 2022 campaign after suffering a hefty 85-point loss to minor premier Geelong in the round 23 season-finale at the Cattery.
Faced with a huge challenge to end the season, the understrength Eagles were soundly beaten by the red-hot premiership favourite in the 19.17 (131) to 7.4 (46) defeat.
After an arm-wrestle early, the Cats dominated the key facets of the game, asserting their authority in contested possessions (+26), clearances (+11) and most tellingly inside 50s (+35).
Playing his 200th game for the club, small forward Jamie Cripps led all comers for the Eagles with three dead-eye set shot goals and could hold his head high.
Veteran defender Shannon Hurn (32 disposals) rounded out a fine season in the face of a wave of inside 50s, while Liam Duggan impressed again in support and Tom Barrass battled hard against Cats powerhouse Tom Hawkins (four goals).
Returning to face his former side, Eagles star Tim Kelly pulled his weight in midfield and was the standout performer with 28 disposals and a goal, while Luke Shuey (20) never stopped trying.
In his 300th game, Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield was a constant threat with 22 touches, but you could throw a blanket over Geelong's even midfield contributors.
Small forward Tyson Stengle kicked four goals for the Cats as they notched their 18th win for the season.
West Coast finished the season with a 2-20 win-loss record - the worst in the club's proud history - after a year that went off the rails early due to a large number of significant injuries to key players and COVID's impact on the squad.
The Eagles finished the year in 17th spot, just ahead of wooden spoon 'winner' North Melbourne, on percentage.
GEELONG 6.4 12.7 15.12 19.17 (131)
WEST COAST 3.2 4.4 6.4 7.4 (46)
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Stengle 4, Guthrie 2, Rohan 2, Selwood 2, Close, Henry, Miers, Smith, Tuohy
West Coast: Cripps 3, Darling 2, Kelly, Ryan
BEST
Geelong: Smith, Ceglar, Dangerfield, Blicavs, Stengle, Stewart
West Coast: Kelly, Hurn, Duggan, Shuey, Cripps, Jones
INJURIES
Geelong: Kolodjashnij (concussion), Cam Guthrie (shoulder)
West Coast: Rioli (abdominal)
LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Sam Menegola (managed), replaced in selected side by Jonathon Ceglar
West Coast: Nil
MEDICAL SUBS
Geelong: Tom Atkins (replaced Jake Kolodjashnij)
West Coast: Greg Clark (replaced Junior Rioli)
