The small-forward kicked three majors in the second quarter alone as the Roosters banged through nine in the term to turn a 26-point quarter time deficit into an eight-point half time lead.
The number 12 also finished with 16 disposals, indicating his ability to find the ball away from the goals. His partnership with Matt Campbell (11 disposals), so often a feature for North Melbourne, was critical to the turnaround.
Tom Curran provided a strong focal point with six marks, second highest among all players on the day. He also had 12 possessions and five one-percenters to continue his promising development.
Ben Mabon's work in the ruck (11 disposals, 22 hit-outs) saw North Ballarat was able to slightly edge Geelong in the clearances. Gavin Urquhart collected four clearances of his own from 17 touches.
Youngster Brad McKenzie collected 16 disposals and had six handball receives, illustration of the Roosters’ attempts to work a lot of their play through the first-year Kangaroo.
Cam Richardson was effective and had 12 handballs from his 17 touches as he worked as a link man in the Roosters’ midfield, while Max Warren was quiet with five possessions.
Geelong: 7.3.45, 10.6.66, 11.12.78, 13.16.94
North Ballarat: 3.1.19, 12.2.74, 15.5.95, 18.10.118
Bests
Geelong: Sheringham, Hollmer, Menzel, Simpson, Tutungi, Corrigan
North Ballarat: Thomas, Sewell, Couch, George, Searl, Driscoll
Goalkickers
Geelong: Kersten (4), Brown (2), Menzel (2), Walker (2), Byrnes (1), Simpkin (1), Burbury (1)
North Ballarat: Thomas (6), Driscoll (3), George (2), Austin (2), Towers (1), McMahon (1), Mabon (1), Micallef (1), Campbell (1)
