A strong start from St Kilda wasn't enough as Geelong locked up a top-four spot with a 14-point win at GMHBA Stadium.

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The Saints had led 31-0 in the first quarter, but a collective seven goals from Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron helped the Cats to the 13.7 (85) to 11.5 (71) victory.

Patrick Dangerfield's contested mark on the goal-line resulted in a major that sealed the game with three minutes remaining.

St Kilda started the game superbly, following on from last week's win over Sydney with strong pressure across the ground and finding Max King in plenty of space.

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The young key forward had the better of his match-up with Jack Henry early, taking five marks and kicking 2.1 in the first term before heading down the race for treatment on his groin.

King showed great fortitude to play out the game, but a combination of less opportunity, closer attention from Mark Blicavs and the injury kept him quiet for the remainder of the game.

Geelong didn't hit the scoreboard until Rhys Stanley converted with less than two minutes remaining in the first, cutting the margin from 31 to 25.

Brad Crouch set the tone at the start of the second half, winning a holding-the-ball free close to goal, but the Cats hit the front for the first time courtesy of a Sam Simpson set shot with 10 minutes left in the third, having increased their impact around the contest.

00:38

RD22 | Crouch coming up big with two

Brad Crouch shows another his side to his game with two important goals in the third

Dan Hannebery had 18 touches and four clearances in his first game since last year's semi-final. 

Tom Hawkins' fourth-quarter tackle on Darragh Joyce resulted in the Saint subbed out of the game after hitting his head on the turf.

GEELONG    2.0    6.2    10.5    13.7    (85)
ST KILDA    5.1    7.2    10.3    11.5    (71)

GOALS
Geelong: Cameron 4, Hawkins 3, Stanley, Menegola, Close, Simpson, Smith, Dangerfield
St Kilda: Membrey 3, King 2, Crouch 2, Sharman 2, Jones, Higgins

BEST
Geelong: Dangerfield, Menegola, C. Guthrie, Cameron, Higgins
St Kilda: Steele, Crouch, Sinclair, Membrey, Howard, King

INJURIES
Geelong: Ratugolea (corked quad)
St Kilda: King (groin), Joyce (head knock)

SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Narkle (replaced Ratugolea)
St Kilda: Clavarino (replaced Joyce)

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