Cats swooped by Collingwood

Tom Hawkins and his Geelong teammates have plenty to think about after a devastating 22 point loss against Collingwood at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.It was the Cats’ first match since arriving at its Western Australia hub.Magpies forward Jordan De Goey led the way with five goals, and delivered the last three Pies goals to close out the game.Hawkins, a former Finley junior, did his best to contribute with key disposals and tackles throughout the game.However, it wasn’t enough to aid a comeback for his Cats, who saw themselves in the losing column for the entirety of the game.The Cats did not have much luck in the first quarter with De Goey finding his footing early, putting the Pies on the scoreboard with a sharp goal from inside the 50.After losing skipper Joel Selwood to a hamstring injury with less than five minutes to go to in the opening quarter, Hawkins did his best to keep his side within striking distance.He took a clean catch off a throw-in, faking a shot and turning for a kick to teammate Jordan Clark who took a comfortable mark and finished with a goal shortly after.The Pies led 2.2 (14) to 1.1 (7) at the first break.Collingwood flew further ahead in the second quarter thanks to some individual brilliance from De Goey, taking a commanding half time lead 4.3 (27) to 1.3 (9).Previous matches for the Cats have shown a pattern of resilient third quarters, and Thursday’s game at Optus Stadium was no different.The Cats came out of the gate with intent to claw their way back, with Hawkins laying a key tackle that led to a Zach Tuohy goal early in the third.However, the Pies had an answer for the Cats’ attack and took a 14 point lead heading into the final change.Hawkins’ second goal assist for the game came astutely in the fourth after the veteran showed his experience, opening to find Gary Rohan who converted his well taken mark.Unfortunately there was too much De Goey brilliance as the game drew to an end, with the Pies full-forward putting the game to bed with three straight goals to lead his side to a 8.9 (57) to 5.5 (35) win.The Cats will stay in Perth where they face the Fremantle Dockers on Monday, July 27.