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NORTH Geelong scored the final 100 points of the game in a stunning second-half rout of fellow finals contender Werribee Centrals in Geelong District football on Saturday.
The Magpies asserted themselves as the major contender to Bell Post Hill for this year's premiership after ripping apart the injury-depleted Centurions in stunning circumstances at Keith Barclay Oval.
Werribee Centrals coach Luke Phipps declined to comment after the match, obviously disgusted by what his side had served up in what was a huge clash for the club.
After Werribee's Phil Jones had kicked the side's second goal in the third term to reduce the margin to 18 points, it appeared a contest was brewing.
But the Magpies then went on a 15.10 run, keeping the visitors scoreless for the rest of a memorable or forgettable afternoon, depending on what side of the fence you were on.
North Geelong coach Darren Ryan was ecstatic about his side's dominant display, in particular the way it capped off the showing with a ruthless and powerful final term.
"From our perspective it was really good. The boys took the game on and they were just fantastic," Ryan said.
"I think halfway through the second (quarter) we started taking control of the game. (We) started playing our football a lot better.
"I'm trying to educate the boys that (if) you get an opportunity to kill a side, you've just got to take it. We haven't had that and today we found it."
The commanding victory highlighted the growing gap between the top two sides and the rest of the competition.
With the likes of Braydee Watts, Blake Miller, Aaron Jervies, Trent Grant and Andrew Ferguson all potential inclusions in coming weeks, the pressure on the fringe players to perform is at a premium.
One player to boost his chances was Darcy Eales, stepping up in an important match, along with fellow youngster Blake Podnar the pair among the best on ground.
Eales played his best game for the year, using his blistering pace to full advantage. The 19-year-old broke the lines and kicked three thrilling goals as the Magpies unearthed another young talent.
"Darcy's been working really hard the last couple of weeks. His second half with his speed and endurance was really good," Ryan said.
North Geelong continues to produce an array of forward options capable of kicking multiple goals.
Podnar added himself to the long list of goal kickers with his six majors in the victory. Luke Van Krieken was again impressive with four while Sam Clark and recruit Toby Biggs looked dangerous all day and provided a strong contest.
