The Cats' VFL side celebrates a Josh Jenkins goal. Picture: AFL Photos

JOSH Jenkins handed Geelong’s selectors and supporters a stark reminder of his talent with a brilliant display as the Cats outlasted the Northern Bullants by 45 points at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

The veteran key forward turned back the clock to record nine marks, 23 disposals and kick 7.5 to see off the plucky Bullants in a contest where the underdogs stayed within arm’s reach for most of the night.

Geelong always looked to have the points in its keeping, but there were a few nervous moments as the Bullants helped produce the best contest under the Thursday night spotlight so far.

They kicked the first goal of the game through Baxter Knight and started each quarter full of running before eventually being worn down.

02:12

VFL Showreel, R4: Jenkins explodes with super seven

Josh Jenkins proved a class above the rest, notching a massive seven goals against the Northern Bullants

Josh Fraser’s men got within three points early in the second term, 14 in the third and looked a live chance when second-gamer Liam Podhajski kicked the first goal of the final quarter to put them within 18 points with momentum.

But Jenkins was having none of it, answering twice in quick succession and finishing with 3.3 for the term as Geelong kicked five of the last six goals to ensure the final margin was the biggest of the game.

The Cats enjoyed a 363-275 disposal advantage with the top six statgetters on the ground, took 111 marks to 75 and had 53 inside-50s to 37, with omitted mid-forward Jordan Clark in excellent touch with 29 disposals and eight tackles, while ruckman Darcy Fort controlled the air with 28 touches, eight marks, 25 hitouts and a goal.

Former AFL-listed Cat and Blues Darcy Lang gathered 27 possessions, while Nick Stevens had 23, Charlie Constable 22 and young forward Sam de Koning was impressive with 17 and two goals.

Experienced heads Glenn Strachan and Tom Wilson led the way for the Bullants with 22 each, while Matt King had 21 in a solid display.

The win ensures Geelong a spot in the top four after round four, with fellow unbeaten teams Williamstown and Frankston playing each other on Saturday.

Ladder leader Casey Demons’ clash with Sydney, which was scheduled for Sunday morning, has been postponed due to the NSW capital’s COVID-19 scare this week.

THURSDAY, MAY 6

Geelong 17.15 (117) def Northern Bullants 11.6 (72)