Geelong's act of 'absolute class' after unthinkable 47-year first in AFL

Geelong have won widespread praise around the AFL for a classy act of post-match sportsmanship, despite falling to an unthinkable 47-year first. The reigning premiers were thumped by 19 points at the hands of the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday, sending them to 0-3 on the season.

It marks the first time 1976 that a team has started a season 0-3 after winning the flag the year before. The previous team to achieve the unwanted feat was North Melbourne, who won the VFL premiership in 1975 before going winless in the first three rounds the following year.

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But despite the brutal slice of unwanted history, new captain Patrick Dangerfield and his Geelong teammates showed their class with a post-match mark of respect for David Swallow. The Gold Coast veteran celebrated his 200th AFL game in style and was given a guard of honour after the game.

Dangerfield made sure the Cats stayed on the field to show their respect to Swallow, with the captain shaking his rival's hand before he made his way off the ground. Dermott Brereton said on Fox Sports: “How good is this by the Geelong footy club?

“Dropping a game that they didn’t expect to drop and having the respect for a fellow who’s given everything to the game, his club and they stand out there in respect for David Swallow. Take a big bow, Geelong Football Club. That is absolute class.” Co-commentator Anthony Hudson added: “It’s just so respectful.”

Swallow had 15 touches, seven tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s to set the tone for the Suns' upset victory. Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew said of his veteran player: "He's just a giver, always has been for this footy club.

"A couple of times he's had decisions for his career (to move clubs) and I'm sure he's understood what staying meant and the flow-on that had on others. He's been through adversity and his best is still to come.

"Always selfless and no ego ... No.1 draft pick, new club. His ego surely could've been out of control. If you've got a problem you go to Dave and he'll do his best to solve it."

Geelong not panicking despite historically bad start

Fremantle's win later on Sunday meant Geelong are the only winless team after three rounds. The last time the Cats lost three consecutive games at any stage of a season was back in 2017.

However the 1976 North Melbourne side managed to recover to make the final, then won the flag again the next year. Geelong won 16 games in a row on their way to winning the premiership in 2022, and coach Chris Scott is staying calm despite losses to Collingwood, Carlton and the Suns.

"It depends, when you toss three heads, if you think a tails must be next," he said of their predicament. "We'd prefer to look at it in terms of making sure we get the next bit right.

"We could spend a whole lot of time thinking about what it means and referring back to last year, which I get why people do, but it would be a mistake for us to do it. I won't be defensive if anyone says it's not the ideal start to the season."

Fans and commentators were left gobsmacked over Geelong's 0-3 start. Many have pointed out the gaping hole left by retired former captain Joel Selwood.

with AAP

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