Geelong's five-goal burst late in the first half has shaken off West Coast and set up its 46-point win in Gather Round on Sunday.

Rebounding from a 128-point Sydney hammering last week, the Eagles bounced back but ultimately were outclassed by the Cats, who won 17.20 (122) to 11.10 (76) at Norwood Oval.

There were multiple lead changes in the first half as the Eagles had the first four scoring shots, but only managed one goal.

The Eagles were right in the contest until the Cats broke the game open late in the second quarter.

With eight minutes to go, Geelong led by one point, but a run of five consecutive goals before half-time set up its win.

A toe poke from Brad Close started the run and Mark O'Connor kicked two majors as the purple patch helped the Cats into a five-goal half-time lead.

The third stanza was a hard-fought affair with four goals apiece before the Cats cruised to their third victory for the season, leaving West Coast at 2-3. 

Young Eagles key forward Jobe Shanahan impressed again, kicking four goals, while Tom McCarthy had a team-high 28 disposals.

Bailey Williams had an impact in the ruck in his first game for the year, collecting 20 disposals, with seven clearances and 35 hit-outs. 

Young gun Reuben Ginbey had an engrossing battle with superstar forward Jeremy Cameron (three goals), while Liam Duggan (22 disposals) was tough in the contest and young guns Willem Duursma (20 disposals, one goal) and Harley Reid (22, one) had their moments.

Deven Robertson, who returned to the Eagles' side from suspension, limped off in the last quarter with a knee injury.

For the Cats, Mark O'Connor kicked three goals – the first multiple-goal game in his 151-game career, and the Irishman had the better of an entertaining duel with No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma.

Max Holmes had a polished game off half-back, racking up 34 disposals, while Tanner Bruhn and Tom Atkins were prolific in the midfield. 

Bailey Smith was in everything, amassing 16 inside 50s and had 34 disposals, with seven clearances and a goal.

The crowd of 9434 is a record for Gather Round games at the inner-suburban Parade venue.

GEELONG 4.5 10.8 14.13 17.20 (122)
WEST COAST 3.4 5.8 9.8 11.10 (76)
 
GOALS
Geelong: O'Connor 3, Cameron 3, Neale 2, Henry 2, Close 2, Worpel, Wiltshire, Smith, De Koning, Bowes
West Coast: Shanahan 4, Waterman, Schoenberg, H.Reid, Owies, Graham, Duursma, Baker
 
BEST
Geelong: Smith, Bruhn, Holmes, O'Connor, Worpel, Atkins
West Coast: Ginbey, Shanahan, Williams, Kelly, McCarthy, Duursma
 
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
West Coast: Robertson (knee)
 
Crowd: 9434 at Norwood Oval