Geelong coach Chris Scott said the Cats had plenty of improvement left in them after thumping the Western Bulldogs by 61 points on Saturday.

Scott's Cats continued their unbeaten start to the AFL season with their 10th win, crushing the Bulldogs 23.10 (148) to 13.9 (87).

Big Brad Ottens kicked five goals and third-gamer Nathan Vardy showed promise as a tall-forward option with one goal and 10 possessions including three marks.

The Cats had dropped ruckman/forward Tom Hawkins to the VFL and Scott couldn't have been happier with the efforts of 19-year-old Vardy.

Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel dominated midfield, as the Cats took control of the match with an eight-goal burst in the second quarter to lead by 50 points at halftime.

Daniel Giansiracusa kicked five goals from limited opportunities for the Bulldogs, while out-of-form defender Brian Lake went forward in the second half and finished with three goals.

It is the Bulldogs' sixth loss in their past seven games as they lose touch with the top eight.

Geelong won the possessions tally 384-306 and the inside-50s were 63 to 41.

"It's the most complete performance we've put together," Scott said.

"Our tall forwards have been questioned a little bit. We got a good return from them today.

"We took the ball forward a little bit quicker and mainly that was a result of our work around the ball.

"We were able to get in and win the contested ball and we tackled a little bit better than we have recently as well.

"It's good that we've still got things to improve on," Scott added, pointing to the tackle count which the Cats lost 72-69.

Tall forward Cameron Mooney was rested on Saturday with a knee injury, but the 31-year-old was expected to return to VFL ranks in a few weeks with the aim of being back in the AFL for the finals series.

Scott laughed off a radio interview in which Mooney said he faced a "make-or-break" period over the next month.

"He's a bit of a drama queen," Scott said.

"There's a chance that he may not come good. It may go wrong but we're anticipating that he'll be okay."

Vardy, who also had 15 hit-outs, was making excellent progress according to Scott, who compared him to St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt.

"I really rate him. He has got the attributes to play as a genuine forward and he's a very good young ruckman as well," Scott said.

"We all know they take time to develop, but he doesn't look out of place at all.

"I can see the similarities (with Riewoldt). He is an exceptional contested mark.

"For a second-year player to be doing those things at AFL level is really exciting because they do take time.

"Tom Hawkins is a good example. He's 22. That's young for a key forward.

"Nathan's really agile and he's a good runner as well.

"We're trying not get carried away, but it's hard."

Geelong host arch rivals Hawthorn next Saturday night at the MCG.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP