GEELONG has passed its toughest test on the run home even as Jeremy Cameron's pursuit of a century hit a huge hurdle in a 43-point victory over Sydney at the SCG.

The Cats shook off a sluggish start after a charmed run of matches against sides near the bottom of the ladder, before downing the Swans to lock in a double chance with a 16.15 (111) to 10.8 (68) triumph on Sunday.

While Geelong fine-tuned for the pointy end of the season, Cameron's campaign to boot a century of goals hit a major stumbling block as the star spearhead was held goalless.

With Cameron unusually quiet, the Cats found other avenues to goal with emerging key forward Shannon Neale the first to step up as their focal point.

The 23-year-old helped to break the game open with a deadly right boot and four goals before the main break all coming from marks and challenging set shots.

The Cats were then able to turn to a spread of goalkickers with Tyson Stengle and Shaun Mannagh both booting three goals, while Jack Martin and Gryan Miers each finished with two.

Bailey Smith helped get the Cats going and the midfielder's tireless running was crucial to their ball movement with a game-high 30 disposals and 509m gained, while his side otherwise had an even spread of contributors.

The Swans made a scintillating start with the opening three goals of the game as their thrilling transitions sliced up the Cats through the midfield.

But the Cats soon got the game back on their own terms with calm and composed possession that gradually wore down the hosts.

Peter Ladhams grasped his opportunity to play first ruck in the absence of Brodie Grundy with 17 disposals and a game-high 10 clearances, as well as 35 hitouts.

The 204cm ruck-forward also reminded the Swans that he is more than capable near goal and finished with two majors to cap off a strong return to form.

Tom Papley was at his antagonising best while spending long periods playing through the midfield, although was back on familiar ground to boot two consolation goals.

Chad Warner and Errol Gulden (both 23 disposals) were also busy without having their usual impact, while Isaac Heeney was restricted by the close checking of Mark O'Connor. Heeney finished with only 15 disposals and an early goal.

But even after the Swans largely put the cue in the rack in the final term and the Cats eased away to a comfortable victory, there was little intent from the visitors to help Cameron add to his goal tally in the dying stages, and he will enter round 24 on 79 goals for the season.

SYDNEY  4.3   7.4  8.6  10.8 (68)
GEELONG   4.3   8.7   12.8  16.15 (111)

GOALS
Sydney: McLean 2, Ladhams 2, Papley 2, Heeney, Campbell, Buller, McCartin
Geelong: Neale 4, Stengle 3, Mannagh 3, Martin 2, Miers 2, Dangerfield, Dempsey

BEST
Sydney: Ladhams, Gulden, Papley, Warner, Mills
Geelong: Smith, Neale, Mannagh, Atkins, Holmes, Dempsey, Stengle, Stewart

INJURIES
Sydney: Nil
Geelong: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Sydney: Caiden Cleary (replaced Jesse Dattoli in the third quarter)
Geelong: Jack Bowes (replaced Jack Henry in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 37,656 at the SCG