Top of the ladder Geelong has compounded Essendon’s woes with a 32-point win at the MCG that was only soured by Gary Ablett’s report for striking.

The Cats midfield was too strong for the Bombers on Sunday afternoon, strangling John Worsfeld’s team after half-time to win 13.8 (86) to 7.12 (54).

Ablett was reported in the closing minutes of the first quarter for striking Bomber Dylan Shiel, although replays showed his raised elbow struck only a glancing blow high.

Geelong’s Mitch Duncan said after the siren that the Cats were enjoying good form.

“They’ve got them up to a good standard at the moment,” he told Channel Seven.

“We’re building and it is only early in the season, but we’re playing OK, but there’s a long way to go.”

Earlier, North Melbourne flogged Carlton by 58 points at Marvel Stadium.

The Blues were beaten in every facet of Sunday’s bottom-four clash at Marvel Stadium, managing just one goal to halftime in an 18.12 (120) to 8.14 (62).

-with AAP