Geelong has overcome giving the Western Bulldogs as six-goal head-start to pinch an incredible win at Metricon Stadium.
A mighty Patrick Dangerfield – 32 disposals, 10 score involvements, six clearances – performance led the Cats back into the game.
The Bulldogs on the other hand fell away, giving up 10 goals and kicking only three themselves after their first term dominance.
AFL Nation’s Garry Lyon praised the brilliant, mature Geelong side’s efforts after quarter time.
“What a win this is for Geelong. We saw a live ladder when they were trailing by three or four goals and it had them in fourth position and were back with the pack, now they’ll sit on top of the AFL ladder tonight,” Lyon said.
“This has been a superb performance. It really has. They played to the system that has held them in such good stead all year.
“It was challenged, they didn’t buckle, they stuck to it. It took all-but 43 seconds to secure the victory and they’ve got it in the end. It has been a brilliant performance.
“The Cats were irrepressible. It helps when you have Patrick Dangerfield under a red cape. He nearly is the best player in the competition.
“I’m happy to concede if you think it’s Dustin Martin, but Dangerfield has this will where he refuses to concede anything. His attack on the footy, if you’re not ready for it, it will overwhelm you with its ferocity.”
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Moment: A frantic final eight minutes
The Bulldogs’ first quarter was something to behold, kicking 6.3 to 0.3.
They had outright dominance, putting on an incredible display of ball movement, slicing Geelong’s defensive structure to bits.
From there, the Cats slowly worked their way into the game, kicking five goals to one in the following two quarters.
They got within three points with nine minutes left on the clock in the final term before the teams traded quick goals.
It took incredible diving efforts from Patrick Dangerfield and ex-Dog Luke Dahlhaus, but Geelong got the ball forward and ended in a Hawkins goal to take the lead with five minutes to play.
Gary Rohan kicked the sealer in the dying stages to give the Cats an 11-point win.
The Talking Point: The ruck battle
A fascinating ruck battle developed across the game, with the Bulldogs almost punting the position. One of Tim English or Josh Bruce would take the centre bounce work before pushing forward to stretch the Geelong backline.
From there, Josh Dunkley, as he did against the Demons, would take the ruck contests around the ground and even in defensive 50. Much to the annoyance of AFL Nation’s Garry Lyon, Geelong’s Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs did not make the most of their advantage, with the Cats winning the clearances, but not having any real stoppage advantage.
The only time Geelong looked dangerous ruck wise was whenever Dunkley found himself up against Tom Hawkins inside 50. On two occasions, Hawkins put the ball into dangerous space, resulting in scoring opportunities. The Cats won the hit-outs 50 to 13, but only won the clearances 36-28.
The Bulldogs take on West Coast next and it is hard to see them ceding the ruck to this extent up against Nic Naitanui.
The Medical Room: Dogs suffer double blow
Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter, a big blow for the side.
He wasn’t the only casualty, with young half forward Laitham Vandermeer also pulling his hamstring during the contest.
The Dogs have a bye in Round 15 which will help, but will be hoping the pair can still have an impact on this home and away season – especially since they’re still fighting for a spot in the finals.
FULL SCORE
Western Bulldogs: 6.3, 6.6, 7.7, 9.7. (61)
Geelong: 0.3, 3.6, 5.9, 10.12. (72)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, Dunkley, Bontempelli, Crozier, Hunter, Liberatore, McLean, Richards
Geelong: Rohan 2, Hawkins 2, Miers 2, Duncan, Dahlhaus, O’Connor, Stanley
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Hunter, Johannisen, Crozier, Daniel, Liberatore, Smith
Geelong: Dangerfield, Guthrie, Duncan, Stewart, Henderson, Kolodjashnij, Atkins
Reports: Nil
Injuries
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (hamstring), Wood (hamstring)
Geelong: Tuohy (ribs)