Geelong have breathed life again into their AFL premiership defence with a hard-fought 22-point victory over the wrong Western Bulldogs.
Entering Saturday evening’s essential conflict on a three-game shedding streak, the Cats got here alive to increase their latest dominance to 17 wins from their final 19 video games towards the Bulldogs.
The lead modified seven instances earlier than Geelong edged away with five-straight objectives from late within the third quarter to halfway via the ultimate time period.
The Bulldogs blew quite a few probabilities on purpose to price themselves dearly as Geelong prevailed 15.7 (97) to 10.15 (75) and enhance their document to 6-6 forward of a bye.
Coming off a shock loss at residence to GWS and with a number of key gamers nonetheless on the sidelines, the Cats rallied to keep away from shedding a fourth-straight match for the primary time since 2006.
“I do have a degree of confidence that while there’s a bit of talk about what the future might hold, whether we win or lose (this year), we’re just not in that mindset,” Cats coach Chris Scott mentioned.
“In a way it’s easier when you do have that optimism that if we get back to our best, you don’t have to look too far back to see what that looks like and see how dangerous we can be.”
Star forwards Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron have been necessary with two objectives every, nevertheless it was a few of their lesser likes that proved the catalyst for the win.
Mitch Knevitt, in simply his ninth sport, bombed an extended purpose on the halftime siren to cut back the Bulldogs’ margin to only two factors in an enormous enhance for the Cats.
Enigmatic ahead Gary Rohan stepped up in his first sport for 5 weeks with two majors, together with the sealer, and in addition laid some essential stress tackles.
Vice-captain Tom Stewart kicked simply the fourth purpose of his 137-game profession a minute into the ultimate quarter to spark Geelong.
The Bulldogs’ second-straight defeat was soured additional by shedding speedy defender Ed Richards to a hamstring damage.
Star Dogs captain Marcus Bontempelli and fellow midfielder Adam Treloar additionally spent loads of day without work the sector and each returned with heavy strapping on their legs.
The Bulldogs did not kick a purpose within the ultimate time period, ending with simply 2.7 within the second half.
Luke Beveridge’s staff have simply six days to relaxation earlier than internet hosting surging Port Adelaide, who’re on a membership document nine-game win streak, at Marvel Stadium on Friday evening.
“There were some telling opportunities to convert that we didn’t take, and that was a bit deflating,” Beveridge mentioned.
“You can’t keep Geelong at bay for too long if you’re making the most of those opportunities, so it was a big part of it, but ultimately we got beaten by a good side.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
