Cats clinch nail-biter

Geelong 13.12 (90) def. Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89)

Geelong and Western Bulldogs have played out one of the games of the season with the Cats eventually prevailing, to win by one point today to reverse the result of earlier in the season.

In front of 39,417 people at the Telstra Dome today, the Bulldogs leveled the score twice in the final quarter but could not get their noses in front, and a Brad Ottens behind with just over a minute remaining proved to be the difference in the end.

The result is even worse for the Bulldogs as they now drop outside of the top four after Collingwood’s defeat of West Coast yesterday.

Former All Australian fullback, Matthew Scarlett was sensational as the loose man in defense today as he amassed a career high 34 touches to go with his 13 marks. Corey Enright and Joel Corey also played vital roles in the Cat’s midfield, as they managed 32 and 28 possessions respectively.

Stand in captain Brad Johnson was the best for the Bulldogs with five goals and 23 possessions as he tore apart his opponent Tom Harley. The ever-improving Daniel Cross was also sensational on the ball today as he racked up 30 touches.

Right from the outset the match was set to be a classic. Matthew McCarthy continued his great recent form to gain first blood as he goaled from close range after four minutes but former Lion, Travis Baird, slotted one home from long range in his Bulldogs debut at the nine-minute mark to bridge the margin back to one point.

The Bulldogs took the lead five minutes later when Johnson claimed his first of the day, and when Brian Harris ran down the field and kicked a rare goal, the margin was out to 11 points and the Bulldogs looked on their game.

However, recalled forward Steve Johnson put his first through just on time on to cancel out Harris’ goal, but when Lindsay Gilbee slammed one home right on quarter time, the margin was 11 points at the first change.

It took seven minutes for either team to kick a major in the second term, and it was young Baird who proved he is more than capable at AFL level as he kicked his second.

When his captain kicked the next two goals at the 13 and 15-minute mark of the quarter, the gap had stretched out to 23 points and the Bulldogs were running the Cats off their legs.

However, Geelong pulled the Dogs back with defender Jarad Rooke getting on the board after Adam Cooney fell into his back, and when Cameron Ling and James Kelly also goaled the Cats were right back in it.

Matthew Robbins steadied the tide at the 26 minute mark as he kicked his first, but a Paul Chapman goal after the half time siren, saw the Western Bulldogs lead by five points as both teams entered the sheds.

Chapman provided the spark after the main break, as he goaled after 40 seconds, and Ottens got on the board minutes later to see the Cats edge out to a seven-point advantage.

But once again, the Bulldogs came back, Jordan McMahon ran downfield and kicked a goal and when Johnson kicked his fourth, the Dogs had snatched back the lead.

Chapman hit back a minute later to take the lead back as both sides started missing key opportunities, with Farren Ray kicking three behinds in the quarter on his own.

Eventually, normality was restored with Matthew Egan drifting down to the forward line and kicking truly from a mark, but when Johnson kicked his fifth, the margin was all square at the last change.

Geelong again started the quarter well with Ottens goaling in the first minute and when Joel Corey kicked his first, the margin was out to 13 points.

However, the Bulldogs hit back with a second to Gilbee and Chris Grant’s first, seeing the margin go straight back to one point.

Geelong then had a chance to kick clear with Andrew Mackie missing a chance. The Bulldogs then had their goes at goal, with Johnson missing his chance at a sixth, and youngster Daniel McCormack missing due to striving for extra distance.

Ottens snapped a behind to take the lead at the 19-minute mark, but the Bulldogs took the ball the length of the field only for Gilbee to miss. Scores level.

Both teams exerted enormous energy as they striving for the important four points, but it was Ottens who was the eventual hero as his shot at goal faded to give Geelong a one point lead which would never be headed.

The Bulldogs face another important challenge next week as they face Melbourne in a match which could shape the top four, while Geelong will look for their fourth win in a row as they travel up to Canberra to take on the Kangaroos.

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