Geelong stay unbeaten after an AFL Collect Spherical particular, beating the Western Bulldogs by 4 factors at Adelaide Oval.
The Bulldogs seemed the higher facet late, however the Cats held their nerve on Saturday evening to win the pulsating conflict 14.11 (95) to 14.7 (91).
Bailey Williams kicked the final purpose of the sport inside the ultimate two minutes to convey the Bulldogs inside a kick.
Geelong’s Brad Shut then was paid a free kick for prime contact on the wing within the final minute and the Cats retained possession to the ultimate siren.
They’re 4-0, whereas the Bulldogs are 2-2.
Key ahead Jeremy Cameron was excellent for Geelong, kicking two targets and likewise working laborious up the bottom.
Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore was finest afield with 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances, whereas captain Marcus Bontempelli additionally impressed and key defender Liam Jones blanketed Cats key ahead Tom Hawkins.
However Geelong had been extra polished for many of the recreation, with Tyson Stengle kicking 4 targets and Gryan Miers additionally stable.
Each time the Cats seemed able to kick clear within the first half, the Bulldogs responded to maintain it tight.
Geelong led by 9 factors on the predominant break and kicked two targets early within the third.
Mark Blicavs’ shot at purpose in his 250th recreation then appeared to undergo for a behind, however it was paid as mark to Stengle on video evaluation.
Stengle kicked his second purpose to place Geelong 22 factors up.
They took a game-high lead of 28 factors later within the third time period earlier than a booming captain’s purpose from Bontempelli stored the Bulldogs within the contest.
Rhylee West’s late purpose meant the margin was solely 16 factors on the final change and the stage was set for a pulsating final time period.
The Mexican wave – a rarity at AFL matches – went round Adelaide Oval early within the closing time period because the rowdy Adelaide Oval crowd relished the tight contest.
With the Bulldogs urgent, Cats defender Jack Henry was crunched in a marking contest when he put his physique on the road after which fellow backman Tom Stewart pulled off an excellent spoil.
Had Stewart not reduce off the cross, a purpose beckoned for the Bulldogs
After a purpose apiece, Adam Treloar discovered area and snapped fantastically to convey the Bulldogs to inside eight factors at 20 minutes.
Geelong’s Oliver Henry may have iced the sport along with his second purpose of the quarter, however missed the set shot.
With two minutes left, Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley missed his shot on purpose after a 50m penalty.
The Bulldogs rushed the ball down the opposite finish for a mark to Williams, who kicked the ultimate purpose of the sport.
Out-of-favour Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae began as their sub and he was introduced on late within the third time period.
