The VFL Cats and Bulldogs' top four battle lived up to the hype, finishing in a draw on a wet and cold afternoon at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.  

Tanner Bruhn (35 disposals & 10 clearances) made a sensational return from injury in a big performance, while Mitch Hardie (31 disposals & seven tackles) continued his terrific form with another stellar display. 

CATS v BULLDOGS - Full match coverage and stats

Jed Bews provided a spark off half back, collecting 26 disposals and nine intercept possessions while controlling the footy well in greasy conditions. 

Tanner Bruhn and Mitch Hardie ran amok in the opening term, collecting 26 disposals between them as Geelong jumped out to a 18 point lead at quarter time. 

It took just 30 seconds for the returning Bruhn to have an impact, slotting the opening goal of the game to get the Cats away to a fast start. 

Joe Furphy, Jhye Clark followed suit moments later and in the blink of an eye, Geelong opened up a three goal lead less than four minutes into the contest. 

The heavens opened in the second term and the game turned into an arm wrestle, with the Dogs clawing their way back into the game to level the scores at half time. 

Bruhn (19 disposals & five clearances) and Jhye Clark (11 disposals & one goal) were both strong in the opening half, while Jed Bews was composed down back collecting 14 disposals and six intercept possessions. 

With scoring hard to come by in the third quarter, Bews took the game on through the middle with a daring run, setting up a Rhys Stanley goal to give the Cats a one point lead at the last break. 

James Willis put together a huge final quarter booting two crucial goals, but Geelong could not find a final score late to put their noses in front. 

The VFL Cats will head to Arden Street next weekend for a clash with North Melbourne, as they look to cement their position in the top two with only three games remaning. 

VFL Round 17

GEELONG       4.3     5.4     6.7    8.9     (57)
FOOTSCRAY    1.3     5.4     6.6    8.9     (57)

GOALS: Willis 2, Bruhn, Furphy, Clark, O'Connor, Herbert, Stanley 1

DISPOSALS: Bruhn 35, Hardie 31, Bews 26, Stanley 18