Geelong have fallen to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, going down by 47 points at GMHBA Stadium.

It was a tough night for the Cats who kicked five of their seven goals in the third quarter, as they fell 7.6 (48) to 13.17 (95).

CATS v BULLDOGS - Full match coverage and stats

Tom Stewart fought hard in tough conditions to lead the way for the Cats, picking up 26 disposals and seven clearances to go with five tackles and a goal.

Max Holmes (23 disposals & five clearances) was impactful throughout the night, while Mitch Duncan (22 disposals & eight marks) provided a spark off half back.

In a tightly contested first term, the Cats were unable to capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal as they trailed by 13 points at quarter time.

Mitch Duncan was heavily involved early, picking up 11 disposals and five intercept possessions in the opening term while going at 82% efficiency.

The Cats got on the board midway through the second quarter, when Tyson Stengle got on the end of a fast break and calmly converted Geelong’s first goal.

Ollie Henry booted his first of the night moments later, but the Cats still found themselves trailing by 19 points at the main break.

Shaun Mannagh looked right at home collecting 13 disposals and five clearances in the opening half, while Zach Guthrie was instrumental down back with a game high six intercept possessions to the half.

Needing a response after half time, Geelong’s midfield leaders stood tall with Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Stewart hitting the scoreboard in quick succession.

Brad Close, Ollie Dempsey and Jeremy Cameron chimed in later in the quarter, but the Cats were still 17 points adrift heading into the final term.

The Bulldogs pulled away in the last quarter booting five goals to none, closing out the 47 point win.

Geelong will look to bounce back next Saturday, when they head to Hobart for a clash with North Melbourne. 

Round 19

GEELONG CATS                0.2      2.3      7.4       7.6      (48)
WESTERN BULLDOGS      2.3     4.10    8.15    13.17    (95)

GOALS
Geelong Cats: Stengle, O. Henry, Dangerfield, Stewart, Close, Dempsey, Cameron 1
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 4, Treloar 3, Richards, Naughton 2, Darcy, Weightman 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong Cats: Stewart 26, Holmes 23, Duncan 22, Tuohy 20
Western Bulldogs: Treloar 31, Richards 28, Bontempelli 27, Liberatore, Dale 23

SUBSTITUTES 
Geelong Cats: Ted Clohesy (replaced Brandan Parfitt at three quarter time)
Western Bulldogs: Jack Macrae (replaced Ryley Sanders in the final quarter)

Crowd: 27,967 at GMHBA Stadium