Geelong and Fremantle have squared off in a number of iconic matches in recent history, last year's edition was no exception in one of the competition's more underrated rivalries. 

The Cats headed west in round 22 of the 2024 season, facing the Dockers at Optus Stadium and needing a win to move back into the top four with two games remaining. 

It was also an important match for Fremantle, with a win potentially thrusting them back into the top four, but a loss leaving them on the brink of missing the top eight completely. 

The stakes were high and both teams were certainly aware, but it was Geelong who got away to a fast start kicking the opening four goals of the match. 

On their home deck the Dockers were not prepared to roll over, gaining ascendancy and booting five of the next six majors to level the scores midway through the second term. 

Gryan Miers submitted his goal of the year nomination and Shannon Neale struck back later in the quarter, as the Cats took a six point lead into the main break. 

An arm wrestle ensued after half time, Fremantle kicking three of the four goals in the third term to snatch a narrow lead into the final quarter.

Needing an inspiration in the last term, captain Patrick Dangerfield stood tall and struck the first blow with a huge contested mark before converting the set-shot. 

Caleb Serong slotted his third shortly after and the lead changed hands once more, before Shannon Neale poked through his second to put Geelong back in front. 

Holding a five point lead with 90 seconds on the clock, the Cats pounced on a stoppage in the middle of the ground, forcing the ball forward before Shaun Mannagh slammed the door shut with a brilliant finish on the run. 

The Cats closed out an important and brilliant 11 point win, inspired by a brilliant performance by Dangerfield who finished with 20 disposals and 11 clearances. 

Gryan Miers (23 dispsoals, one goal), Zach Guthrie (20 disposals, 11 intercept possessions) and Max Holmes (20 disposals, 677 metres gained) were all instrumental throughout the match to help Geelong secure the victory. 

2024 AFL Season - Round 22

FREMANTLE     2.1      5.4      8.7      9.8      (62)
GEELONG        4.2      6.4      7.9     10.13    (73)

GOALS
Fremantle: Serong 3, Amiss, Clark, Frederick, Jackson, Sturt, Young 1
Geelong: Mannagh, Neale 2, Cameron, Dangerfield, Dempsey, O.Henry, Miers, Stanley 1

DISPOSALS
Fremantle: Ryan 36, Sharp, Clark 28, Wagner 23
Geelong: Miers 23, Holmes, Guthrie, Dempsey, Dangerfield 20

Crowd: 50,600 at Optus Stadium