Geelong Cats defeated Western Bulldogs
15 - 17 - 107 13 - 8 - 86
2 Billie Smedts
Billie Smedts showed he is a better footballer than practical joker with an impressive 15 disposal game as a small forward. Smedts kicked a goal and thought he had added a second in the last quarter but his celebrations were cut short when the ball brushed the inside of the goal post. The young Cat’s 5 tackles and relentless defensive pressure was most impressive, particularly when the Bulldogs mounted a spirited challenge late in the match.
SC: 86
DT: 77
3 Jimmy Bartel
Jimmy Bartel was among the best on the ground, dominating the Bulldogs across half back. Bartel’s marking ability was important in an undersized Cats defence and his strength around the contest could not be overcome by the young Bulldogs. The 2007 Brownlow Medallist had 24 possessions with 100% disposal efficiency, launching Geelong’s attack through the centre corridor.
SC: 109
DT: 81
4 Andrew Mackie
Andrew Mackie was also effective in Geelong’s half back line with 24 possessions and 8 marks. Mackie’s ability to play on small and tall forwards allowed Harry Taylor to stay forward following the early departure of fellow defender Jared Rivers with a knee injury. Mackie was composed under pressure and, with 91.7% disposal efficiency, helped the Cats work the ball quickly out of defence to isolate the indomitable Taylor as a forward target.
SC: 98
DT: 93
7 Harry Taylor
Harry Taylor lined up at full forward for the opening bounce of the match, filling the void left by late withdrawal Tom Hawkins. The All-Australian centre-half back was unstoppable, taking 7 marks inside 50 and kicking 5 goals.
In a tactical move by Chris Scott, Taylor started the second half in defence but moved forward 2 minutes later and kicked 3 goals for the term.
SC: 138
DT: 108
9 James Kelly
James Kelly was a welcome inclusion for the Cats and looked refreshed after two weeks on the sidelines. Kelly’s strength exposed the inexperience of the Bulldog’s midfield, winning 10 contested possessions. Kelly had 27 disposals
for the match, including a classy snap goal in the second quarter.
SC: 94
DT: 97
11 Joel Corey
Joel Corey continues to impress in his new role in the Cats defence. The Geelong veteran was able to read the play and regularly intercept the Bulldog’s forward entries. Corey had 22 disposals, winning 10 of them in contested situations. He averages 10 contested possessions a game this season and he used his size to great effect against the immature bodies of the young Western Bulldogs.
SC: 67
DT: 72
12 Trent West
Trent West battled hard against experienced Bulldog ruckman Will Minson. West won 15 Hit outs and covered the ground well to accumulate 14 possessions. West was able to go forward at different stages which was important in the absence of Tom Hawkins.
SC: 59
DT: 67
13 Tom Lonergan
Tom Lonergan spent most of the game as Geelong’s only key position sized defender with Harry Taylor playing forward and the early injury to Jared Rivers. Lonergan took 6 marks for the match, including a couple of important pack marks in the the second half when the Western Bulldogs mounted a strong challenge. Lonergan also had 13 disposals with 100% efficiency in a strong 4 quarter performance.
SC: 68
DT: 51
14 Joel Selwood
Joel Selwood had an impact from the very start of the game, winning the first centre clearance and kicking Geelong’s first goal. The Cats skipper received close attention from the Bulldogs midfield, getting bumped and battered at every contest. Despite the Dogs efforts Selwood finished the game with 20 disposal and 2 goals.
SC: 87
DT: 84
19 Taylor Hunt
Taylor Hunt started the match wearing the green substitute vest but was on the ground in the first quarter, activated for the injured Jared Rivers. Hunt settled into the rhythm of the game quickly and accumulated 15 touches for the match. Hunt backed in his pace to break through the Bulldogs defence and put the Cats inside 50 on 4 occasions.
SC: 58
DT: 54
20 Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson was one of Geelong’s best in a typically mercurial performance. Johnson lead the Cats with 30 disposals, dominant through the midfield and at times a dangerous forward option, kicking a second quarter goal and setting up 2 more. Johnson was most impressive when the ball was in dispute, winning 10 contested possessions and laying 10 tackles, twice as many as the next best Cat.
SC: 160
DT: 141
22 Mitch Duncan
Mitch Duncan copped a knock to the knee in the first quarter which threatened to leave the Cats two men down before quarter time. Duncan was able to get back out on the ground, much to the relief of Geelong fans, and win 22 disposals in a fine midfield performance.
SC: 65
DT: 81
23 Josh Caddy
Josh Caddy was subbed on at 3 quarter time against the Swans and, despite being in Geelong’s starting line-up, again only managed to play 30 minutes of football. Caddy was impressive early, collecting 7 possessions, but received a knock to the head in an incident with Bulldog Brett Goodes early in the second term and took no further part in the match.
SC: 20
DT: 25
25 Jared Rivers
Jared Rivers’ night ended almost as soon as it had begun, subbed out of the game before quarter time. The former Demon came into the game with a heavily strapped knee which he injured further 16 minutes into the first quarter. Before a gap in play allowed Rivers to limp off the field he managed to give a handball in a link of possessions that resulted in the Cats’ first goal.
SC: 9
DT: 5
27 Mathew Stokes
Mathew Stokes has relished his new role in the midfield this season and continued his run of good form with a 24 possession game against the Bulldogs. Stokes impressed at the stoppages, winning 4 clearances, and worked equally hard to spread from the contest and take 6 uncontested marks.
SC: 87
DT: 86
28 Allen Christensen
Allen Christensen’s strength and agility in heavy traffic has cemented him a spot in the Geelong midfield and was on full display at Etihad Stadium. 11 out of Christenen’s 18 disposals were contested and his ability to get his hands free from a tackle and release the ball to a team mate was damaging against the Dogs. Christensen kicked one of two Geelong goals in the final 90 seconds of the third quarter which gave the Cats an unassailable lead.
SC: 71
DT: 64
29 Cameron Guthrie
Cameron Guthrie was a late call up to the Geelong senior side but put in a strong performance for his first AFL match of the season. Guthrie had 14 touches playing deep in defence and was strong overhead, often beating bigger opponents in marking contests. Guthrie was composed under pressure and was a solid contributor in the back half for the Cats.
SC: 58
DT: 51
31 James Podsiadly
James Podsiadly was without regular partner in crime Tom Hawkins who was a late withdrawal with a back injury. Harry Taylor was a more than adequate replacement for Hawkins, which allowed Podsiadly to play his usual role higher up the ground and collect 15 possessions. Podsiadly was too strong for young defender Jordan Roughhead, taking 6 marks and kicking a goal.
SC: 75
DT: 65
32 Steven Motlop
Motlop was again among Geelong’s best, continuing his strong start to the season. Motlop had 19 disposals and kicked a goal in each of the first three quarters. Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney sent experienced tagger Liam Picken to Motlop in the second half but was unable to curtail his influence despite the close attention.
SC: 98
DT: 98
33 George Horlin-Smith
Following his Rising Star nominated performance in Sydney last week, George Horlin-Smith had another strong game against the Western Bulldogs. In addition to his 21 possessions, Horlin-Smith led Geelong with 5 clearances.
SC: 84
DT: 81
44 Corey Enright
Corey Enright, seemingly incapable of playing a bad game, was again a solid contributor for the Cats. Enright was commanding in defence, not only taking care of his direct opponent, but supporting fellow defenders as the third man into a marking contest. Enright amassed 26 disposals across half-back and, with 80% disposal efficiency, enabled rapid transition from defence into attack.
SC: 88
DT: 91
46 Mark Blicavs
Mark Blicavs was outsized but not outmatched by the Bulldog’s monster ruckman “Big” Will Minson. Blicavs’ 4 disposals and 9 hit outs do not reflect his impact on the match. His work rate was second to none and his willingness to chase and tackle helped hold off the fast finishing Bulldogs.
SC: 27
DT: 22
