What. A. Game.
In a gallant performance from the Cats, the points needed to be split at Spotless Stadium as Saturday night’s first versus third blockbuster ended in a draw.
Cats Media identified three points of interest to follow throughout the game. Here’s how they played out:
Get your head in the game
The “will he” or “won’t he” was a firm “won’t he”, as Joel Selwood found himself a late withdrawal hours before the Cats ran out to face the Giants at Spotless Stadium.
In a statement released on Saturday night, Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said “Player wellbeing is always first priority and in this case, club medical staff have advised against Joel taking to the field tonight”.
19-year-old rookie Sam Simpson was brought into the side for his first game, having been elevated to the senior list late last week. The father-son selection was lively with 13 disposals and looks to have a promising future in the hoops.
Sam Simpson played well in his first senior debut. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Two Guthries are better than one
The inclusion of Zach Guthrie made an immediate impact for the Cats, in that brother Cameron was freed from his usual defensive position and thrown forward.
Though goalless, Cameron looked dangerous any time the ball went inside 50 and had 21 disposals, while Zach tallied 13 in his debut.
If Saturday night is anything to go by, and Zach continues to play, then seeing Cameron Guthrie used forward of centre is an intriguing yet exciting proposition.
Cameron Guthrie was sent forward against the Giants and looked lively. (Photo: AFL Photos)
It’s the match of the round
And it was!
Nothing could split the two teams after four quarters of football and though the Cats had a 20-point lead in the eighth minute of the final term, coming away with two points is so much better than the alternative for an undermanned side on the road.
The game really did have everything – a 45-disposal master class from Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, two goals on debut from Wylie Buzza and a shot after the siren to win the game from Tom Hawkins all coming together to paint a gruelling, dramatic picture in Sydney’s west.
Tom Hawkins had the game on his boot but pushed the shot wide after the siren. (Photo: AFL Photos)
