CATS FAIL WEST TEST
Cats fall flat as Eagles find form at home
SAM Mitchell and Joel Selwood engaged in a bitter titfor-tat as West Coast posted a morale-boosting 13-point win over Geelong in Perth last night.
Mitchell was reported in the first half for striking Selwood in the face, and the pair were involved in several other heated exchanges throughout West Coast’s 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70) win.
The Eagles booted seven goals to two in a dominant opening half to open up a 36point lead.
But the Cats closed the margin to just 12 points at the 20minute mark of the final quarter, before Andrew Gaff and Lewis Jetta kicked late goals to help end West Coast’s three-match losing run.
The Cats’ fightback was brave, given they were down to just two fit men on the bench in the final quarter.
Forward Nakia Cockatoo lasted just a few minutes before his game ended with a hamstring injury. And tagger Scott Selwood was also forced out of the game in the third quarter with his own hamstring injury.
Mitchell finished with 29 disposals in a masterful display, but the former Hawk will be sweating on how his high hit on Joel Selwood is assessed by the match review panel.
Former Swan Jetta also played a crucial role in the win, with his pin-point kicking setting up numerous goals.
Patrick Dangerfield led the way for Geelong with 34 disposals, while Rhys Stanley booted three goals.
The win lifts West Coast (7-5) back into the top eight, while Geelong (8-4) remains in third spot.
The Cats’ forward line was starved of opportunities in the opening half, with West Coast winning the inside-50m battle 30-17. But the tide turned early in the third quarter as Geelong started to win the contested possession battle.
However, the Cats left their run too late.