Close call for dozy Cats

A MASTERCLASS in 10 minutes and the fingers of Mark Blicavs were enough to save the day for Geelong in its match against Sydney yesterday, and claim a top-four spot.

Blicavs got both hands to a flying shot from Sydney’s James Rowbottom in the final seconds of the match, with the smother enough to claim a sixpoint win, 10.9 (69) to 9.9 (63).

The win was earned in a remarkable burst from Patrick Dangerfield, who had four shots at goal in 10 minutes either side of three quarter-time to wake Geelong from its slumber. Dangerfield finished with 3.2 – all in that well-timed series – as he broke open what was an error-riddled game.

It was enough for Geelong to secure the double chance but the bye-week will be a long one for the Cats, who looked lethargic for most of the afternoon at Metricon Stadium.

The Cats were given a rude shock to start the game, with the Swans slamming on three quick goals to start the contest.

At one point Sydney led disposals 32-16 and inside-50s 6-3. When Josh Kennedy put through the fourth goals for the Swans the lead had ballooned out to 19 points only halfway through the first term.

Sydney hadn’t so much have kicked four goals in a single opening term this year but a Tom Papley snap left the Swans with five on the board at the first break.

While his teammates struggled to match the heat from the Swans, Gary Ablett didn’t miss a beat in the opening term. After 66 days without a competitive match, he looked sharper than most of his teammates as he collected 16 disposals.