CATS CLAW OUT A WIN
INJURY- RAVAGED Geelong defied the odds to hang on for a courageous nine- point AFL win over Gold Coast at Simonds Stadium yesterday.
With key forward Tom Hawkins a late withdrawal due to family reasons and star midfielders Jimmy Bartel ( knee) and Mathew Stokes ( leg) gone before half- time, an upset looked on the cards when the Suns led by 12 points at the long break.
But the Cats refused to wilt, kicking six straight goals in the third term to break the game wide open, although they did suffer another big blow when fullback Tom Lonergan was heavily concussed after being accidentally kneed in the head by Sam Day in a marking contest. It left Geelong down to just one fit player on the bench for the entire last quarter.
Twice the Suns got within three points, but the Cats were able to answer every challenge, finally sealing the result in the final minute with a long bomb from Mark Blicavs. The 16.9 ( 105) to 13.18 ( 96) victory saw Geelong snap a run of four straight losses dating back to the last round of the 2014 home and away season.
The Suns are still searching for THE Suns are confident captain Gary Ablett will see out his career on the Gold Coast – but don’t expect an announcement in the next few days.
That is the word from the Suns, who are desperate to lock in the 30year- old but not willing to push the two- time Brownlow medallist.
Ablett ( pictured) is uncontracted beyond the end of this season and has maintained since before Christmas he will not be rushed on his next contract decision, which is expected to carry their first win under new coach Rodney Eade.
Fringe forward Josh Walker made the most of his late call- up as Hawkins’ replacement, booting a careerhigh four goals for Geelong. Skipper Joel Selwood was bested by opponent Michael Rischitelli in the first half, but fought back admirably to be among the home team’s best players along with James Kelly and impressive youngster Cory Gregson.
Gold Coast were well served by key forward Tom Lynch ( three goals), Rischitelli, Harley Bennell him through to the end of his illustrious career.
“Indications from Gary and his management all the way along have been that he intends to stay,” a club spokesman said.
“We hope to be in a position to confirm something sooner rather than later.”
AFL. com. au and TV networks have reported the 30- year- old has agreed in principle to a three- year deal worth about $ 3 million. and Jack Martin. First- year Sun Jarrod Garlett kicked a brilliant goal in the opening term, bursting off halfback and taking four bounces before kicking truly from long range.
But it was still a third straight loss for the Suns, who were playing without skipper Gary Ablett, out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.
Also yesterday, Luke Hodge led Hawthorn to a convincing 70- point win over an injury- depleted Western Bulldogs side in Launceston.
The Hawks’ skipper put in a masterful performance, with 44 posses- sions and two goals in the 19.13 ( 127) to 8.9 ( 57) win, with Jarryd Roughead booting seven goals. The Bulldogs suffered a heavy injury toll in their first loss of the season.
Matthew Boyd ( calf) and Marcus Bontempelli ( calf) dropped out of the side before the match, but then Luke Beveridge had to contend with the losses of Dale Morris ( pectoral) and Mitch Wallis ( back). Morris was subbed out, but the Dogs were one player down on the bench when Wallis couldn’t return after copping a heavy knock in the first term.
SUNS OPTIMISTIC ON ABLETT STAY