CATS STORM HOME

THE Western Bulldogs blew a chance to finally claim a scalp after Geelong fought back from a six-goal quartertime deficit to win by 11 points at Metricon Stadium on Friday night.

Luke Beveridge’s side had been criticised this year for not beating any of the top sides but it looked like doing so and reminding the football world that it too remained in the mix for the flag when it held the Cats goalless during a stunning opening term.

From there, Geelong came to life as Patrick Dangerfield (32 touches, six clearances) helped inspire the fightback.

The Cats lifted their defensive pressure, stymied the Bulldogs’ quick ball movement, kept them goalless in the second term and had cut the lead to 10 points by threequarter time.

Gary Rohan was immense when the game was on the line, laying a huge chasedown tackle that won a free on Tim English and kicking two fourth-quarter goals.

His second sealed a massive victory that took Geelong to the top of the ladder, at least for now, and enhanced its flag credentials.

In a start few would have seen coming, the Bulldogs exploded out of the blocks, kicking four goals inside 13 minutes, then two more before quarter-time. While the Doggies’ skills were sublime early, Geelong could not hit a target. It was Geelong’s first goalless quarter since Round 12 last year against Richmond.

Dangerfield was prolific for the Cats, finishing as the leading possession winner on the ground and lifting when his team needed it.

He had been quiet early when the Bulldogs jumped out to a six-goal advantage, but had a huge second term to get Geelong back in it.