First quarter
Key Plays
The Western Bulldogs kicked the first goal of the day with Liam Jones taking a towering mark in the forward line after he was on the receiving end of a Jake Stringer kick.
They continued to show fight when Jason Tutt made his first impact on the game with a mark in the forward half, but was unable to kick truly from the tighter angle.
Geelong responded with two consecutive behinds but were held goaless until the 16 minute mark with Captain Joel Selwood finding goals.
Luke Dahlhaus added his name to the score card in statement fashion, taking a chance kicking a ground ball - but the risk paid off to register a major.
The Cats found a second goal for the term through Steven Motlop which saw them gain momentum of the game, creating a second scoring shot form the next centre clearance - although it was not to be resulting in a behind.
The intensity continued to build throughout the term, with both sides eager to head into the first change in the lead.
Harry Taylor extended Geelong’s buffer to ten points but it didn’t last long as Liam Jones added a second goal for the Bulldogs seconds later.
James Podsiadly and Billie Smedts kicked the final two goals for the term which saw the Cats take a 16 point lead into the break.
Player of the quarter
Liam Jones began the game in fine form with four contested marks and two goals in the first quarter. Sticking every mark that came his way, the 22-year-old was brimming with confidence. On track to replicate a career high four goals for the second time this season, the young Bulldog now finds himself tied with Luke Dahlhaus as the Club’s leading goal kicker this season.
Statistical snapshot
- Jason Johannisen was the Bulldogs leading ball winner in the first quarter with 10 disposals, as well as two clearances and two inside 50s
- Jones took four marks - all contested - while Liam Picken started the game stronly taking a game high five marks
- The Bulldogs finished the quarter with four more clearances, nine extra hitouts and 11 more contested possessions - although Geelong had seven extra inside 50s
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 3. 1. (19) trailing Geelong Cats 5. 5. (35)
Second quarter
Key Plays
Geelong opened the scoring in the second term and were able to create a number of opportunities early, rebounding quickly to find space in their forward half.
The Bulldogs continued to keep the Cats’ forwards accountable, maintaining pressure and making them work for each possession.
Jake Stringer registered his first goal on senior AFL football with a kick from outside 50m, adding a fourth goal to the Bulldogs tally.
A courageous Liam Picken tapped the ball forward to the advantage of Jones who then kicked from long range to make it three goals for the day.
The Bulldogs capitalised on the momentum and continued to drill the ball into a highly congested forward line but were unable to add another major.
While Joel Selwood and James Kelly retaliated at the other end of the ground with two majors, Adam Cooney added his name to the scoreboard for the Bulldogs late in the quarter.
Player of the quarter
Jason Johannisen continued to step up in the second quarter, finding 14 disposals for the half, three inside 50s, two rebound 50s and two clearances. His run and carry has been beneficial playing on the half back flank and across the wing, exploiting his speed to move the ball out of Geelong’s forward line. The seven gamer has battled hard against a much more mature opposition and has not looked out of place.
Statistical snapshot
- Tom Liberatore again leads the Bulldogs clearance count with four to his name - matched by only Steve Johnson for the Cats
- While Geelong overtook the Bulldogs in total possessions (WB 186, GC 203), the Dogs are still winning the contested ball (73, 68), the clearances (18, 15) and the hitouts (22, 13)
- Dale Morris and Tom Young are dominating the Bulldogs for one percenters with six and four each respectively.
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 6. 3. (39) trailing Geelong Cats 10. 9. (69)
