Third quarter
Key Plays
It was goal for goal early in the third term with Harry Taylor and Steven Motlop adding to their tally for the Cats, while second gamer Jake Stringer and Clay Smith found the big sticks at the other end of the ground.
The Bulldogs worked tirelessly to hold the ball within their forward 50 and despite multiple attempts, could only produce consecutive behinds.
Jackson Macrae made an immediate impression when substituted onto the field, showing his trademark sidestep and following up with a shot on goal, which ultimately drifted wide.
Geelong, however, capitalized on each of their opportunities kicking consecutive goals through Harry Taylor and Allen Christensen.
Clay Smith was determined in his pursuit for a second goal for the term after two failed attempts, shaking off a tackle and converting truly with three minutes remaining in the quarter.
The goals continued for the Bulldogs as they chipped away at the margin, with Jake Stringer running into the goal square to kick his third.
Player of the quarter
The Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd had much more of an impact in the third term, leading the Club’s disposal count with 24 and an impressive five tackles. Setting up a string of play which resulted in Jake Stringer’s goal, his influence around the centre clearances and around the ground was definitely felt.
Statistical snapshot
- Matthew Boyd and Tom Liberatore are tied on a game high 13 contested possessions for the game
- Jason Johannise, Luke Dahlhaus and Liberatore have been instrumental in moving the ball forward with four inside 50s each
- Jake Stringer has been influential around goals in his first full AFL game, with three majors off his own boot and a goal assist
Progressive scores
Western Bulldogs 10. 6. (66) trailing Geelong 15. 12. (102)
Fourth quarter
Key Plays
After a slow start to the quarter Adam Cooney kicked the first goal for the Bulldogs and then continued to influence the game, setting up a Liam Jones goal from the next centre bounce.
The Brownlow Medalist continued his run, propelling the ball forward from the next stoppage, which despite some resistance from the Cats resulted in a third Bulldogs goal through Jordan Roughead.
With the margin reduced to 19 points, the undefeated Geelong outfit began to fight back but the Bulldogs continued to rally.
The Cats continued to try to create a buffer but could only produce behinds, unable to kick a major in the final term.
The Bulldogs commitment and persistence could not be denied, despite falling to the Cats by 21 points.
Player of the quarter
The versatility of Jordan Roughead was clearly on show against Geelong with the 23-year-old rotating between full back, ruck and the forward line within the one game. Taking six marks, five one percenters and 14 disposals. His workrate was also top class for the afternoon.
Statistical snapshot
- Liam Picken found form with nine marks, 16 disposals, three one percenters and five rebound 50s.
- Jason Johannisen found a career high 24 disposals, while Boyd found the most possessions for the Bulldogs with 29
- The Bulldogs had four multiple goal scorers with Liam Jones kicking four and Jake Stringer with three, while Clay Smith and Adam Cooney both kicked two each in the second half
Final scores
Western Bulldogs 13. 8. (86) defeated by Geelong Cats 15. 17. (107)
