A fast finishing Geelong’s taken control in the final quarter of its Round 12 match against Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night to win by 22-points.
Despite concerns over the Cats’ midfield strength, they were too good for the Dogs, winning 10.15 (75) to 15.7 (97).
Coming off three losses in a row, including their disappointing defeat at home again GWS last week, the Cats defied suggestions they didn’t have a strong enough field against the Dogs going into the match, with several key players out, including captain Paddy Dangerfield.
The Bulldogs took an early lead but the first half of the game could have gone either way, with the first breaks seeing only two-points in the Dogs’ favour.
Half-way through the third term Geelong seemed to pick up a gear, while the Dogs began to stumble.
The final quarter saw the Cats take control, ably led by four-time All Australian defender Tom Stewart, who scored his fourth career goal, while the Bulldogs missed a lot of opportunities in front of goal.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said the game’s result gives him optimism, but he’s not being over-confident.
“I thought it was a high quality game and we didn’t feel like we had control of it for large periods, but our less-experienced players played with a kind of assertiveness and positivity that we were after.
“I do have a degree of confidence that while there’s a bit of talk about what the future might hold, whether we win or lose, but we’re just not in that mindset.
“We’re far from a position where we think we’re off and rolling now.”
Scott also said he’s optimistic Geelong can win when they take on Port Adelaide at home in two weeks’ time after the bye.
“What a challenge, but I think we can do it.
“As I said, we’re not over confident, but I think when you’ve got optimism.”
Adding to that confidence is the line-up of players expected to return for the Port match, including Dangerfield, Duncan and Holmes.
“But, after tonight I shouldn’t say that, because I can’t say who’s going to go out,” Scott said.
Image: Geelong defender Tom Stewart celebrates after kicking his fourth career goal. (Geelong Cats)