Cats survive to beat the Bulldogs by four points

Geelong remain unbeaten after an AFL Gather Round special, beating the Western Bulldogs by four points at Adelaide Oval.

The Bulldogs looked the better side late, but the Cats held their nerve on Saturday night to win the pulsating clash 14.11 (95) to 14.7 (91).

Bailey Williams kicked the last goal of the game inside the final two minutes to bring the Bulldogs within a kick.

Geelong’s Brad Close then was paid a free kick for high contact on the wing in the last minute and the Cats retained possession to the final siren.

They are 4-0, while the Bulldogs are 2-2.

Key forward Jeremy Cameron was outstanding for Geelong, kicking two goals and also working hard up the ground.

Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore was best afield with 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances, while captain Marcus Bontempelli also impressed and key defender Liam Jones blanketed Cats key forward Tom Hawkins.

But Geelong were more polished for most of the game, with Tyson Stengle kicking four goals and Gryan Miers also solid.

Every time the Cats looked ready to kick clear in the first half, the Bulldogs responded to keep it tight.

Geelong led by nine points at the main break and kicked two goals early in the third.

Mark Blicavs’ shot at goal in his 250th game then appeared to go through for a behind, but it was paid as mark to Stengle on video review.

Stengle kicked his second goal to put Geelong 22 points up.

They took a game-high lead of 28 points later in the third term before a booming captain’s goal from Bontempelli kept the Bulldogs in the contest.

Rhylee West’s late goal meant the margin was only 16 points at the last change and the stage was set for a pulsating last term.

The Mexican wave – a rarity at AFL matches – went around Adelaide Oval early in the final term as the rowdy Adelaide Oval crowd relished the tight contest.

With the Bulldogs pressing, Cats defender Jack Henry was crunched in a marking contest when he put his body on the line and then fellow backman Tom Stewart pulled off an outstanding spoil.

Had Stewart not cut off the pass, a goal beckoned for the Bulldogs

After a goal apiece, Adam Treloar found space and snapped superbly to bring the Bulldogs to within eight points at 20 minutes.

Geelong’s Oliver Henry could have iced the game with his second goal of the quarter, but missed the set shot.

With two minutes left, Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley missed his shot on goal after a 50m penalty.

The Bulldogs rushed the ball down the other end for a mark to Williams, who kicked the final goal of the game.

Out-of-favour Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae started as their sub and he was brought on late in the third term.