Fremantle Dockers lose to Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium despite three goals from Caleb Serong
An injury hit Fremantle have missed another opportunity to finish the season in the top four after losing to Geelong by 11 points at Optus Stadium.
The Dockers lost their fifth game this season when leading at three quarter time as the Cats won 10.13 (73) to 9.8 (62) to move into the top four.
Geelong kicked 3.4 to 1.1 in the final quarter as the ball lived in their forward half. The Cats had 18 inside 50s to Fremantle’s eight in the last term. Patrick Dangerfield had a huge final term and led the Cats to victory.
Caleb Serong kicked three goals and had 22 disposals but the Dockers struggled to make the most of their opportunities.
A Fremantle team that was already missing Alex Pearce (arm), Josh Treacy (knee) and Michael Walters (hamstring) suffered another blow when ruckman Sean Darcy withdrew from the team just 30 minutes before the bounce.
Matt Taberner came into the team to replace him and Patrick Voss became the back up ruckman.
The Cats also had a late withdrawal with Gary Rohan pulling out. Geelong ambushed Fremantle with four goals in the first 12 minutes and the Dockers’ heads were spinning.
But Fremantle eventually steadied, and while they still trailed by 13 points at quarter time, the Dockers had more disposals, inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions.
The second term became an arm wrestle with both teams having opportunities and neither able to break free.
Fremantle scored an early goal through Michael Frederick only to watch in horror as Gryan Miers responded with a freakish snap from the boundary line.
Hayden Young replied instantly with a centre clearance goal and then Sam Sturt levelled the scores midway through the quarter.
Camera IconHayden Young charges forward Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Fremantle couldn’t believe it when Shannon Neale was awarded a mark when the ball appeared to be touched by several sets of hands, and he put the Cats back in front.
Geelong had multiple chances to pull clear late but Ollie Dempsey missed an easy shot, then Jeremy Cameron got run down from behind by Brandon Walker.
Fremantle had a series of nearly moments late in the term but couldn’t seize their chance as the Cats went to the long break with a six-point lead.
The Dockers kicked the first two goals of the third term to take the lead before Geelong tied the scores and then missed a series of set shots.
Camera IconMichael Frederick Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The game was waiting for someone to seize an opportunity, and Patrick Voss made a statement. He won the ball on the ground, fended off Zach Guthrie, then broke out of the Cats’ defender’s tackle before passing to Jye Amiss just 25m from goal.
It was a massive moment and Amiss’ goal ensured Fremantle led by four points with one quarter to play.
Everyone knew the Dockers had been overrun last week. Everyone knew they’d be nervous about the final term. Could they make amends and get back in the top four or would Geelong step up in Jeremy Cameron’s 250th game? This was a day for the Cats.
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