Geelong have celebrated another milestone with another win after hanging on to beat the Western Bulldogs by four points on Saturday night.
Five days after defeating Hawthorn in Tom Hawkins’ 350th game, the Cats again stood tall for Mark Blicavs in his 250th game.
The Cats led for much of the night but had to hold on late as the Dogs set up a grandstand finish in the thrilling final minutes.
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“It was a tough game from start to finish, we looked to fatigue late but we were able to hang on, and they are a great team and kicked goals late and made it interesting but a gutsy win by the boys,” Blicavs said after the match.
“I am fortunate to be part of Geelong, and I did not think I’d get to this stage when I got to the club and played my first game. I am enjoying the whole time at the moment.
“I love hanging out with my mates and playing footy. Pretty special.”
Gryan Miers was best afield as he used his brilliant kicking to set up numerous goals.
Speaking to Channel 7 after the match, Miers was full of praise for Blicavs.
“We always talk about at the club, he is possibly the most valuable player,” Miers said.
“If you are drafting a team, you can find 100 mids over the journey, but you can’t find a Mark Blicavs, that is what he has meant to our team.
“He probably does not smash the stat sheet but he smashes into packs and wins clearances in the midfield so that is what he does and he is a fantastic person and so well deserved.”
Tyson Stengle booted four goals, while Jeremy Cameron, Oliver Henry and Jack Bowes booted two apiece.
The Cats are now 4-0 for the first time in seven years and look primed to make finals.
Key forward Jeremy Cameron was outstanding for Geelong, kicking two goals and also working hard up the ground.
Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore was unbelievable 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.
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.
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 Bailey 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.
– with AAP