Geelong’s bid for a top-four finish received a significant boost with a hard-fought 10-point victory over Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday. The Cats overcame a strong challenge from the Dockers, winning 10.13 (73) to 9.8 (62).
Geelong started impressively, with three goals within the first five minutes. Jeremy Cameron, marking his milestone game, kicked the first goal from a tight angle after earning a free kick. Ollie Dempsey and Ollie Henry followed with goals from a creative soccer play and a holding-the-ball free kick, respectively. Rhys Stanley, who excelled in hitouts with 14 to Luke Jackson’s six in the opening quarter, added another goal, giving the Cats a commanding early lead.
Despite Geelong’s strong start, Fremantle clawed back, and by the end of the first quarter, the margin was reduced to 13 points. The Dockers continued to press in the second term, leveling the score at 33-all with three of the first four goals. A goal from Shannon Neale restored a slim advantage for the Cats, who held a one-goal lead at halftime.
In the first half, Geelong capitalized on their inside 50 entries, converting 10 of 19 opportunities into scores, while Fremantle managed only nine scoring shots from 29 entries. The Dockers increased their pressure in the third quarter, forcing Geelong to miss several chances. The Cats’ 1.5 for the term allowed Fremantle to take a four-point lead into the final quarter.
The final term was a tense battle, with the lead changing hands three times. Patrick Dangerfield, who dominated the final quarter with seven disposals and a game-high 11 clearances, played a crucial role. His team-lifting goal and strategic play were pivotal as Geelong responded to Fremantle’s challenges. Caleb Serong’s third goal briefly gave Fremantle the lead, but Shannon Neale’s second goal for Geelong and Shaun Mannagh’s composed final goal secured the win for the Cats.
Final Scores:
– Fremantle: 2.1, 5.4, 8.7, 9.8 (62)
– Geelong: 4.2, 6.4, 7.9, 10.13 (73)
Goals:
– Fremantle: Caleb Serong 3, Hayden Young, Sam Sturt, Luke Jackson, Michael Frederick, Jordan Clark, Jye Amiss
– Geelong: Shannon Neale 2, Shaun Mannagh 2, Jeremy Cameron, Ollie Dempsey, Ollie Henry, Rhys Stanley, Gryan Miers, Patrick Dangerfield
Best Players:
– Fremantle: Jordan Clark, Caleb Serong, Ryan, Young, Chapman, Sharp
– Geelong: Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Stewart, Holmes, Gryan Miers, Mark Blicavs, Ollie Dempsey
Injuries
– Fremantle: None
– Geelong: Tanner Bruhn (concussion)
Late Changes:
– Fremantle: Sean Darcy replaced by Matt Taberner
– Geelong: Gary Rohan replaced by Oisin Mullin
Substitutes:
– Fremantle: Karl Worner (replaced Matt Taberner in the fourth quarter)
– Geelong: Oisin Mullin (replaced Tanner Bruhn in the third quarter)
Crowd:
50,600 at Optus Stadium
