Opinion
Dockers give away three-quarter lead for fifth time this season
Paddy Sweeney
Nine Sports PresenterHigh stakes, premium pressure, where every contest counted.
The Dockers and Cats game had it in spades, so it was fitting a vintage performance from an ageing champion was the catalyst for Geelong’s thrilling victory.
With the game up for grabs, Patrick Dangerfield – at 34 years old – had arguably the greatest impact in deciding the result, one which would propel his side back into the top four.
Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield was superb against the Dockers, and is hungry for a second flag.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
While Fremantle dominated the possession count (397 - 307), it was the contested ball where Geelong and Dangerfield shone.
Despite the lopsided disposal count, the Cats won the crucial contested possession tally (126 - 114) and the clearance battle (35 - 32). Dangerfield dazzled in the last term, his brute force and power around the stoppage and contest stood out.
Of his seven final quarter touches, six were contested, ending the match with an equal game-high 14. He finished with a match-best 11 clearances, including three in the last.
There were two hulking pack marks, one which he calmly converted, while he should have booted another if not for a goal square brain fade.
Geelong’s pressure was another factor, winning the tackle count 58 - 36 as Justin Longmuir watched his side forgo a three-quarter time lead for the fifth time this year.
Pressure is something the Dockers must absorb in the next fortnight. They’re under the spotlight having slid from third to sixth on the ladder, desperately trying to hang on to a top eight spot.
A victory against either the third-placed GWS or second-placed Port should secure finals. But a match-winning performance from one of the game’s greats, now has Fremantle’s September dreams in danger.
Eagles record another comeback win
For the second time in as many weeks it was West Coast’s co-captain who produced a match winning moment, the Eagles coming from the clouds, erasing a 35-point deficit in the third quarter –stunning the Kangaroos.
As Liam Duggan did in the dying moments against Gold Coast, it was Oscar Allen’s turn to produce a moment to savour, his crumbing goal with 18 seconds remaining, clinching consecutive victories for just the second time in 2024.
Eagle Harley Reid tackles Kangaroo forward Cameron Zurhaar.Credit: Getty Images
Similar to Duggan, Allen has had his challenges this season. Knee surgery sidelined the 25-year-old for the better part of four months, restricting him to nine games so far.
And at half-time Allen was colder than a Tasmanian winter, with only four touches to his name.
But a third quarter burst sparked the revival, the key forward snagging three goals in 11 minutes, before again delivering at the death, his two majors in the game’s final three and a half minutes completing one of the more unlikely victories.
Allen would finish the match-winner, but his actions paint a far bigger picture.
History suggests interim coaches are rarely handed the job permanently. But should West Coast’s leaders orchestrate victory against an out of form and injury ravaged Carlton this week, Jarrad Schofield’s recent success may prove irresistible to overlook.