West Coast have hung on grimly in the last quarter for a brave seven-point AFL win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
The Eagles defied their poor record in Melbourne and a horror run with injuries to beat the reigning premiers 12.15 (87) to 11.14 (80).
While the win keeps West Coast in the top eight, the Bulldogs’ season continues to teeter at 7-7 and they are now a game away from eighth spot.
Ruckman Nathan Vardy overcame a shoulder injury during the match to kick West Coast’s only goal of the final quarter, giving them vital breathing space after the Bulldogs closed to one point.
The Bulldogs kept pressing with five minutes left, but Eagles key position player Jeremy McGovern took a huge mark deep in defence and Vardy followed suit to ensure the win
West Coast led by as much as 30 points late in the third term, before the Bulldogs stormed back with the first four goals of the last quarter.
Eagles defender Tom Barrass took a strong mark at 24 minutes, but Bulldogs star Jake Stringer intercepted his pass and kicked a goal to make it a one-point game.
Nearly four minutes later, Vardy posted the last score of the match with his goal.
West Coast were without several stars on Saturday because of injury, including captain Shannon Hurn, Josh Kennedy, Matt Priddis and Mark Le Cras.
Sharrod Wellingham also suffered a hip injury during the match, while Vardy shone in the last quarter after earlier hurting his shoulder.
Eagles midfielder Andrew Gaff was best afield with a career-best 42 disposals and Dom Sheed (28 disposals) also impressed in his 50th game.
Forward Jack Darling and youngster Malcolm Karpany kicked three goals apiece.
Caleb Daniel, Bailey Dale and Lachie Hunter were best for the Bulldogs, who continue to struggle for the form that took them to last year’s historic premiership.
mattyb
Guest
Dogs skill level at the moment is terrible. I felt the score flattered them in the end. WC could be a contender this year,dogs are going to have to improve a great deal to go back to back.
Bungalow Bill
Guest
"putrid"? ((; thats a bit melodramatic-your bias is showing..more like dismal or underwhelming. it is what it is, which is 'last seasons' finals. even this season we have developed i believe since our mcg games. thats not to say we wont lose there again. i think people read too much into it. like footy teams themselves, their fortunes can turn on a dime and records can be broken. what team doesn't have an achilles heel at certain times in their history or season. i'm not getting drawn into your hijacked shoot-out between cats+eagles. okay, dogs may not currently be a top team, but they are not a 'bad' team to beat away-given we had several top players out. an away win is certainly better than a loss, last time i checked? but the dogs match didn't provide the same satisfaction as when the eagles ripped into the cats recently.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Fair enough.
I ate pies
Guest
Not really
Mattician6x6
Guest
As I've never made a bold proclamation as to west coast beyond still in with a chance I don't see what point you are making. I've never deviated from my opinions as you claim nor have I lowered myself to poking personal jibes at yourself. The fact you did not add anything beyond trying to pick holes in my opinion but not give any of your own I highly doubt that this was a debate just an exercise on your behalf to feel clever. Have a nice night.
Cat
Roar Guru
First you say there is no change, which clearly you have been proven wrong on, so then you straw man your case by saying its not 'compelling' enough. The 'replenishments' as you like to call them are no less 'compelling' than the list you provided. In every debate we've had across multiple thread, you always end up shifting the goalposts and straw manning your way away from the original debate. That's okay, your entire case for why you think Geelong is no chance is completely bereft of anything remotely compelling as is case for why the Eagles have an alleged better chance. The only one of us is playing the man instead of debating the points and that is you.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Wow that's a compelling list *sarcasm* What happened the year prior to acquisition of Dangerfield? Every successful team has had peaks and troughs and champions retiring. Just to clarify and articulate my opinion, Geelong are not in with a chance and I am comfortable with that. The passive aggressive I'm so clever replies aren't enlightening just for your future reference.
Cat
Roar Guru
Parsons, Parfitt, Stewart, Menegola, Bews but yeah nothing has changed /sarcasm. Don't think any club has had more champions retired/moved on than the Cats in recent years and were still in with a chance
Mattician6x6
Guest
Re read what I stated previously my point is articulated if its clarification you're seeking (which I gather is what you mean ) re read other previous points all information is there so you can construct a rebuttal.
Cat
Roar Guru
you named two players who have played two games of AFL footy so I am asking if that's all it takes to qualify as your 'replenishments'? I am just trying to get you to articulate what you mean by the term.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Your knowledge of west coast is underwhelming, if this is just you trying to turn my words on me cool your jets OK.
Cat
Roar Guru
So 1 game isn't replenishment but playin a whole two games this year is?
Mattician6x6
Guest
When I look at cats I don't see much difference from last season except Tuohy for enright and as a observer unless traded in I don't see much change in best 22.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Players continually in 22 with 50 games or less. Last night is not a replenishment by Geelong as I'm sure Scott would've gone with same old if injuries didn't force hand.
Cat
Roar Guru
Sheed has been on your list for 4 years, Barrass for 3 years Dugan for 3 years so what is your criteria for this 'replenishment'?
Mattician6x6
Guest
Players in eagles 22 with 50 games or less vs Geelong were nelson, Cole,Duggan, barras and sheed, all these players are 22 or younger add in vardy who has less than 40 games and karpany from the game against bullies I think that is replenishment.
Mattician6x6
Guest
That's your opinion on west coast of which I don't deny your right to have. I would say west coast is playing a better game style this year than last. I don't ascribe to your POV that Geelong's current ladder position reflects a greater chance of reaching the grand final and I would be seriously disappointed if Adam Simpson behaved like Chris Scott did after a draw. Geelong's final campaign was a close win over hawthorn then a capitulation against the swans and I don't see were a team that is reliant on ageing key positions and a elite group of five players with a then massive drop to the next tier are a threat in any way.
Cat
Roar Guru
List replenishment? One over the hill ruckman, the perennially injured ruck or the 34 year old one year midfielder?
Cat
Roar Guru
It is hypocrisy when the very reasons you use to put down Geelong are ignored when they very much apply to WCE. West Coast in 7th are 'in with a chance' but Geelong in 3rd are 'just making up the numbers'. Geelong is bad because they played two finals last year, won one and lost one, yet you completely ignore your own club rolling over at home in their only final. Geelong isn't any better this year than last you say but you ignore the fact that neither is WCE.
Mattician6x6
Guest
If you are intent is turning this into a put down the dastardly west coast fan it does little to validate your musings cat.