The Geelong Cats have won a thriller by three points after a see-sawing affair at the MCG on Sunday ended with a missed shot by the Melbourne Demons in the last minute.
After a stunning match-winning mark, Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn missed a set shot 20 metres out in front of goal with 15 seconds left to hand the Cats their first win of the season 14.13.97 to 13.16.94.
The last five minutes was a debacle for both teams with unforced errors, free kicks and pressure playing a part for both teams as the Cats held on to finish the round likely just outside the top eight, while the Demons will wonder what went wrong in their new push for the top four.
In Joel Selwood’s 250th match, both he and Gary Ablett Jr gathered 39 disposals each while Daniel Menzel starred in the forward line with four goals.
Like all things old and new, Ablett turned back the clock in the blue and white hoops to register a dominating performance like he never left. Kicking his first goal in eight years for the Cats in the first quarter, the son of God nailed a running goal just inside 50 to lift Cats fans to their feet in his return.
Impressively, all debutants — Bayley Fritsch, Esava Ratugolea, Tim Kelly and Lachie Fogarty kicked goals for their respective sides.
The Cats had an ever spread of contributors after Selwood and Ablett, with half the side gathering 20 or more disposals. Brandan Parfitt was influential in the second half with two goals, while Tim Kelly had a debut to remember with 27 disposals, six Inside 50s, four clearances and a goal.
Gawn gave his midfield first-service all day with 47 hitouts and 20 disposals, while Clayton Oliver (29 disposals, 9 tackles), captain Nathan Jones (29 disposals), and Jess Hogan (3 goals) all starred.
The Demons dominated the play with 62-41 inside 50s, but failed to convert on many occasions.
The protected zone 50m was once again a telling point of the day, much to the frustration of players and fans, with as many as six 50m penalties paid in total, mostly for encroaching the mark.
With Harry Taylor out of the game form quarter time with a foot injury, the Cats played a man down on the bench for the majority of the bench, and will need to monitor minor injuries to Tom Stewart (unconfirmed), Cam Guthrie (groin), and Selwood (unconfirmed ankle/knee). Demons defender Bernie Vince played out the match after stitching to the webbing of his hand.
Melbourne will use a trip to the Gabba against Brisbane Lions on Saturday night to try and regain confidence after a shattering loss, one that will leave them wondering if things have changed since last year’s dismal campaign.
The Cats should hopefully welcome back Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield next week against Hawthorn on Easter Monday and could be boosted by the extra day off again at the MCG.
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