The Geelong Cats have defeated the West Coast Eagles by 20 points at the MCG on Friday night, to book a place in a preliminary final.
Geelong will now face the Richmond Tigers next Friday night for a spot in the deciding game of the year, the 2019 AFL Grand Final on Saturday, September 28.
It was Geelong who got off to a brilliant start in the Friday night semi-final at the MCG – after they’d had an opposite opening term from seven days prior – kicking five goals to the Eagles’ one.
The lead was extended to as much as 32 points early in the second term, before West Coast rallied, got numbers to the contest and started to put the game on their terms.
As the second half got underway, the match was evenly poised. West Coast hit the lead through the third term, while Geelong could not split the middle for a major.
The Eagles had a four-point lead to start the fourth term, but only registered one behind in the final quarter.
It was all Geelong, as the fourth-quarter specialists put four goals on the board to run out 20-point winners.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Cameron Guthrie was back and one of the best tonight with 33 disposals, eight clearances, five tackles and four score involvements.
Tom Hawkins kicked four goals, while Esava Ratugolea kicked three goals and crashed packs all night to stop the intercept marking dominance of Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn.
Tim Kelly had a huge first half and then seemingly switched roles with Patrick Dangerfield, who stepped up in the second half.
Geelong captain Joel Selwood battled all night. His 26-disposal game saw him hit the scoreboard with a goal, have eight score involvements and seven inside 50s, all while wearing his trademark bandage around his head – and a bit of claret.
West Coast had 10 players with nine disposals or less, their tall forward line had a quiet night – other than Jack Darling who kicked three – and after a brilliant second term, Liam Ryan finished quietly.
Nic Naitanui had 29 hit-outs and seven clearances, the most of any West Coast player.
Andrew Gaff was the only Eagle to reach 30 disposals, he also kicked two goals. Luke Shuey had 26 possessions and four clearances.
The only defender to really get in the game for the Eagles was captain Shannon Hurn, who had 23 disposals and took 14 marks.
Selwood was patched up several times during the game, his eye post-match barely open, bruised, with blood sliding down his cheek. Expect the captain to be fine for the preliminary final.
Mitch Duncan is still in a knee brace, very unlikely to play next week and a slim chance for the grand final, should the Cats make it.
Tom Hawkins will be sweating on the Match Review Officer’s decision regarding a swinging arm that floored Eagle Will Schofield.
You’d expect to see Geelong at the tribunal on Monday or Tuesday evening, challenging a suspension if one is handed out.
Next up, the Cats face the Tigers at the MCG on Friday night. West Coast will travel home, their 2019 season over.
Geelong 13.10.88
West Coast 10.8.68
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Okay. It must be another 'Peter the Scribe' in the Roar tipping comp then. Though you were told last year when you also said you didn't know it was an option.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I don’t go in tipping TTF. Didn’t know it was an option in the roar so never have entered tips
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Wow. What illustrious company you keep. It's certainly not reflected in your footy tipping, I've got both of you well and truly covered. Though I'm sure you'll have a good excuse for that.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Thanks mate, already worried about getting past Giants
EaglesMan
Roar Rookie
This nails it used too many petrol tickets and we were cooked by the 4th. Even if we did hold on for a grim win Richmond would have belted us
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
You will be back up there next year.
EaglesMan
Roar Rookie
We were cooked by the end mate, all the best to you guys and i have to agree we were way to inconsistent this year to win the flag. Lost the pies by 1 point and Ricmond by 6 points hurt us. We fought hard to the end but not good enough on the day.
EaglesMan
Roar Rookie
Arrogance what arrogance mate, we were not good enough this year. I would take 1 flag every 8 to 10 years anyday and BTW you still have to get past a white hot richmond good luck with that
EaglesMan
Roar Rookie
You were correct and it pains me to say it by IAP was correct we are way to inconsistent this year back to the drawing board Pete. All the best to you mate and the Pies to gone one better. Make the most of it because you never know when you next chance will be
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
He also said pies in straight sets !
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Talking of being always right, Anon. seems to have disappeared after he predicted Geelong’s inglorious demise.
Jack A
Guest
Do you mean double and treble GF’s on your home ground even when the opposing club finished higher? Those flags are tainted. The Lions 3-peat as an interstate club is the clear benchmark. WC 91, 92, 94 is the closest credible comparison.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Dusty will actually have someone playing on him next week for a change
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
That’s because I’m right in here more than anyone except maybe Doctor Disnick who is on a par. Even tipped the Hawks to win round 23.
Larry1950
Guest
Brisbane weren't as far off Richmond as the margin indicated. Some of their rookies will be better for the experience so GWS had better turn up ready. Can't see how Buckley 'deserves' a flag Gerry, he had his chance against the Lions twice as a player & came up short then they were lucky things fell their way last year and still lost a game which most teams would have iced much earlier.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Pretty sure he got expelled with a full on fight with billybob involving choice descriptions. If he is here, he has a new name.
Larry1950
Guest
Reminded me of the stats on tennis players in the grand slam five setters. Very few players down 2 sets to love who then get back on level terms win that fifth set. The mental effort to get back, followed by the relief, results in a subconscious relaxation even if it is imperceptible.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Can't say I had any love for figjam. I think he was a very lucky coach. Cleaned out players to get total obedience. Sent his team down the ladder year after year. Then suddenly came good. His friendship with Eddie, saved him. No deserving there.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Where is Matti 6x6 ? All is well hopefully.
Shane
Guest
Bucks deserves never to win a flag after abandoning Brisbane and trying to milk Malthouse's list for a flag.