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The pre-match build-up took a bizarre turn when Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge appeared to stop as he left the ground and have words with commentator Kane Cornes.
It was shortly before the game and Beveridge was on his way to the coaches’ box. Cornes was on the ground as part of Channel Seven’s pre-game show.
Beveridge walked past Cornes, but then stopped and turned around before saying a few words. They could not have been friendly judging by Cornes’ reaction.
Cornes later told Seven: “There was a confrontation, there were some words spoken.
“But he’s combative, and they do like to protect their club and their players. I don’t have an issue with it, it’s a big game of footy.
“Clearly the relationship between myself and the Western Bulldogs isn’t a strong one.”
Let’s not forget that the Bulldogs are one of the clubs that have banned the outspoken Cornes from their rooms.
Cornes said it was an awkward situation because Beveridge was “staring at me quite strongly”.
“I didnt really know what to say, so I just said, ‘G’day, Bevo’ and it wasn’t received that well as you can see in the vision.
“I would have liked to go on with the conversation and have it respectfully, but it wasn’t the time or the place.”
Ed Richards has nailed the opening goal of the final term – his second of the night – to close the gap to four points. That’s three in succession for the Bulldogs, and they are coming home with a wet sail.
The Bulldogs hope to capitalise on their late charge by making a tactical sub – Lachy Bramble has been activated for Luke Cleary.
Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards are causing the Geelong midfielders all sorts of headaches. At this rate, they will be having the last laugh over Bailey Smith.
The Bulldogs have had 13 of the past 15 inside-50 entries. They have also hit the post five times for the night.
Cats 16.5 (101) lead the Bulldogs 14.14 (98) with 17 minutes remaining
I’m not sure the “first team to 100 points” rule will hold up here as the Bulldogs kicked the final two goals inside the final minute of the third quarter to drag the margin back to 10 points at the final break.
The Bulldogs kicked seven goals to five in an exhilarating quarter of football. Geelong stopped to a walk late as the Bulldogs began to win at stoppage and create opportunities. They have the momentum but can they steamroll the Cats?
A huge final quarter coming up but with Ed Richards and Tom Liberatore into the game it will take a good effort from Geelong to hang on.
Tim English the victim of poor umpiring there. Rhys Stanley tried to kick the ball and was inexplicably given a free kick for holding the man. As he kicked the ball forward, Tom Stewart ran into English and then fell to the ground and a free kick was paid downfield. Jeremy Cameron kicked the goal. Pathetic umpiring.
The Bulldogs have closed the margin to 10 points at the final break.
After Jeremy Cameron was awarded a downfield free kick and stretched Geelong’s lead to 22 points, the Bulldogs kicked two red-time goals.
With two minutes remaining on the clock, Joel Freijah bobbed up to boot a major and then with seconds left in the third term, Laitham Vandermeer soccered through another.
This is game on, no doubt about it.
3QT: Cats 16.5 (101) lead the Bulldogs 13.13 (91)
The Dogs’ fans must be livid. If not with the umpire, then with their ruckman Tim English.
English laid a late bump on Cats defender Tom Stewart as he unloaded the ball in the middle of the ground and the umpire awarded a downfield free-kick.
As a result, Jeremy Cameron had an easy shot from 40m and booted his sixth of the night.
Western Bulldog Buku Khamis is dangerous, but he was poor then in converting a chance to kick a goal after marking on the line between the goal and point post. Instead of starting the snap from midway between the point and goal post and making the most of the protected area, he went too far back, making the snap so much more difficult. He then missed on the inside of the post, as expected when setting up as he did.
To date, Geelong have had the answers, but if the Bulldogs keep chipping away, they are still in this match.
Max Holmes’ running goal gave the Cats a 30-point lead midway through the third term, and they seemed to be in control of the game.
But, as has happened several times before in this match, the Bulldogs have rallied.
They have kicked back-to-back goals within five minutes through recruit Matthew Kennedy, and they are now within 16 points.
The Bulldogs have also missed two shots on goal, which continues their poor kicking in front of the big sticks.
Cats 15.5 (95) lead the Bulldogs 11.13 (79) with two minutes until three-quarter time
Max Holmes celebrates his goal with Gryan Miers.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
That three-bounce, running goal from Max Holmes was electrifying. He started at half-back and took off like a 200m runner rounding the bend and went for home.
A very happy Max Holmes after converting on the run.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
That was forward craft at its best.
Geelong’s Ollie Henry flew to take a strong overhead grab and then reeled around on his right foot with a long drop punt that was snatched out of the air by his fellow big forward Shannon Neale.
The new Tom Hawkins – Neale, that is – dobbed it from 30m.
Shannon Neale celebrates a major.Credit: Getty Images
To add salt to the Bulldogs’ wound, speedster Max Holmes flicked his turboboost and burned down the Geelong wing, taking three bounces before he cut through the 50m arc and booted a goal. They have answered the Bulldogs’ challenge.
The Cats accuracy has been amazing in this game. They trail the Bulldogs in scoring shots, but have a strong lead.
Cats 15.4 (94) lead the Bulldogs 9.10 (64) nine minutes until three-quarter time
