Cats Drown Bulldogs' Finals Hopes in a Waterlogged Spectacle

The Geelong Cats have ended the Western Bulldogs' AFLW finals aspirations with a gritty 11-point victory in a rain-soaked clash at Mars Stadium. The match, significantly impacted by heavy pre-game rainfall, saw both teams battling treacherous conditions, with large puddles making for a slippery and unpredictable contest. The Cats' early dominance proved crucial in securing the 6.1 (37) to 3.8 (26) win.

Key Takeaways

• Geelong secured an 11-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.
• The match was played in extremely wet conditions, significantly impacting play.
• The win keeps Geelong's slim finals hopes alive, while eliminating the Bulldogs.
• Geelong's strong start with three early goals was a key factor.

A Soggy Start Seals the Bulldogs' Fate

The Cats burst out of the blocks, kicking three goals in the opening four minutes, a lead that would ultimately prove insurmountable. Georgie Prespakis was instrumental in this early surge, dominating the midfield with 26 disposals and six clearances. Despite the challenging conditions, Geelong managed to extend their lead throughout the game, with goals from Amy McDonald, Becky Webster, and Kate Surman contributing to their scoreline. The Bulldogs struggled to find consistent rhythm in the wet, though they showed flashes of fight, particularly in the final term.

Battling the Elements

Mars Stadium resembled a "swimming pool" according to Geelong's Amy McDonald, with players frequently sliding and the ball often stopping dead in the waterlogged patches. This made clean possession and skillful play incredibly difficult. Even umpires were not immune, with one seen falling during the second term. Despite the adverse conditions, both teams battled hard, with players like the Bulldogs' Rylie Wilcox and Jess Fitzgerald showing determination. Fitzgerald's late goal brought the Dogs within a single score, but it wasn't enough.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Cats

While the Bulldogs' season is now over, the victory provides Geelong with a slender chance of making the finals. They will need a significant win in their final round match against Melbourne and rely on other results to fall their way. The match saw several players kick their first goals of the season, including Amy McDonald, Kate Surman, and Becky Webster for the Cats. For the Bulldogs, Emma McDonald, Jess Fitzgerald, and Rylie Wilcox were among the goal-kickers.

Match Details

Western Bulldogs: 1.2 (8) | 1.4 (10) | 2.4 (16) | 3.8 (26)
Geelong: 3.0 (18) | 4.1 (25) | 5.1 (31) | 6.1 (37)

Goals:

• Western Bulldogs: Wilcox, E. McDonald, Fitzgerald
• Geelong: Webster, Surman, Moloney, A. McDonald, Mason, Kenny

Best:

• Western Bulldogs: Bennetts, Wilcox, E. McDonald, Gavalas, Fitzgerald
• Geelong: Prespakis, A. McDonald, Morrison, Bowen, Moloney

Crowd: 1,332 at Mars Stadium.

Sources

• AFLW Match report: Dogs go down in wet and wild weather, westernbulldogs.com.au.
• Cats end Dogs' finals chances in wet and wild scrap, afl.com.au.
• Like a swimming pool: Cats sink Dogs in the puddles | Yass Tribune, Yass Tribune.
• Like a swimming pool: Cats sink Dogs in the puddles | Namoi Valley Independent, Namoi Valley Independent.
• Like a swimming pool: Cats sink Dogs in the puddles | Gloucester Advocate, Gloucester Advocate.