Inspired Bulldogs down Cats in AFL cliffhanger
Geelong veteran Harry Taylor has missed a goal after the full-time siren in his AFL return to hand the Western Bulldogs a pulsating two-point win at Docklands.
The Cats threatened to snatch victory on Friday night when Taylor, playing his first game since round nine, marked strongly and lined up for goal from 25 metres out on a flank.
But Taylor's shot went wide and the Bulldogs snapped a five-game losing streak with a 16.7 (103) to 15.11 (101) triumph in front of 29,499 fans.
External Link: Bulldogs v Cats summary
The Bulldogs lost late inclusion Lin Jong to a broken collarbone in the opening minutes and dealt with injuries all night but stood up magnificently to secure their biggest win of the season.
Rising star Ed Richards (three goals) inspired his side in the final term, booting two late majors to bring the Bulldogs back from a two-point deficit at three-quarter time.
Skipper Marcus Bontempelli (24 disposals, two goals) was also influential late while Luke Dahlhaus (29 touches) starred in the midfield.
Gary Ablett (30 disposals, one goal) gave the Cats hope of a last-ditch victory when he roved a forward stoppage and kicked truly from a tight angle with 30 seconds left on the clock.
But Taylor was unable to convert his set shot and the Cats were denied a valuable chance to climb into the AFL's top four.
The lead changed hands almost a dozen times in a highly-entertaining clash.
Injuries have been the story of the season for the Bulldogs and it was the case again when Matt Suckling succumbed to Achilles tendon soreness during the warm-up.
Jong replaced Suckling but made it just halfway through the first quarter before suffering a broken right collarbone – the same injury he sustained in the lead-up to the 2016 grand final – in a fierce tackle from Sam Menegola.
External Link: Bulldogs v Cats stats
Jong's head slammed into the turf in a tackle reminiscent of West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui's challenge on Karl Amon which controversially resulted in a one-match suspension.
Bulldogs forward Billy Gowers was on and off the ground after hurting his ankle in a marking contest, backman Hayden Crozier spent time in the rooms with a leg injury and Dahlhaus was busted open in a collision with Joel Selwood.
Luke Beveridge's side briefly went down to one man on the bench but they continued to impress, surging to a game-high 24-point lead early in the third term.
Ablett, Tom Hawkins (three goals) and Dangerfield (31 disposals, one goal) were among the Cats' best while debutant Quinten Narkle booted two majors.
AFL ladder
External Link: AFL 2018 ladder
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