Geelong remain unbeaten after an AFL Gather Round special, beating the Western Bulldogs by four points at Adelaide Oval.
The Bulldogs looked the better side late, but the Cats held their nerve on Saturday night to win the pulsating clash 14.11 (95) to 14.7 (91).
Bailey Williams kicked the last goal of the game inside the final two minutes to bring the Bulldogs within a kick.
Geelong’s Brad Close then was paid a free kick for high contact on the wing in the last minute and the Cats retained possession to the final siren.
They are 4-0, while the Bulldogs are 2-2.
Key forward Jeremy Cameron was outstanding for Geelong, kicking two goals and also working hard up the ground.
Bulldogs midfielder Tom Liberatore was best afield with 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances, while captain Marcus Bontempelli also impressed and key defender Liam Jones blanketed Cats key forward Tom Hawkins.
But Geelong were more polished for most of the game, with Tyson Stengle kicking four goals and Gryan Miers also solid.
Every time the Cats looked ready to kick clear in the first half, the Bulldogs responded to keep it tight.
Geelong led by nine points at the main break and took a game-high lead of 28 points before being brought back to 16 points at the final change.
The Mexican wave — a rarity at AFL matches — went around Adelaide Oval early in the final term as the rowdy Adelaide Oval crowd relished the tight contest.
AAP
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