They both started where they finished from the first bounce to the final play with the Greater Western Sydney Giants and Geelong playing out a pulsating draw. Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins had a chance to win the game outright when he marked with seconds remaining. His after the siren kick went wide on a slight angle, registering a leveling behind to see the scores tied at 68 points apiece. Geelong midfielder Patrick Dangerfield was in stunning form picking up 45 disposals, including a goal. For the Greater Western Sydney Giants Josh Kelly and Callan Ward both picked up 33 disposals, with Jonathon Patton booting 4 goals for the GWS. It was a solid effort from the Cats who lost key forward Daniel Menzel to a knee injury suffered in the team’s pre-game warm up.

Rory Lobb put under pressure from Geelong. It was a tight contest for both sides. Photo: Jodie Newell

Both sides began the game well, with each kicking 3 goals in the first quarter. Patrick Dangerfield immediately began racking up possessions (15) and was feeding his teammates plenty of the ball via 14 handballs. The second quarter was played in a close, competitive fashion with Geelong gaining a small gap on the Giants via an eight point lead at the main break. Jonathon Patton helped keep his Giants in touch by booting two handy goals in the term.

Jonathon Patton booted 4 crucial goals for the Giants. Photo: Jodie Newell

The 3rd quarter began well for the Giants with Callan Ward getting his side closer with a quick goal. The Cats lifted and were able to post 3 unanswered goals from Wylie Buzza, Sam Menegola and Rhys Stanley. Thanks to some solid defensive work by Nathan Wilson and Nick Haynes the Giants were able to quell Geelong gaining any further ascendancy. Jeremy Cameron was able to score a vital goal just before the 3/4 quarter time siren and gave his side a chance to get back in the game.

Intense GWS Giants defender Nathan Wilson repels another Geelong attack: Photo Jodie Newell

Geelong stared the fourth quarter extremely well with ball magnet Patrick Dangerfield kicking a goal giving the Cats a handy 20 point lead 8 minutes into the term. The Giants needed to spark into action otherwise they would be facing defeat. Rory Lobb stepped up taking a strong mark and goaling with Lachie Whitfield chiming in minutes later with another. Jonathon Patton then tied the scores with a goal. In a wild finish, the Giants moved ahead with a rushed behind.

Callan Ward was outstanding picking up 33 disposals & 1 goal. Photo: Jodie Newell

With only seconds remaining Geelong were able to launch a quick attack. The Giants defense held steady with Heath Shaw pummeling a ball away from the goal area, however the ball rocketed towards the boundary line and was deemed to be a deliberate out of bounds. Zach Tuohy took the corresponding free kick and launched a kick deep inside the 50 metre arc. Tom Hawkins was able to gain just enough space from GWS defender Phil Davis and took a mark 3o metres out from goal on a slight angle. As Hawkins walked into take his shot the siren rang but he was unable to slot home a winning goal with the shot going wide for a behind and the game ended in an incredible draw. It was a fitting result all things considered and one of the games of the season. Geelong coach Chris Scott whilst disappointed said “It was better than a loss obviously” Giants coach Leon Cameron was disappointed with the result and thought Geelong were the better side.

The one that got away. GWS coach Leon Cameron thought Geelong deserved the win. Photo: Jodie Newell

The Giants remain on top of the AFL ladder with 10 wins 3 losses and a draw. They next play Hawthorn away in Tasmania. Geelong are 3rd with 9 wins, 4 losses and a draw.They remain on the road literally, with the team staying at the Gold Coast during the week before venturing to Brisbane to play the Lions.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY   3.1   5.3   7.5   10.8   (68)
GEELONG                                     3.1   6.5   9.6   10.8   (68) 

GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Patton 4, Wilson, Johnson, Ward, Cameron, Lobb, Whitfield
Geelong: Buzza 2, Hawkins, Parsons, Blicavs, Black, Murdoch, Menegola, Stanley, Dangerfield 

BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Ward, Patton, Kelly
Geelong: Dangerfield, Guthrie, Tuohy 

INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Toby Greene (ankle) replaced by Daniel Lloyd, Jeremy Finlayson (knee)
Geelong: Daniel Menzel (knee) replaced after pre-game warm up in selected side by Wylie Buzza 

Reports: –

Umpires: “Razor” Ray Chamberlain, Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer 

Official crowd: 15,007 at  Sydney Showgrounds Homebush (Spotless Stadium)