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Dangerfield Lifts Cats in Epic Comeback Win Over Crows
Patrick Dangerfield turned back the clock with a commanding four-goal performance to guide Geelong to a thrilling 19-point victory over Adelaide in the opening match of Gather Round at Adelaide Oval.
The Cats clawed back from a 30-point deficit in the second term, outlasting a Crows side who struggled to finish strong after a short five-day turnaround. The final score read 18.11 (119) to 15.10 (100), sealing a gutsy win for Geelong in front of a silenced home crowd.
Despite trailing at every break, Geelong stormed home in the final quarter thanks to game-breaking efforts from Dangerfield and forward partner Jeremy Cameron, who also booted four goals from 15 disposals.
The only concern for the Cats came late in the game with forward Tyson Stengle leaving the field after tightening up his hamstring. Early reports suggest the injury is minor, and the team remains hopeful he’ll return after the extended break into Easter Monday.
Cats Captain Leads From the Front in Second-Half Surge
Geelong’s win marks their eighth from the past nine meetings with Adelaide, and fittingly, it was former Crow Patrick Dangerfield who rose in the moment.
The 35-year-old was electric in the final term, kicking back-to-back goals to help his side snatch the momentum. His physicality, drive, and forward pressure were unmatched — with pundits calling his performance "borderline untackleable."
Jeremy Cameron, quiet early, came alive late in the third and sealed the game with two final-quarter goals, including a match-winner in the final minutes.
Adelaide Fire Early But Fade Late
Adelaide burst out of the gates with flair, led by Izak Rankine, who shrugged off a pre-game calf concern to help spark the Crows' fast start. He directly contributed to four of Adelaide’s early scores from just six disposals in the first quarter.
Veteran Taylor Walker once again showed his class with smart leading and strong contests, while Darcy Fogarty starred with a massive four-goal second quarter — the most by a Crows player in a term in a decade.
Despite dominating early and leading at every break, the Crows ran out of steam in the final term, perhaps feeling the pinch of the short turnaround.
Geelong Clean Up Second-Half Mistakes
The Cats looked off the pace early, conceding 72 points in the first half — their fifth-worst first-half defensive effort in ten years. Turnovers, missed tackles, and a lack of composure under pressure left them trailing heavily at the main break.
But a few tactical changes from coach Chris Scott saw Geelong steady. The midfield began to win more clearances, their forward entries became cleaner, and they tightened up in defence despite still missing key players like Tom Stewart and Jack Henry.
Statistically, the Cats finished with fewer disposals overall but had more inside 50s and clearances — showing a more direct and efficient brand of footy when it mattered most.
Adelaide’s 'Three-Headed Monster' Still a Threat
Adelaide’s key forward trio — Walker, Fogarty, and Thilthorpe — continue to be one of the AFL’s most dangerous combinations. The spacing, teamwork, and ability to rotate roles make them tough to stop.
Fogarty was the standout with four goals in the second quarter alone. Walker had multiple chances but struggled with accuracy, while Thilthorpe was well held for most of the game, only managing to break free late in the third term.
Even when contained, the trio showed why they’re considered the Crows’ biggest weapon in attack this season.
