Geelong Cats have made waves with the announcement of star player Patrick Dangerfield playing forward for the upcoming 2025 season, starting with their match against the Fremantle Dockers. Fans are excited to see how this strategic shift will influence the team's performance as they seek to extend their winning streak.
This change marks an interesting development for Dangerfield, who has been known as one of the league's elite midfielders. His skills could bolster Geelong's forward line, especially as they head off to confront Fremantle. After the initial play revealed the Cats' offensive tactics, Geelong showed their prowess on the field during the recent clash against the Dockers.
Geelong's dominance was clear as they overwhelmed Fremantle, running out 78-point winners with the final score standing at Geelong 23.9 (147) to Fremantle 10.9 (69). The Cats showcased their superiority, particularly during the final quarter when they scored 10 goals compared to Fremantle’s mere single goal. This explosive finish highlighted Geelong's offensive capabilities and provided fans with thrilling moments.
Among the standout performances, Bailey Smith made quite the impression on his debut for the Cats, contributing significantly with 19 kicks and 13 handballs. According to reports, “Bailey Smith was close to best on ground in his first game for the hoops,” underlining his impact on the match.
Fremantle initially threatened Geelong’s lead, cutting the gap to just 21 points at three-quarter time. It appeared they might turn the tide with this rally, but the power of the Cats proved too much as they shut down the Dockers' momentum. Geelong’s forward line featured 13 different goalkickers, illustrating their teamwork and depth during the game.
Leading the charge for Geelong was Jeremy Cameron, who demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting four goals, followed closely by Tyson Stengle, who added three more to the tally. This widespread contribution across the forward line signifies Geelong's capacity to involve multiple key players during their attack.
For Fremantle, there was also reason to celebrate as Murphy Reid debuted with flare, having had a particularly impressive moment by scoring four goals within just seven minutes during the third quarter. His performance, though overshadowed by the final outcome, showcases potential as he integrates more with the team.
With Patrick Dangerfield shifting to the forward line and the evident chemistry seen within the Cats' lineup during this game, the roadmap for success appears promising as they prepare for the upcoming season. Geelong aims to maintain this momentum, creating excitement and anticipation among their fans and potential challengers.
Geelong's strategic plays and notable player performances have evidently set the stage for the 2025 season. Supporters eagerly watch to see how Dangerfield’s transition will bring new dynamics to Geelong’s game plan, especially as they continue preparing to face various challenges. With Bailey Smith’s entry, the scoring potential remains high and it will be interesting to see how the team evolves.
The upcoming matches will be key to confirming Geelong's place among the league's elite teams. Their recent victory over Fremantle not only showcases their capability but also provides important insights as they gear up for what's expected to be another competitive season.