CATS GET OUT OF JAIL, TOP FOUR HOPES ALIVE
Ben Jensen 15 August 2016

AFL 2016 ROUND 21: RICHMOND TIGERS V GEELONG CATS GEELONG achieved something of a miracle yesterday, overcoming a 35-point three quarter time deficit having kicked just four goals to that point, booting six unanswered goals in the final quarter to pull off a two point win. As in in the corresponding fixture betweenthese two sides in 2014 the Cats kicked less goals than the Tigers but won anyway; the Tigers kicked the final goal of the match to setup a thrilling 40 seconds. The ball ended up inside Richmond's forward fifty but the Geelong defenders pounced to ensure a winning milestone match for Harry Taylor. Taylor, in his 200th game, booted the goal that put the Cats in front from a free kick in front of goal but unfamiliar territory for the Premiership winning defender.

While they won the match and broke into the top four courtesty of West Coast's last minute win over GWS Geelong's percentage actually took a tumble- it wasn't what the day was meant to be about but the Cats were lucly just to get the four points so can't complain about percentage. Next Sunday they face Brisbane in the same timeslot (3:20PM) at the Gabba, a more than winnable game but the round 23 match against the Demons at Simonds Stadium looms as a danger game. Indeed last season in Corey Enright's 300th match the Demons spoiled the party, plus they have the scalp of Hawthorn from last weekend. Lose either match and the Cats may struggle to hold the top four spot though GWS and West Coast have a tougher run home.

GEELONG: 2.2, 3.7, 4.13, 10.22 (82) DEFEATED
RICHMOND: 2.4, 7.4, 11.6, 12.6 (78)

GOALS
GEELONG: McCarthy 2, Menegola 2, Smith, J.Selwood, Caddy, Motlop, Taylor, Hawkins
RICHMOND: Lloyd 3, Rioli 2, Vickery 2, Edwards, Hampson, Lennon, Riewoldt, Grigg

BEST
GEELONG: J.Selwood, S.Selwood, Dangerfield, Guthrie, Menegola, McCarthy
RICHMOND: Rance, Martin, Lloyd, Houli, Grigg, Ellis, T.Hunt

CHANGES
GEELONG: Nil
RICHMOND: Nil

INJURIES
GEELONG: Cowan (cut head
RICHMOND: Hampson (cut head)

REPORTS: Nil

UMPIRES: Donlon, Hosking, O'Gorman

CROWD: 45,667 at MCG, Melbourne