CATS BY A WHISKER, EARN HARD FOUGHT WIN IN ADELAIDE, HIT TOP OF AFL LADDER
Ben Jensen 11 June 2007

By Ben Jensen AFL ROUND 11 ADELAIDE V GEELONG GEELONG shot past the West Coast Eagles to the top of the AFL Ladder with their second win in Adelaide in a fortnight, defeating the Adelaide Crows by nine points in a very physical, defensive low scoring match in front of just over 43,000. The Cats struggled in the first quarter, and were fortunate to be just eight points behind. In the second quarter Geelong had more of the ball but were inaccurate in front of goal, kicking two goals and nine behinds, including three rushed scores by the Crows, but drew level at half time. In the third quarter Geelong shot to an early lead but Adelaide returned fire and the difference was just one behind in favour of the Cats at the final break. The Cats lost the lead briefly but with the final two goals of the match held on to win by seven points, confirming their top place on the ladder and thrilling the small but vocal group of supporters at AAMI Stadium.

GEELONG 2.2 (14) 4.11 (35) 7.13 (55) 9.16 (69) DEFEATED
ADELAIDE 3.4 (22) 5.5 (35) 8.6 (54) 9.8 (62)

GOALS:
GEELONG: Mooney 3, Ling 2, Stokes, S Johnson, Kelly, Ottens
ADELAIDE: McGregor 3, Van Berlo 2, Stevens, Thompson, Bock, Stiffy Johncock

BEST:
GEELONG: Bartel, G. Ablett, Enright, Corey, Mackie, Harley, Milburn, Ling, Kelly
ADELAIDE: Thompson, van Berlo, Bassett, Edwards, McLeod, Knights, Shirley, Doughty

Gary Ablett's best afield effort has put him even more into the spotlight, and is sure to see him firm further in Brownlow Medal betting this week. Ablett polled best afield in most newspapers and has edged ahead of teammate Jimmy Bartel in most counts.

Next Sunday Geelong, in another Fox Sports only game, host Brisbane Lions in a 1PM game at Skilled Stadium. With six wins in a row now, the Cats will certainly go in as favourites but will be wary of the wounded Lions, now without a win in some weeks after losing at home to the Western Bulldogs.

VFL - CATS KEEP TOP SPOT, BUT LOSE TO WERRIBEE

WERRIBEE 6.6 9.10 12.15 15.17 (107) DEFEATED
GEELONG 3.4 5.9 5.17 12.20 (92)

GOALS:
WERRIBEE: Podsiadly 4 Robbins 4 Barham 2 Lynch Hill McDougall Rockefeller Furfaro.
GEELONG: Byrnes 2 Byrne 2 Djerrkura 2 Gardiner 2 Playfair 2 Davenport Prismall.

BEST:
WERRIBEE: Pask Barham Robbins Rockefeller Castello Podsiadly.
GEELONG: Selwood Prismall Callan Gardiner Byrnes Playfair