GEELONG LOSE NAIL BITER; NATHAN ABLETT DEBUT A SUCCESS
Ben Jensen 13 August 2005

A DISAPPOINTING GEELONG was defeated by Melbourne by just one point, after having a long shot at winning the game with a kick after the siren fell short. On a brighter note, Nathan Ablett made his debut, a late change for Paul Chapman. Nathan joined the elite club to kick a goal with their first kick in AFL football; and is believe to be the first to kick his first goal after receiving the pass from his older brother.

Five minutes into the third quarter, Geelong lead by more than this corespondent wants to remember. Melbourne, only in the game due to generous umpiring and equally generous Geelong defenders, managed to pinch back the lead by three quarter time courtesy of some Russell Robertson magic.

The Cats grabbed back the lead after Nathan Ablett kicked his second goal, also from a pass by brother Gary, his team jumping out to a twelve point lead.

But the Demons never said die; Robertson continuing to cause problems and young Aaron Davey taking advantage of a sick Josh Hunt to sneak down to kick a goal. When the final siren sounded, Melbourne lead by two points and Geelong defender Matthew Egan had the ball just over fifty metres out, in front of goal.

Backman Egan tried his best but the kick was offline. Egan's been the biggest find of the year, one of the only positive things to come from the past couple months has been his form in the backline, and he must've be discouraged.

It's teammates such as Cameron Mooney, Paul Koulouriotis and Joel Corey who should be apologising for either or both of giving away free kicks in front of goal and what's been described as 'stuffing around with the football' in the backline, resulting in what turned out to be match winning goals to Melbourne.

Next week Geelong play Premiership favorites and ladder leaders West Coast at home. Geelong is definitely a chance in this match, so don't right them off just yet.

GEELONG: 4.3, 9.4, 11.5, 15.9 (99) DEFEATED BY
MELBOURNE: 2.4, 4.7, 10.14, 14.16 (100)

GOALS - GEELONG: Kingsley 4, Bartel 2, N Ablett 2, S Johnson 2, G Ablett, Ottens, Milburn, Ling, Playfair
MELBOURNE: Robertson 7, Johnstone 2, Armstrong, Motlop, Godfrey, Davey, Miller

BEST - GEELONG: Bartel, Hunt, S. Johnson, Scarlett, Kingsley, Ling, Mooney
MELBOURNE: T. Johnstone, Robertson, McLean, White, Moloney, Rigoni, Davey