Geelong gets crucial win in tight battle for top four; Essendon faces credibility crisis again against Suns

Geelong 10.13 (73) d Fremantle 9.8 (62), Perth Stadium

A game and a year in centimeters: Collingwood coach Craig McRae has repeatedly stressed his side are better than any other in 2023.

The Dockers will have to perform better in the moments of the game if they want to go further – this was the fifth time this season that Justin Longmuir’s side lost after leading for three quarters.

It was one of the closest seasons ever and it was the difference between WA’s coveted home final and missing out on the top four entirely.

This time, they were outplayed by the most experienced opposition in the competition. Geelong were well aware of the risks they faced, they knew what to do and they were the least likely to be intimidated by any situation, let alone the passion of their home fans.

Veterans still wear superhero capes: Patrick Dangerfield’s numbers at the end of the game weren’t the greatest – 20 possessions were just average by his standards – but no player had a bigger impact on the outcome, especially in the final quarter when the game had to be won.

He made wide clearances at will, had 11 clearances in the game, and scored a crucial early goal against a strong defense to help the team regain the lead.

He also inexplicably missed another chance trying to knock the ball out of the goal in mid-air, but fortunately for his team it ultimately had no consequences.

He showed the way, found the way, and did everything that mattered when his team needed him most.

He also reminisced about the past and went one-on-one with old rival Nat Fyfe, with Danger winning the points this time.

Dangerfield praised his teammates for their composure late in the race, making it a memorable win for Jeremy Cameron in his 250th race.

“Especially when the games get tight,” he told Fox Soccer. “You know, you need to have those little wins, set-ups behind the ball, the ability to trap the ball down the field. You can only trap the ball down the field if you have the support structure.

“Our senior leadership needs to push for that. They did it again tonight.”

Dockers miss out on star: We don’t know yet how serious the knee injury suffered by Fremantle striker Josh Tracy is. We are told it is not serious.

But regardless, if the Dockers are to pose a real threat to their opponents in the final, they desperately need him back as soon as possible.

Tracy has been one of the most improved players in the competition this season, but his presence and ability with the straight-line ball has been sorely missed by Fremantle, who have looked less confident in their attack.

While his forward partner Jay Armis didn’t disgrace himself, it was clear that he needed an extra, bigger body to ensure he could outlast the opposing team’s best defenders.