Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Geelong’s narrow loss to Fremantle has sparked debate over whether the Cats revealed their full tactical approach or deliberately kept some strategies in reserve for a possible finals meeting. The Dockers secured a nine point victory on Thursday night, but AFL greats Jason Dunstall and Leigh Montagna believe Geelong’s performance may have been influenced by future finals considerations. The result also reinforced Fremantle’s status as the competition benchmark after another impressive win.
The Cats were competitive despite entering the match without several key players. Bailey Smith missed the trip due to illness, while Tom Stewart remained unavailable as he continues his recovery through concussion protocols.
Cats remain confident despite defeat
Geelong coach Chris Scott acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge but remained positive about his team’s performance.
Jeremy Cameron was also limited during the contest, recording six disposals, two marks and two goals while managing ongoing injury concerns. Scott said the bye period would provide an important opportunity for Cameron and other players to recover.
“The bye will come at a good time for him in a general sense,” Scott said.
Scott explained that Geelong would not risk players if there was a chance of worsening injuries, pointing to Smith’s absence as an example of the club’s cautious approach.
The coach also suggested the result showed Geelong was not far away from the competition leaders, despite the difficult circumstances.
When the margin is tight against quality opposition, Scott said the Cats can take confidence from knowing they are capable of competing at that level.
Did Geelong avoid showing its hand?
The main talking point after the match was whether Geelong intentionally avoided using certain tactical options.
Unlike previous games where the Cats applied heavy pressure through midfield matchups, Scott’s side did not place strong tags on Fremantle’s leading midfielders. The Dockers’ midfield group of Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Hayden Young, Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid were allowed to operate with limited direct restriction.
Dunstall suggested that decision may have been deliberate.
“Undermanned, they gave themselves a chance on the toughest road trip in the game against the best team,” Dunstall said.
“I suspect, given what he mentioned about Oisin Mullin and a couple of other match ups, it didn’t look like there were genuine hard tags tonight, and I think they kept their powder dry in a couple of cases.”
Montagna agreed, highlighting Geelong’s different approach compared with previous matches.
He noted that the Cats had previously used multiple tagging roles against opponents but chose not to heavily disrupt Fremantle’s midfield.
Fremantle remain the team to beat
The Dockers entered the contest with the competition’s strongest record and continued their outstanding season with another important victory.
Serong was influential, while Fremantle’s midfield balance allowed them to control key moments throughout the match. Their ability to withstand Geelong’s pressure demonstrated why they remain one of the favourites heading towards September.
Despite the win, Fremantle will be aware that Geelong remains the only team to defeat them this season.
The possibility of another meeting in the finals adds extra intrigue to future encounters between the two clubs.
Finals picture adds extra pressure
Scott rejected the idea that Geelong was saving strategies specifically for a future finals matchup.
He said the difference between finishing first and fourth on the ladder was not necessarily significant, with home ground advantage being the main reward.
“The difference between being way out in front on top of the ladder, and being fourth, is not that great,” Scott said.
“The advantage you get is a home final, which doesn’t necessarily get it done for you.”
Scott added that any future matchup would be approached based on the circumstances at the time rather than decisions made months earlier.
Geelong now enters its Round 16 bye before hosting Brisbane in a Thursday night Grand Final rematch at GMHBA Stadium. The Cats will hope to regain several important players as the season moves closer to the finals.
Whether they truly held something back against Fremantle may only become clear if the two sides meet again when the pressure is at its highest.