The Cats recorded their ninth win of the season in dramatic fashion with a two-point win over Fremantle at Simonds Stadium.

Cats Media identified three points of interest to follow throughout the game. Here’s how they played out:

Tails between the legs

Someone was always going to lose this one and until the siren sounded it really did look to be the Cats.

Seven unanswered goals and a 34-point lead through the second quarter said as much for the Dockers, not to mention the fact the Cats were down to just one rotation on the bench come a nail-biting final quarter.

Two goals to James Parsons inside the first four minutes of the last term gave Geelong a pulse before Tom Hawkins put his side in front after nine minutes.

Each team then traded chances until the final one fell to Fremantle’s Michael Walters in the dying seconds. His shot was pushed wide.

So the Cats maintain their position in the top four at 9-4 ahead of a blockbuster against the ladder-leading Giants, while the Dockers slump to 6-7.

The Hawk rises again

Tom Hawkins returned for the Cats after a week off through suspension and while his lone goal game in the final quarter – it was the one that gave Geelong the lead.

Hawkins had 14 disposals and seven marks up forward and could have added two more goals to his tally if not for inaccuracy.

As was the case the week prior, Daniel Menzel looked to be the most lively of the Geelong forwards with his three goals, but overall, the Cats won’t want to make a habit of kicking 10.14.

Late scratchings

There were the scratchings before the bounce and within the opening minute we knew the curveballs would continue.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood was knocked unconscious and left the field following a clash with Fremantle’s Hayden Ballantyne. Selwood took no further part in the match but is still a chance to play against the Giants on Saturday.

Young defender Tom Stewart was the next casualty, suffering a significant facial fracture after colliding with Hayden Crozier in the second term.

Finally, Darcy Lang battled through a knee complaint but could take no further part in the game after three-quarter time. It left the Cats three men down as they faced a 19-point deficit but ultimately, despite everything going against them, Geelong found a way to win.