Cool for Cats

They say good things come in threes and Geelong is living proof of that theory.

Having staved off the challenges of top-eight fancies Collingwood, Melbourne and Adelaide in the first three rounds, the Cats are purring on top of the AFL ladder.

But Geelong’s big test comes on Saturday afternoon when it hosts Greater Western Sydney, which had Jeremy Cameron kick a career-best 7.5 and collect 30 possessions against Richmond.

Jeremy Cameron became the first player since Steve Johnson to kick seven goals and rack up 30 disposals.@gwsgiants fans, enjoy the Jezza show 👇 pic.twitter.com/FK1OCbVUa2

— AFL (@AFL) April 7, 2019

Only then can we gauge the progress at the Cattery and whether 2011 premiership coach Chris Scott, who has the best winning percentage of any coach in history with 150 games or more, can complete the rebuild Geelong for yet another shot at finals.

Return of the Gabbatoir

Port’s Sam Powell-Pepper gets the ball away from a trio of Lions defenders. Photo: Getty

The Brisbane Lions have done it again, outlasting their more fancied opponent, Port Adelaide, at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Three games for three wins is a healthy return for the up-and-coming Lions, who started in style with four quick goals.

Port slowly worked its way back into the match, but the Lions’ fitness and enthusiasm is working wonders at the end of games – particularly when the final quarter lasts 37 minutes.

Eric Hipwood earned most of the plaudits by kicking six majors, but the tireless work of Lachie Neale and his 43 possessions kept the engine running in high gear.

Coupled with Gold Coast’s shock win at home against Western Bulldogs on Sunday – its second in succession – the positive state of Queensland football is surprising many, including the struggling Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL.

Bottoms up

At the other end of the table, the tales of bad luck continue.

Melbourne’s season went from bad to worse with a humbling three-goal loss on Saturday against Essendon, which opened its account for 2019 at the MCG.

The competition to move off the bottom can be fierce as Bomber players show their desperation against the winless Melbourne. Photo: Getty

After making a preliminary final last year, Melbourne’s season is on the brink at 0-3, and its next encounter is on the controversial SCG turf on Thursday night.

The omens aren’t good – the last time the Demons started with 0-3 was in 2013 and 2014. On both occasions they finished second last.

Things are looking up at Carlton, where young skipper Patrick Cripps continues to carry his side (and others) with distinction despite its narrow losses.

🤔#AFLBluesSwans pic.twitter.com/YyoOGdtJaA

— AFL (@AFL) April 6, 2019

Looking on the bright side, it must overcome travel to the Sunshine State and break the Gold Coast’s momentum if it wants to register its first four points.

And at nearby Arden Street, North Melbourne will be hoping for a little luck after going down to the Hawks by 16 points on Sunday. At least it has the consistently inconsistent Adelaide Crows against which to break its drought at Marvel Stadium.

Revitalised Dockers hang on in thriller

The clash between the Dockers and the Saints clash went right down to the wire.

Re-watch the Last Two Minutes, thanks to @AAMI. pic.twitter.com/nA4krDbJI2

— AFL (@AFL) April 7, 2019

Fremantle overcame the loss of skipper Nat Fyfe (concussion) in the third quarter and a late rally to beat a gallant St Kilda by five points in Perth on Sunday.

The Dockers looked set for a comfortable day out after opening a 31-point lead early in the second quarter. But the Saints scored two late goals to close to within five points with just eight seconds remaining.

Hoping to catch the officials off guard, St Kilda even attempted to flout the 6-6-6 law by throwing an extra player forward at the final bounce, but the umpires were aware of the ploy and called the Saints player back.

Michael Walters starred for Fremantle with 27 disposals, eight clearances and two goals, while Luke Ryan (32 disposals) was a rock in defence.

Needless to says, the looming Western Derby promises more spice than usual with West Coast’s Andrew Gaff facing Andrew Brayshaw for the first time since the infamous off-the-ball incident.

Dogs rue bad breaks

Bailey Williams gets in a tangle under pressure for Gold Coast’s Jack Bowes. Photo: Getty

Some times luck can desert you at the most inopportune of times. One must feel for Western Bulldogs’ Ed Richards, who was running into an open goal when the halftime siren beat him by a second – especially considering the losing margin against Gold Coast was five points.

Coach Luke Beveridge said complacency did not play its part in the loss for the Dogs, who must turn around their fortunes against Collingwood under the unforgiving glare of the MCG’s Friday night lights.

“We’re trying to re-establish ourselves as a good side.

“We only have five days to shrug it off and shape up for a game against Collingwood, which isn’t a bad thing, a short turnaround.”

Speedy half-back Jason Johnannisen is “a big chance” to play after his pre-season ankle injury.

Tigers in turmoil

Another team scratching its head about its run of outs will be 2017 premiers Richmond.

Already reeling from injuries to full-forward Jack Riewoldt and equally valuable full-back Alex Rance, the Tigers lost its skipper Trent Cotchin with a hamstring injury and Jayden Short with a dislocated elbow.

The dirty day continued against the Giants continued when a heavily tagged Dustin Martin will come under media scrutiny for an off-the-ball hit that cost the Tigers a goal.

The attention paid to the flamboyant Tigers star even prompted a response from coach Damien Hardwick: “Let the bloke play the game. Protect the ball carrier is what I’m saying. Don’t get me wrong, de Boer did a terrific job, but geez …”