Cats v Dogs, snippets

TURNING POINT: The Bulldogs will be ruing their inaccurate kicking for goal in the second half. Will Minson, Nathan Eagleton and Ryan Hargrave all missed relatively simple set shots which, if converted, would have placed the Cats under enormous pressure.

CLASSIC GRAB: Mitch Hahn had a quiet night but floated in front of a wall of players in the second quarter to take a brave defensive mark.

STAR MAN: Andrew Mackie underlined his importance to the Cats with a mature performance across half-back. He cut off many a Bulldogs forward thrust, finishing the game with 30 possessions and seven marks.

WHAT A GOAL!: Jason Akermanis was influential in the first half and his left-foot snap at the 21-minute mark of the opening term had the Bulldogs faithful roaring. It gave the underdogs an unexpected 11-point break.

ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Ryan Hargrave played a fine game but will be cursing his late attempt to spoil Tom Harley in the second quarter. The resultant 50m penalty brought Harley within scoring range and he made them pay by kicking truly.

UNSUNG HERO: Whether or not Brad Johnson should have been paid a free kick in the last quarter, nothing should be taken away from Max Rooke's ferocious attack at the ball. His desperation brought a spillage and fittingly it was he who kicked the game's sealer.