Player Ratings - Round 14

What started with such promise turned into a bitterly disappointing night for the Western Bulldogs, letting slip a fantastic opportunity to press for a finals spot.

Despite having a 37-point lead early in the second term, the Bulldogs allowed the Cats back into the contest, and by full time, found themselves 11 points adrift.

3. Mitch Wallis

He hasn't been held goalless too many times this season, but this was certainly one occasion. Just seemed completely at a loss to shake the tag of Kolodjashnij - 3

4. Marcus Bontempelli

Kicked an early set shot to the surprise of everyone in the stadium, but it would be just one of 14 touches for the night. Made up for it with 10 tackles, a feat he has only bettered once in his career - 8

5. Josh Dunkley

Was the best player on the ground by quarter time. I'm not sure whether that had anything to do with him playing in his preferred position in the midfield, but went missing somewhat after being thrown into the ruck for the rest of the game - 7

6. Bailey Smith

Found enough of the ball, with his 21 disposals only being bettered by two Bulldogs, but didn't generate much impact with the ball, and for the second week in a row, failed to lay a tackle - 6

7. Lachie Hunter

The Bulldogs best player on the night. Arguably the team's only consistent four-quarter performer, managed a team-high 27 disposals, and kicked a goal to put the Bulldogs in front in the last quarter - 9

The best player for the Bulldogs, Lachie Hunter showed plenty of fight. Source: Getty Images

9. Hayden Crozier

Kicked an early goal in his 50th game for the club, and held up well in the backline under immense pressure, with four intercept marks and seven intercept possessions, both team-highs - 8

10. Easton Wood

Had his hands full for much of the night when Geelong were on top, and eventually succumbed to a hamstring injury that will likely keep him out for a few weeks. If the Bulldogs don't make finals, that could be the last we see of him in 2020 - 6

11. Jackson Macrae

Interestingly, the AFL Player Ratings ranked him the second least-effective player on the ground, despite managing 26 disposals, five tackles, five clearances, and five score involvements. In fairness, he has had far more impact on games this season - 7

16. Toby McLean

One of many Bulldogs to kick a goal in the opening term, and was also one of many Bulldogs to go AWOL after quarter time. 15 disposals, six score involvements and five tackles is ok, but I wouldn't be surprised if most of that had been registered before the first break - 5

17. Josh Bruce

0.2 and six disposals at 0%. In other words, he did almost nothing to aid the cause - 1

20. Ed Richards

Kicked a nice goal in the opening term as well, but finished the match with just 11 disposals. Although having said that, he did look dangerous on the few occasions he did have ball in hand - 7

A classy snap around the body, Ed Richards' early goal was a highlight for Bulldogs fans. Source: Getty Images

21. Tom Liberatore

Another first-term goal-scorer, although this is not one of his better days of the season, with just 15 disposals and two tackles - 5

23. Laitham Vandermeer

Signs are that his early hamstring injury is a serious one and, if true, could almost certainly mean curtains for his season. If true, it would be tough to stomach, given how exciting he has been to watch, but there is plenty for Bulldogs fans to get excited about. Given he suffered several hamstring injuries last season, it's crucial that this doesn't become a regular occurrence - 1

29. Tory Dickson

If you're brought in with the sole expectation of kicking goals, you cannot go a game kick-less and expect a decent score from the impartial voters at The Salty Bulldog. Dickson is a fan favourite, but he was almost non-existent - 1

32. Will Hayes

Like Dickson, Hayes was drafted him for his first game of the season, and although he managed just 11 disposals, at least he can say he had the better game of the two - 6

33. Aaron Naughton

Had Harry Taylor scrambling all over the place throughout the night, and could've been had three first-quarter goals if the umpires weren't busy trying to officiate the match with their eyes shut. Eventually was rewarded with two second-half goals, and loomed as a danger man all night - 8

34. Bailey Williams

Only one Bulldog gained more distance than Bailey Williams, gaining 407m in total from his 16 disposals. Also helped out with six intercepts, and five rebounds - 7

35. Caleb Daniel

And that one man who gained more distance than Bailey Williams was this guy, with his 422m coming from 20 disposals. If I was Caleb Daniel, I'd be off to the tailors to get measured up for that All Australian blazer, because he'll be wearing one by season's end - 8

39. Jason Johanisen

Football is a game filled with "what ifs", but we could be celebrating a fine Bulldogs win had he converted early in the second term. Had he goaled, the Bulldogs would've been enjoyed a 42-point lead, and that would've almost killed off any hopes Geelong had after regrouping at quarter time. It took the gloss off a solid 21-disposal outing - 7

42. Alex Keath

Yes, Tom Hawkins kicked two goals, but they were the only times he was really sighted, and there wasn't much Keath could've really done about them, anyway. Once again, he enjoyed a very solid outing against what has usually been a Bulldog-killing foe - 8

43. Ryan Gardner

Would've been ropable with that decision in the second term - he could well be the first player in history to be penalised for holding the ball despite not actually being in possession of the ball. Was the clear standout one the night from a defensive perspective, with his 10 one-percenters and nine spoils being a game-high - 8

44. Tim English

Frustrated for large portions of the night, most notably in the last term when he took far too long to dispose of the ball at half-forward. It's also not a great sign for ruckmen when they're winning more disposals (11) than hitouts (10) - 4

LEADERBOARD:

1. Jackson Macrae - 110 votes

=2. Caleb Daniel - 100 votes

=2. Alex Keath - 100 votes

=2. Bailey Williams - 100 votes

5. Marcus Bontempelli - 98 votes