Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge lauded his teams persistence in defeat last night following their four-point loss to the undefeated Cats.
A dominant fourth quarter display led by Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore clawed the Dogs within a goal late in the game, but inaccuracy in front of goal and an impenetrable Geelong defence halted a miracle comeback.
"We never really had any momentum," Beveridge conceded, praising Geelong's continued resistense.
"Didn't get enough supply early in the game... I'm really pleased we didn't go away," he added.
"Ultimately it's a loss where it could've been anyone's.
"It's a 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' but if the game goes for a bit longer you never know."
Superstars Liberatore and Bontempelli were clinical in the loss, combining for 70 disposals, 28 clearances, 18 score involvements and two majors, but could not keep Geelong from wrestling goals back with centre clearances in quick succession.
Young stars Sam Darcy, Buku Khamis and Rhylee West also shone with individual moments of stardom, but could not carry the Dogs over the line.
"We'll take some of those positive factors into this week and look to draw on them against the Bombers," Beveridge said.
"Buku played another strong game... there's some growth coming through those younger guys.
"Sam (Darcy's) another one of the boys who we need experience pumped into.
"We want to evolve into a side that is one of the main challengers."
Now 2-2 on the year with wins over up & comers West Coast and Gold Coast, pressure on the Bulldogs mounts ahead of their encounter with Essendon this Friday night.
While a win keeps their top four expectations well within reach, a loss will certainly fuel the fire over coach Luke Beveridge following a season of turmoil and preseason of change at the Bulldogs.
