Looking Back: The Comeback That Wasnt

Geelong attempted to overcome the odds in Perth on Sunday against West Coast but fell short, as a wounded Cats outfit limped to a 15 point loss.

The disappointment for Geelong was compounded by injuries to Gary Ablett, Nakia Cockatoo and Cam Guthrie, as they overcame a 32 point halftime deficit only to succumb to tired legs late in the fourth quarter as the Eagles kicked away.

West Coast's brilliant first half opened a considerable margin between the teams, and their Win Probability according to SI's data had jumped to 92 percent at the main break.

Less than a quarter and six goals to Geelong later the Win Probability had changed drastically, becoming a 50-50 contest 5 minutes prior to the end of the third quarter.

Early into the final quarter Geelong's Win Probability had jumped to 68 percent before Gary Ablett pinged his hamstring. With two players already out for the game injured, the Cats were down to one man on the interchange bench.

It didn't stop them rallying and extending their lead, as the Win Probability had them at 83 percent halfway through the final term. They ran out of legs though, as a superb Eagles rally led by Dom Sheed, Mark LeCras and Jack Darling swooped over the Cats and took back the lead.

In the end it was the Eagles who pulled off a comeback of their own as Geelong's tired legs fell short.