Geelong’s VFL side has claimed its first win in 2017, defeating North Ballarat 12.13 (85) to 5.5 (35) in a practice match at Simonds Stadium.
The first quarter saw the home side dominate possession but inaccuracy in front of goal kept the Cats’ lead to ten points at the first break.
Geelong came out with a similar intensity in the second term, kicking four goals, including two to Wylie Buzza, to take a 16-point lead into half time.
The Roosters controlled the tempo of the game early in the third term, keeping the Cats scoreless for the first ten minutes.
Once the Cats broke free from the North Ballarat stranglehold, they piled on another four goals to take a commanding lead into the final change.
The second half was an incredible defensive effort from the home side as they kept the Roosters to a solitary goal to run out 50-point victors.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with his side’s performance, notably their defensive effort.
“It was one of our focuses today, we didn’t know North Ballarat that well but we were worried with their smaller side that they would try and slingshot over the back,” O’Bree said.
“I thought our defenders set up really well from stoppages and just in general play, to keep them to five goals.”
The Cats side featured a host of new faces with rookie Sam Simpson and VFL recruit Ben Moloney playing their first games in the hoops.
Simpson played predominantly through the midfield, finishing with 21 touches and four tackles, impressing coach Shane O’Bree.
“Some of (Simpson’s) footwork around the contest and his ability to take the game on is pretty exciting,” O’Brees aid.
“It will be about more game time for Sam but he is a nice little player.”
Moloney only played the first half following a long injury layoff but he put on a dominant display with 17 disposals and six tackles.
“(Moloney’s) leadership has been great and his touch around the stoppages is fantastic.
“He is going to really support our younger midfielders that we have around him,” O’Bree said.
James Parsons played his first game for the year andwas back to his best, finishing with 16 disposals, five inside 50s and two goals.
“(Parsons’) touch around the contest was pretty good after a bit of a layoff,” O’Bree said.
Forward duo Aaron Black and Wylie Buzza were also potent, combining for five goals, to push their respective cases for senior selection.
Darcy Lang and Jed Bews also put their hands up for an AFL recall with solid outings.
“I think all the guys that are probably in contention are unlucky, their attitude has been fantastic,” O’Bree said.
“Bews has been thrown back, midfield and forward so he’s just got to be ready for when his opportunity opens up.”
Playing as a small forward, Bews showed his talents on Saturday, taking four marks and kicking two goals and O’Bree believes he has the attributes to succeed in the role.
“(Bews) is so explosive and good in the air, it’s probably a bit different, forward craft to back craft so he’s just got to work on a few leading patterns,” He said.
The VFL Cats will look to continue their strong form next week when they take on Williamstown in their fourth and final practice match.
O’Bree is looking forward to the challenge of taking on an elite VFL side, who he believes will be a tough opposition again this year.
“I think Williamstown are going to be one of the contenders in the VFL so next week is a great test for us against a mature team,” O’Bree said.
VFL Practice Match 3
Bendigo Bank Cats 12.13 (85) def. North Ballarat Roosters 5.5 (35)
Goals: Buzza 3, Black 2, Bews 2, Parsons 2, Dobson 1, Sexton 1, Tsitas 1
Best: Capiron, Hickey, Lang, Gardner, Parsons, Buzza
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
@ Simonds Stadium, Geelong.
