Geelong’s VFL side has come up short against the competition’s top team, falling to Richmond by 23 points.

The Cats remained close for much of the game but were ultimately overrun by their classy opponents in the 9.9 (63) to 13.8 (86) loss.

The final score was inflated by a free-flowing final term but doesn’t highlight the low-scoring affair that took place at Punt Road Oval.

There were only five goals between the two sides in the first half with plenty of turnovers making for a slow start to the match.

The intensity lifted slightly in the third term with the Tigers holding onto a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

The floodgates opened in the final term as the home side started on fire, kicking four goals in the space of eight minutes.

While the Cats managed to claw back to within two goals, the Tigers iced the game late to run away with a victory.

The loss ends the Cats’ run of consecutive wins and keeps them outside the VFL’s top eight.

Cats coach Shane O’Bree is hopeful the game can be a learning experience for his side.

“Really good learnings for our group playing against Richmond, who are top of the ladder for a reason,” O’Bree said.

“There were a few undisciplined acts, too. That’s on us, and we’ll learn from that.”

Charlie Constable was the Cats’ major ball winner, totaling 26 disposals, 17 by hand, along with five tackles.

Lachie Fogarty (21 touches, six tackles) and Sam Simpson (20 touches, five tackles) also saw a lot of midfield time.

Up forward, Nathan Kreuger kicked three while Wylie Buzza and James Parsons were the other multiple goal kickers.


Nathan Kreuger takes a strong grab. Photo: Arj Giese

Kreuger was named the Cats’ best player for his efforts at either end of the ground.

“I thought he was really good, down back, he was really solid, took some intercept marks and was strong one-on-one,” O’Bree said.

“We needed a bit more speed and a bit more pressure in our forward line and I thought he did that and kicked goals in the end too.”

Stefan Okunbor made his VFL debut and showed glimpses that he could be an exciting player to watch in the future.

The Cats will have a bye this week before returning to GMHBA Stadium to play Frankston in round 12.


VFL Round 10
Bendigo Bank Cats 9.9 (63) def. by Richmond 13.8 (86)
Goals: Krueger 3, Buzza, Parsons 2, Constable, Fort
Best: Krueger, McLachlan, Buzza, Bews, Parsons, Selwood
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil @ Punt Road Oval