The Bendigo Bank Cats have fallen to Collingwood by 22-points in their Round 2 VFL clash at the AIA Centre on Saturday afternoon.
After trailing by 34-points at half time, the Cats rallied in the third term to get within a kick but couldn’t overcome the Magpies in the final term going down 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78).
“Collingwood’s pressure around the contest and their contest method got us on the back foot early in the game,” Cats senior coach Shane O’Bree said post-game.
“At half time the scoreboard reflected that a bit but to our credit we responded really well in the third quarter to be within a kick and then it was an arm wrestle from there.”
Quinton Narkle was a standout for the Cats finishing with 27 disposals, six clearances and two goals, putting forward a strong case for an AFL recall soon.
“Quinton Narkle has put two games together where he has had 27 disposals and kicked a couple of goals. His attitude towards it all has been fantastic and he probably deserves an opportunity after that.”
Gryan Miers (21 disposals, 2 goals) and Mark O’Connor (23 disposals, 4 clearances) were other strong performers for the Cats.
“Both played their second games back (from injury) and looked sharper and better as the game wore on.”
The news wasn’t as good for Sam Menegola and Jonathon Ceglar who both left the field in the first half.
“In the second quarter we lost some momentum, and both those guys went off.
“We will have to find out what the results are there, but it didn’t look too good for Cegs, but Menegola was concussion and hopefully he's okay.”
Geelong will return to GMHBA Stadium for its Round 3 VFL clash against Brisbane on Friday.
Round 2
COLL 2.3 8.5 10.9 15.10 (100)
GEEL 0.5 2.7 7.11 11.12 (78)
GOALS
COLL: Johnson 4, Cox 3, Booth, Fowler 2, Murley, Tardrew, Wellings, Wilson
GEEL: Miers, Narkle, Neale, Panuccio 2, Crofts, Evans, O'Connor
