The Cats went into the record books for all the wrong reasons after the Gold Coast recorded its first victory in the VFL competition by defeating a disappointing Geelong side 10-8-(68) to 5-10-(40) in perfect conditions at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.
After a disastrous 1-4 start to the season the contest against the Gold Coast was being billed as something of a mini final for the inexperienced Cats. The Cats joined their AFL counterparts in the sunshine state on Friday and held a training session at the Southport ground to familiarise themselves with the surroundings. It was thought the trip away may provide the perfect platform for the young group to come together and re-start their 2010 campaign. All was going to plan until 2pm Saturday afternoon!
The first quarter was a dour struggle with the both sides unable to convert early opportunities on the scoreboard. First year midfielder Allen Christensen sprayed a golden opportunity to increase his season goal tally after a brilliant one hander, while young ruckman Nathan Vardy couldn’t find his range after looking dangerous throughout the first term.
The damage done could have been far worse for the Cats if the backline had not offered up such strong resistance. The defensive rebounding work of key players Tom Gillies, Jack Weston and Josh Cowan was crucial for the Cats as they went in at quarter time trailing by 10 points.
VFL listed defender Anthony Biemans encapsulated the determination and spirit the Cats hierarchy were looking for early in the second quarter with a brilliant chase and smother as he looked to set the tone the second quarter. Individual efforts from AFL regular Ryan Gamble and new recruits Jack Weston and Daniel Menzel gave the Cats the momentum going into half time trailing by just two points.
The vocal Gold Coast crowd could sense history in the making as their side of talented young stars of the future came out to start the second half. The Cats however, were more than up for the fight. A ten minute burst of magic from the exciting Adam Varcoe set the game alight, as the Cats closed to within one point midway through the third term. Just when the Cats appeared to have the upper hand, the Gold Coast struck back with three quick goals to ex-North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Harris, Rex Liddy and Rory Thompson.
The last quarter began with players from both teams throwing themselves at the contest with incredible commitment as the intensity levels went up a notch. And while the intent was there for the Cats it was skill errors and poor decision making that once again brought the young group undone.
The Cats controlled the match for the first ten minutes of the quarter, only to watch on as young Gold Coast star Luke Russell put through a great 40 metre goal on the run. Another goal soon after gave the Gold Coast enough momentum to go on and finish off the contest. Two late goals to the Coasters pushed the margin out to a flattering 28 points much to the delight of the excited locals decked out in red, yellow and pale blue.
Second year full back Tom Gillies enjoyed his best game of the season and was rarely beaten on the day while other strong contributions came from rookie Jack Weston, Taylor Hunt, Anthony Biemans, Ben Raidme and Jonathon Simpkin.
The disappointing loss puts the Cats at one win and five losses for the season going into the bye week. The week off will give a number of the young players the chance to rest their battered bodies and re-set their goals for the season ahead. A number of VFL listed players will represent local clubs or league representative sides.
The Cats then have a crucial clash with the 6th placed Port Melbourne on Saturday the 29th of May at Skilled Stadium. The match commences at 10:40am will act as an AFL curtain raiser to the Geelong Vs Melbourne round 10 fixture.
Gold Coast 10-8-(68)
Geelong Cats 5-10-(40)
Goals:West, Varcoe 2, Menzel 1
Best: Gillies, T.Hunt, Raidme, Simpkin, Laidler, Firman
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
@ Southport.
