The Bendigo Bank Cats have lost their second match of the 2022 VFL season against an experienced Southport Sharks side that boasted a host of ex-AFL players.
Southport proved too strong at home as the final score read 8.8 (56) to 15.13 (103), with Geelong fielding just nine AFL-listed Cats.
Geelong looked out of sorts in the first quarter as Southport piled on seven goals to two, with the home team’s relentless pressure playing a big part in their early lead.
The Cats didn’t concede more than three goals in a quarter for the remainder of the match but couldn’t close the gap on the runaway Sharks.
Captains Matt Ling and Jackson McLachlan worked hard gathering 17 and 18 disposals respectively while using the ball well.
Cooper Stephens also continued his solid run with 19 disposals, 6 marks and a season-high 7 tackles.
Francis Evans kicked three fantastic goals, one in pouring rain, along with 21 touches and 5 marks as he looks to crack into the senior side.
The feel-good story of the evening came courtesy of Newtown-Chilwell GFL star Lochie Bond as he scored 2 goals in his VFL debut.
Geelong will next take on Williamstown at GMHBA Stadium, Sunday May 1 at 12:00pm.
VFL Round 4
GEEL 2.1 3.3 5.7 8.8 (56)
SOUTH 7.1 10.8 13.11 15.13 (105)
GOALS
GEEL: Evans 3, Bond 2, Chalcraft, McLachlan, Neale
SOUTH: Crossley, Gowers, Joyce, Pescud 2, Fields, Foon, Foot, Thurlow, Townsend, Williams, Woodcock
