INJURY blows to Sam Simpson, James Willis and Tom Feely and a 43-point loss to the Box Hill have left the Bendigo Bank Cats licking their wounds with one round to play in the 2022 Smithy’s VFL season.
The Cats are now languishing in 16th position after defeat in eight of their nine last contests following a strong start to the season and will now have to fill the gaps left by Simpson (quad), Willis (quad) and Feely (knee).
Geelong had patches of good ball movement and managed to win some key areas in clearances and hit-outs but struggled to transition and kick straight, finishing 7.12 (54) to 14.13 (97).
The first quarter started with difficulties getting the ball up the wing and into forwards' hands as Box Hill applied intense pressure.
Geelong’s first goal came from Ted Cohlesy (one goal, 15 disposals and five tackles), a junior from Geelong Falcons on debut for the VFL side, who recorded the most tackles for the Cats and showed plenty of upside throughout the match.
The Cats’ inside 50 woes continued as they struggled to get decent inside 50s despite spending 56 per cent of the second term in their half.
The only score of the quarter came 26 minutes into the term thanks to Francis Evans.
The second half passed with some strong efforts from Esava Ratugolea, Paul Tsapatolis, Jye Chalcraft and Matt Ling, but the squad couldn’t make up their three-goal deficit.
VFL players Matt Ling (21 disposals, five marks), Jye Chalcraft (23 disposals, six marks, five clearances) and Tanner Lovell (20 disposals, two clearances) all put forward a solid effort.
Mid-season recruit Zane Williams (25 disposals, nine marks) had one of his better matches for the year getting plenty of touches at half-back.
After a disappointing performance Geelong will look to finish the 2022 Smithy’s VFL season on a high against Port Melbourne on Sunday 21 August at GMHBA Stadium, 1:05pm.
VFL Round 21
GEELONG 2.2. 3.7 4.10. 7.12 (54)
BOX HILL 3.5 6.7 9.10 14.13 (97)
GOALS: Neale, McLachlan 2, Clohesy, Higgins, Evans 1
BEST: Ratugolea, Ling, Higgins, Stevens, Narkle, McLachlan
REPORTS: Nil
INJURIES: Simpson (Quad), Willis (Quad), Feely (Knee)
@ Box Hill City Oval
