The first quarter saw the Cats falter against Werribee’s fast paced and largely uncontested possession as they struggled to compete with the dominance of the Tigers.
After blowing out to a 6 goal lead and a 48 disposal differential, captain Dom Gleeson managed break the goal drought for Geelong at the 26 minute mark after six successive behinds.
However the Cats were buoyed by a strong comeback in the second and third quarter, scoring a cumulative 9 goals to Werribee’s 2 after upping their own intensity around the contest and bringing the play to ground.
But disposal efficiency and a lack of composure proved costly in the final term, earning the Tigers victory in the dying minutes of the game after four goals from turnovers.
Coach Paul Hood was justifiably disappointed with the match result, emphasising the fundamental need for a strong start.
‘I think we were eventually let down by poor decision making and the element of fatigue that comes in because of the work we had to do to get back into the game. So that leads me to feel more disappointed about the start of the game rather than the end.
‘Our ability to win the contested ball was much better in the second and third quarters. We were able to give ourselves a chance to actually attack properly and we did that quite well.
‘We just needed a little more composure in that final quarter. We had opportunities to attack and take our chances but we just didn’t take them.’
First year recruit Jarrad Jansen was named best on ground after yet another strong performance in the midfield, securing 24 disposals and 10 clearances for the match.
‘Jansen took a step forward again today. For a first year player to get disposals in the midfield in the 20s and lead our clearances, work really hard on the inside of the contest and get some ball on the outside too is very good.’
Jansen’s robust attack coupled with his consistency have lead many to question the likelihood of a senior selection for the young Cat.
‘It would be nice to give that opportunity to Jarrad at some stage, but the AFL midfield is a really tough one to get a run in. He’s playing as if he’ll acquit himself when he does though.’
Young Jake Kolodjashnij also put together a similarly strong performance after returning to his post in the backline, obtaining 11 disposals and 5 marks of his own while keeping renowned goal kicker Ben Warren to a single major score in the first quarter.
‘Jake had a big job on Warren who is a really tough opponent. The fact that he kicked one in the first quarter then didn’t kick another is a really good feather in Jake’s cap.’
Team captain Dom Gleeson set a strong example from the front with his tenacious performance earning him 20 disposals and 9 tackles, along with dogged midfielder Jackson Sheringham who demonstrated his ferocity around the contest once again.
VFL listed players Jack Hollmer, Mitch Herbison and Daniel Gibbs were also commended for their intensity and steadfastness around the contest.
‘Hollmer and Herbison both worked really hard today. Gibbsy was also really important in the middle of the game and did a really good job for us. Those guys have all shown signs of maturing as VFL players and continue to be important to us as a team.’
‘Most of the guys were playing well when we were winning but struggled when we needed a lift. So the message is pretty clear - it’s about the performance of the team, not about individuals.
‘As a team we need to be better at doing what’s important to us early in games. We just need to be prepared to come to play more often.’
Geelong now look to take on the Northern Blues who currently sit in 10th position on the ladder after defeating Richmond by a narrow one goal margin last week. Be sure to get down to Preston City Oval on Sunday the 29th of June at 1pm to support our young Cats.
VFL - Werribee Tigers 13-9-(87) def. Bendigo Bank Cats 11-12-(78).
Goals: Hollmer 2, Lang, Brown, Gleeson, Thurlow, Schroder, Luxford, McFarlane, Gibbs, Tudor.
Best: Jansen, Brown, Hollmer, Kolodjashnij, Sheringham, Gibbs.
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil @ Simonds Stadium. Crowd: 850.
