The VFL Cats were unable to continue their recent momentum, falling to Footscray by 58-points on Saturday afternoon.
The young Cats faced a tall task against an experienced Bulldogs outfit, which featured 18 AFL-Listed players in comparison to Geelong’s seven.
Geelong regained some prominent players for the round 11 clash, including Jack Bowes in his return from a calf injury.
Bowes was a shining light for Geelong on a tough day picking up 16-disposals in the opening half, continuing on to finish with 28-posessions for the game.
Playing alongside Bowes in the midfield, Jye Chalcraft fought bravely all day, picking up 27-disposals to go with eight marks, six tackles, four clearances and two goals in one of his best performances this season.
The Cats were unable to match Footscray in the opening term, as the Dogs booted the opening five goals of the game to lead by 34-points at the first break.
Bowes didn’t miss a beat in his return, picking up a team-high nine disposals in the opening quarter while Marcus Herbert collected eight-touches off half back.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern to the first, as the Bulldogs extended their lead beyond ten goals at the main break.
Marcus Herbert continued his strong opening half with 16 disposals, while Ollie Dempsey worked into the game with 10-possessions of his own.
Geelong debutant, Kye Annand provided a nice moment for the Cats, kicking his first VFL goal early in the second half to open the Cats account for the afternoon.
Jye Chalcraft found space inside 50 and slotted the Cats second goal, before Phoenix Foster kicked back-to-back goals to gain some momentum for Geelong.
Brayden Ham converted the Cats fifth goal of the term as the siren sounded, to trim the margin in a much-improved quarter from Geelong.
The Cats were able to build on their momentum in the final quarter, as Ted Clohesy took a brilliant contested mark and converted the set-shot for his first goal of the contest.
Chalcraft added his second goal late in the final term, putting the cherry on top of a complete performance from the reigning best and fairest.
Marcus Herbert found plenty of the footy with 27-touches, while Brandon Parfitt worked into the game late with 23.
Geelong will now enjoy a chance to rest and prepare for the back half of the season, with a bye next weekend before they face Frankston in round 13.
VFL Round 11
GEELONG 0.3 0.4 5.5 7.8 (50)
FOOTSCRAY 5.7 9.12 12.15 15.18 (108)
GOALS: Foster, Chalcraft 2, Annand, Ham, Clohesy 1
DISPOSALS: Bowes 28, Chalcraft, Herbert 27, Parfitt 23