The VFL Cats will take plenty of positives from Friday night’s contest with Casey, despite falling to the experienced Demons outfit by 40-points at GMHBA Stadium. 

Ollie Dempsey was once again the standout for Geelong, spending plenty of time in the midfield and picking up 32-disposals along with eight-clearances.

Geelong were bolstered by the return of Sam Menegola for his first game since round 22 last season, and Shannon Neale who lined up for the first time since round two. 

Oisin Mullin also returned to the VFL Cats line-up to strengthen the backline, following a promising stint with the Cats AFL team.

The Cats dominated the clearance battle in the opening term but were unable to capitalise, finding themselves trailing by 18-points at the first break.  

Ollie Dempsey rose over the top of his opponent to take a brilliant contested mark, before calmly slotting the Cats opening goal early in the first quarter. 

Dempsey was heavily involved early with five-disposals and a goal in the opening term, while Ted Clohesy picked up six-disposals of his own.

The Cats fought hard in the second term but the Demons were able to extend their lead to 40-points at the main break.  

Shannon Neale ignited the Cats midway through the second quarter, plucking the ball out of a ruck contest and snapping a brilliant solo goal from long range. 

Mitch Knevitt was injected into the midfield to great effect in the first half, picking up nine-disposals and six-clearances while also laying seven-tackles. 

Brandon Parfitt worked hard picking up 15-disposals, while Mitch Hardie was solid with 10-disposals and a pair of clearances in his second game at Geelong. 

The Cats dominated large portions of third term, stemming Casey’s momentum and holding them to just a single point in the quarter. 

Geelong started brightly when Oscar Murdoch beautifully picked off a clearing kick from the Demons, before finding Angus Byrne deep inside-50 for the first goal of the second half.

Byrne then got on the end of a quick kick deep into attack, converting his second consecutive major to trim the margin back to four-goals at the final break.

The Cats were unable to sustain their momentum in the last quarter, as Casey lifted their intensity to put the game beyond reach and close out a 40-point win.

Jamie Quick slotted Geelong’s lone major of the final term, topping off a nice debut game in the blue and white.

Brandan Parfitt fought hard all night, collecting 25-disposals and five-clearances alongside Dempsey in the middle.

Match Centre: Geelong vs Casey

Sam Menegola shook off the rust in his return to football, spending most of his night on the wing and collecting 14-disposals as he will look to build his workload in the coming weeks.

For the VFL-Listed Cats, Marcus Herbert continued his strong form with 26-disposals while Mace Cousins and Dan Capiron were solid down back with 20-touches each.

The Cats will travel to Sydney next Friday afternoon for an important clash with the Swans.

GEELONG       1.3       2.4       4.9         5.10       (40)
CASEY             4.3       8.8       8.9        11.14     (80)

GOALS: Byrne 2, Dempsey, Neale, Quick 1
DISPOSALS: Dempsey 32, Herbert 26, Parfitt 25, Cousins, Capiron 20