Geelong has missed an opportunity to cement themselves in the VFL finals race, falling 10-points short against Essendon on a cold afternoon at GMHBA Stadium.
In a close fought encounter where the largest lead was just 13-points, the young Cats side couldn’t quite capitalise on their periods of dominance despite strong performances from some key players.
Sam Menegola was the standout for Geelong, amassing a game-high 31-disposals and six marks as he continues to build form in his return from injury.
In a crucial game for Geelong’s finals chances, the Cats were boosted by the inclusion of exciting young ruck prospect, Toby Conway in his long-awaited return from injury.
Ollie Dempsey was another handy addition for the VFL Cats, returning from AFL duties to boost the Geelong midfield.
Match Centre: Geelong v Essendon Statistics
The first quarter proved to be a low-scoring slog, with the opening goal coming at the 15-minute mark as the Cats trailed by 13-points at the first break.
A fluent passage of play up the wing ended with Shannon Neale at the top of the goal square, who kicked truly for the Cats lone goal of the first quarter.
Bailey Van De Heuvel starred in the opening term down back, collecting eight-disposals and picking off numerous intercept marks to help the Cats restrict the damage early.
It was Neale once again that provided the Cats a spark in the second quarter, launching home a long-range set-shot from outside-50 to cut the deficit in half.
Jamie Quick then followed suit just moments later with another beautiful set-shot, as Geelong held Essendon goalless in the quarter to level the scores at the main break.
Sam Menegola showed his class for Geelong in the opening half, collecting 17-disposals while Mitch Hardie was strong in the middle with 12-disposals and five marks.
The Cats started the second half positively, with Mitch Knevitt taking a strong contested mark at the top of the goal square and converting for his first major of the afternoon.
After Essendon kicked away to a game-high lead, Tom Panuccio steadied the ship for the Cats late in the third quarter, reducing the margin to seven-points heading into the final term.
Geelong levelled the scores early in the last quarter, when Marcus Herbert intercepted a vital play through the middle of the ground to set up a Brayden Ham major.
After Essendon pushed their lead back out to two scores, Jamie Quick slotted his second goal of the contest to bring the margin back to just three-points deep into the final term.
Unfortunately for the Cats, they were unable to find one last goal as Essendon kicked the sealer at the 29-minute mark to run out 10-point winners.
Ollie Dempsey pieced together another solid performance with 23-disposals and four clearances, while Mitch Hardie battled hard all day to finish with 21-possessions and five tackles.
After entering the game early in the second quarter, Toby Conway showed plenty of his potential as he collected 13-disposals and 14-hitouts, to go alongside four tackles and three clearances.
The VFL Cats will face another tough assignment next weekend, travelling to Queensland to take on Brisbane.
VFL Round 17
GEELONG 1.2 3.6 5.8 7.12 (54)
ESSENDON 3.3 3.6 6.9 9.10 (64)
GOALS: Neale, Quick 2, Knevitt, Panuccio, Ham 1
DISPOSALS: Menegola 31, Dempsey, Cousins 23, Hardie 21, Herbert 20
