Geelong’s VFL side has opened its pre-season campaign with a narrow loss to Collingwood, falling 10.8 (68) to 10.10 (70), on Saturday.
The first half saw both sides looking to control the ball and combined with inaccuracy in front of goal, it was a low scoring affair.
The Cats held a slender lead at half time but an injection of fresh legs after the break allowed them to open up a 15-point lead at the final change.
The young Geelong side had multiple chances to ice the game but a late five-goal charge from the Magpies saw them run out two-point victors.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree was disappointed that his side was unable to hold on but believes that the practice match was a good learning experience for the players.
“You want to create a winning culture so even practice matches you want to win,” O’Bree said.
“We’ve got a habit of making our easy work look hard at times and that was a common trait last year.
“A lot of mistakes here and there sort of hurt us but you learn a lot from it even though we lost.”
The Cats used over 30 players throughout the match, so many key players were rested for extended periods.
Reigning best and fairest winner Tom Atkins played only the first half but continued the strong form which he had shown in 2016.
“All those boys who had really good VFL seasons, have had good preseasons as well so we have just got to monitor their game time,” O’Bree said.
“(Atkins) is one who has had a good preseason and can hopefully take his game to another level this year.”
Wylie Buzza was named captain for the day and had a strong performance up forward whilst also pinch-hitting in the ruck.
“I think (Buzza) has got the attributes to play majority of positions, he’s a competitor and has got fitter this year so hopefully he can impact more of the game,” O’Bree said.
Buzza finished with 11 disposals, 6 marks and a goal in a strong showing.
Another young Cat who impressed was Quinton Narkle and O’Bree is looking forward to the first-year player developing throughout the year.
“You love to have a young player that wants the ball in his hands and takes the game on,” He said.
“We are hoping the more games (Narkle) plays, the more experience he gets with it and the fitter he gets, we will have a nice little player.”
Narkle was amongst the Cats’ best, finishing with a team-high 19 disposals.
Other Cats amongst the best were VFL listed players James Gow and Lockey McCartney along with former Roo Aaron Black.
Shane O’Bree’s squad will soon be finalised so the coach hopes players will be at their best in the coming weeks to try and earn their spot.
“They are still finalising squads on our VFL list so some guys know they’ve got to perform,” He said.
“There are young guys surprising us every week that train and play with us, so it’s a healthy environment.”
The Cats will continue their pre-season practice match series on Friday night when they take on the Bombers at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Practice Match 1
Bendigo Bank Cats 10.8 (68) def. by Collingwood VFL 10.10 (70)
Goals: Buzza 2, Black 2, Bews 2, Webb 1, Floyd 1, Atkins 1, Haintz 1
Best: Buzza, Gow, Narkle, McCartney, Black, Atkins
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
@ Olympic Park Oval, Holden Centre
