Geelong overcame a rocky start in the first quarter against the heavily AFL-listed Magpies, kicking only one goal to Collingwood’s three majors and struggling to shut down the Magpies’ run.
A strong comeback in the second and third quarters saw Geelong take the front with a two-goal margin leading into the fourth quarter, with the dangerous combination of Darcy Lang, Dane McFarlane and Jesse Stringer providing plenty of leg speed through the middle.
Though the impressive defensive work of Joel Hamling, Jake Kolodjashnij and Matthew Sully was key to the Cat’s retaliation, perpetual inaccuracy in front of goal, in an eerily similar rendition of Friday’s night’s AFL match against Carlton, eventually proved costly as they conceded to Collingwood’s eight-goal reign while kicking only three in reply in the final term.
Ball magnet and ruck Jesse White proved a constant thorn in the side of the young Cats contingent, kicking 4 goals while assuming the majority of the ruck work with 20 hit outs alongside Quinten Lynch and Corey Gault. Kyle Martin too lived up the pre-match hype with 30 disposals and 11 clearances, a feat that proved particularly costly for the Cats in the final term.
Coach Matthew Knights was once again frustrated by the side’s lack of composure in clutch matches, reinforcing the need for consistency as they strive for individual and team development.
‘It was just one of those games where we were pleased with the second and third quarters, but the first and last were a long way off their best.
It just happened to coincide with Collingwood hitting the scoreboard pretty hard.
‘Our ball use was just not polished enough and we defended for too long in the first quarter. The second and third quarters were outstanding in the contest. Defensively we were really in tune with the game but we just squandered so many opportunities in front of goal and we probably paid the price for that later in the game when Collingwood were able to swing momentum.’
‘However there are a lot of really good lessons for our players to learn out of these situations. They have to understand that unless they play consistent football and play really good basics and fundamentals that you can get hurt in any part of the game. Our inconsistencies have probably been our biggest challenge all year.’
Despite the disappointing result, a highlight was that of Brad Hartman, whose 30 disposals, 7 tackles, 11 clearances, 6 inside 50s and 2 goals provided a much needed morale boost when necessary, duly earning him the title of best on ground and glowing praise from the coach.
‘Young Brad Hartman showed a lot today. He’s really improved this year; his midfield craft and his capacity to run through the lines has been really quite promising. If he continues to play well and an opportunity opens up at AFL, he’s ready to take it.’
‘I think that’s one of our fundamental roles in the AFL; to provide players ready to go up confident and playing well, particularly with the AFL being in such a strong position ladder wise.’
Emerging VFL leader Mitch Herbison was similarly prolific in his midfield contest work, accumulating 26 disposals and 6 marks in one of his strongest performances of the season, while Jesse Stringer once again put his hat in the senior selection ring with 18 disposals and 10 marks in yet another ruthless performance.
With less than four percent and only one win separating the ninth-placed Cats and the eighth-placed Werribee Tigers, a definitive victory on Friday night against the tenth-placed Essendon Bombers could mean a finals entry by the skin of their teeth if Frankston are able to overcome Werribee in their Sunday clash. Though somewhat comforted by this thought, Knights emphasised that their primary focus would remain on the quality of the team and individual play.
‘Whether we make the finals or not, it’s critical for those guys who are pushing for senior selection that they play at a really good level and play good team footy.
‘There’s still a lot of meaning and effort that’ll go in this week whatever the scenario. It’s just important that we keep our standards high and play well next week.’
The Cats finals face off will take place at Simonds Stadium on Friday night, with kick off at 7:30pm. A roaring crowd will be essential as we endeavour to place in the top eight, so be sure to put this one in the diary!
VFL - Collingwood 16-5-(101) def. Bendigo Bank Cats 12-15-(87).
Goals: McFarlane, Walker 3, Hartman 2, Brown, Luxford, Herbison, Hollmer.
Best: Hartman, Herbison, Kolodjashnij, Gleeson, Stringer, Sully.
Injuries: TBA. Reports: Nil. @ Simonds Stadium.
