In a game that had stirred plenty of excitement with the return of young guns Shane Kersten and Billy Smedts, Geelong was unfortunately overthrown by a relentless midfield attack once again, this time from a heavily AFL-listed side.
‘It was a tough match to gauge. Collingwood played well in the first half, while our defence and attack was pretty lacklustre. However I thought our defensive work around and behind the ball was much better in the second half, which gives us a good platform to work on a couple of things over the next few weeks.’ Coach Matthew Knights reported after the game.
Geelong’s attack and efficiency in front of goal was again a significant issue this week. Although Collingwood had only an additional 3 entries for the match (51 inside 50s to 54), the scoreboard did not reflect the minor margin.
‘We’ve got to learn to use the ball a bit better in attack. Slightly missed handballs, slightly missed kicks; these things allowed the Collingwood defence to come back into the game and take it end to end without challenge at times.
‘However at times our attack was really good, up until the finishing point in front of goal. One goal seven in the third quarter on the back of a bit of ground dominance was pretty frustrating for the team, so that’s definitely a focus for future performances.’
Newly recruited Collingwood forward Patrick Karnezis certainly made his presence known throughout the match, securing 13 disposals and 6 goals to boost his chances of senior selection. Despite his dominance, Knights was relatively pleased with the defensive effort of the young back line.
‘Jake Kolodjashnij and Matt Sully did a reasonable job in holding their own against him, in spite of the obvious difference in experience. He was still able to create opportunities for himself though, and on the back of some pretty precise ball use through the middle of the ground meant that he got on the end of a few kicks that even the best defenders couldn’t stop. That to me was a fundamental issue in the game, that we really didn’t apply enough pressure through the midfield.’
Despite the final result, the game yielded plenty of positives for players and coaches alike.
‘Seeing Shane Kersten and Billy Smedts play their first game after long periods on the sideline was really encouraging. Shane lead really well as a forward and managed to get into really good spots at times to get some solid shots at goal, and I thought Billy did a good job in endeavouring to put his stamp on the game, particularly in his contested work across half back.’
First year recruits Michael Luxford (10 disposals) and James Toohey (10 disposals, 6 marks and 2 goals) also garnered unexpected positives after being asked to play outside their usual roles in the forward and back line respectively.
‘It was a really good experience for both Mickey and big Jim to play in different positions this week. They showed a lot of development in the way they went about it, which was really pleasing for us as coaches.
‘I also thought Darcy Lang (23 disposals, 5 marks) played a really good game in general play. He had two or three shots at goal that just missed, but he’ll take those opportunities next time.
‘Brad Hartman (16 disposals, 5 tackles and 7 inside 50s) also worked very hard as a midfielder and a winger all day, and managed to win a lot of ball. But he also put a lot of pressure on the opposition, which was pleasing to see.’
Werribee Tigers recruit Cameron Tudor also made his Cats debut performance as forward/ruck one to remember, securing 11 disposals, 12 hit outs and 2 goals.
‘I couldn’t be more pleased with Cam for his first game. He was able to assist Banjanin in the ruck and also get some scoring opportunities up forward. His focus now needs to be on building up his game, both in the gym and on the ground, and getting used to the way we do
things.
‘Tom Maas had another great performance in a half forward/midfield role. He worked tirelessly all day against a pretty crack midfield with the likes of Taylor Adams, Thomas, Kennedy and Clarke which was fantastic to see.’
St Joseph’s hard nut Tom Atkins once again starred as the 23rd player for the VFL squad, securing 18 disposals and 7 tackles to concrete his name firmly in the minds of local footy fans and potential recruiters.
‘Overall there were some pretty pleasing aspects of the game today, even if the margin was perhaps a little larger than we would have liked,’ Knights stated.
With the VFL state match against the SANFL being played next week, the Bendigo Bankers will now take a well-earned rest before coming head to head with the once again dominant Port Melbourne side, who currently sit atop the VFL ladder.
Talking Points
1. The Developing Squad
After two consecutively strong seasons, the Geelong VFL squad are now shifting into a more development based phase. Be sure to keep your eye on young AFL contenders Jake Kolodjashnij and Darcy Lang who will only continue to improve as they settle into the program, as well as stalwarts Jackson Thurlow, Brad Hartman and big man Josh Walker as they compete for senior selection.
2. The Return of Kersten and Smedts
After extended periods out of the game due to injury, the crowd were vocal in their glee upon seeing the two exciting young players take the field again yesterday. Neither disappointed in their returning performances, and Cats fans should be watching these two talented young men with anticipation.
3. The Captain
Ever the consistent performer, captain Dom Gleeson topped the disposal count yesterday after amassing 25 disposals, with an additional 4 tackles and 4 inside 50s to finish off the day. The calibre of his on field performance coupled with his leadership both on and off the field means that Geelong’s developing kittens are in good hands.
Collingwood VFL 19-12-(126) def. Bendigo Bank Cats 12-14-(86).
Goals: Kersten, Toohey, Hollmer, Tudor 2, Walker, Thurlow, Herbison, Gibbs.
Best: Hartman, Thurlow, Lang, Maas, Kolodjasnij, Tudor.
Injuries: Nil,
Reports: Nil @ Victoria Park, Abbotsford.
