Geelong’s VFL side has come up short against a tough Box Hill outfit on Saturday, falling to the Hawks 8.5 (53) to 14.11 (95).
The match was a low scoring contest with wet conditions making for a scrappy affair.
The Cats started the match well, dominating possession in the first half but an inability to take advantage on the scoreboard hurt them, as they kicked only five goals to trail by 10 points at the main break.
Players were forced to endure an extended break at half time with siren issues causing a significant delay in play.
The belated start to the third term looked to invigorate Shane O’Bree’s side but in similar fashion to the first term, the Cats struggled to score despite their statistical dominance.
Facing a nine-point deficit at the start of the final term, there was hope for a Geelong comeback but that was quickly put to bed as the Hawks piled on five unanswered goals to start the quarter.
Box Hill finished with seven goals in the final term to run out 42-point victors.
The Cats dominated the possession count, especially in the third term but their inability to make it count cost them the win, believes O’Bree.
“We had a crack for three quarters and in that third quarter we could have executed a bit better and put more scoreboard pressure on them,” O’Bree said.
“In that last quarter, to come out for the first ten minutes and not give a yelp was very disappointing.”
Costly mistakes at crucial times was a key factor in the result with the Cats’ turnovers creating numerous scoring opportunities for the visitors.
“We just fumbled the ball at the wrong times, we didn’t ride the pressure, execute and we missed kicks and dropped marks, you’ve just got to take those opportunities,” O’Bree said.
Despite the disappointing result, there were some shining lights for the Cats in the heavy loss.
Jordan Cunico played his best game since returning from injury, racking up 27 touches across half forward.
O’Bree believes Cunico is improving every week and was the Cats’ best on a day where numerous experienced players struggled.
“Cunico has been building nicely every week, he laid eight tackles and his intensity around the ball was pretty consistent all day,” he said.
“(Cunico) has got some speed where he can actually break away from contests, it’s just having that confidence and understanding he can do it to be more effective with the ball.”
At the other end of the ground, acting captain Tom Ruggles performed admirably across half back, totalling 28 possessions and seven marks to be amongst the Cats’ best.
“(Ruggles) works hard and wants the ball in his hands, that’s one of his assets, he’s just got to keep working on his decision making,” O’Bree said.
Ryan Abbott also fought hard rucking against experienced AFL players in Tyrone Vickery and Jack Fitzpatrick.
“(Vickery and Fitzpatrick) are AFL listed ruckman and hold their own at AFL level, it was good for Ryan to be thrown different curveballs and respond to them,” O’Bree said.
Scott Selwood and Jake Kolodjashnij continued to push their cases for senior recall, with Selwood racking up a team-high 32 disposals whilst Kolodjashnij totalled 16 touches and four marks.
The VFL Cats will look to turn their form around next week when they travel to Windy Hill to take on the Bombers.
VFL Round 4
Bendigo Bank Cats 8.5 (53) def. by Box Hill 14.11 (95)
Goals: Buzza 2, Selwood, Ratugolea, Cunico, Ruggles, McLachlan, Gow
Best: Cunico, Buzza, O’Connor, Tsitas, Hickey, Ruggles
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil
@ Simonds Stadium.
