Senior coach Chris Scott has praised the performance of his midfield group after their influential display helped the Cats overturn an early deficit with a 30-point victory against Richmond at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.
Richmond led the contested areas of the game in the first half to lead by 16 points at half time, but the Cats used the break to make some tweaks and what followed was a dominant six goal third term which helped wrestle back the momentum and propel them to their eighth victory of the season.
“We were really challenged and there were a very little tweaks that we made but it was more about asking a bit more from those guys in the middle,” Chris Scott told media post-game.
Jack Bowes was a catalyst for the Cats in the third term with 10 disposals, three clearances and a goal. The former Gold Coast Sun finished with an equal team-high 29 disposals, 11 inside 50s and nine clearances in arguably his best performance for Geelong.
Tom Atkins (27 disposals, 11 tackles, 10 clearances), Tanner Bruhn (26 disposals, six clearances, a goal) and Max Holmes (29 disposals, five clearances, a goal) were also strong contributors in the middle of the ground.
Toby Conway was another who impressed in just his seventh AFL game. The former Geelong Falcon finished with 14 disposals, 21 hitouts and four clearances, competing well against experienced ruck Toby Nankervis.
“We were really pleased with that midfield group.
“There aren’t many third-year ruckman in the competition and Nankervis is obviously a seasoned campaigner. I thought Toby more than held his own, and it is good for our midfielders without Cam Guthrie and without Paddy Dangerfield to stand up.”
Forward of the ball Ollie Dempsey produced an eye-catching display with three goals from his 27 disposals, including a couple of brilliant snaps late in the second term the keep the Cats within striking distance.
“He had a really good game ahead of the ball. We were really pleased with him.”
Geelong’s next challenge will be against Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.
