Geelong’s VFL side has suffered a gallant defeat to a talented Collingwood outfit, falling agonisingly short against the Magpies, 13.9 (87) to 13.13 (91).

The Cats started poorly and gave their opponents a fast start with the home side kicking six first quarter goals.

The visitors regained composure in the second term but were playing catch-up football for the next two quarters.

Heading into the final term, the Cats trailed by 29 points but were kicking to the scoring end.

With the wind behind them, Geelong kicked five goals to put themselves in front with only minutes left but a late goal to Jarryd Blair saw the Magpies win by four points.

Cats coach Shane O’Bree was disappointed with the poor start to the match but saw positives from his side’s turnaround.

“The first half we just didn’t jell well enough and probably didn’t play the way we have been playing (in recent weeks) with our system,” O’Bree said.

“We spoke about it at half time and I thought we really controlled the game in the second half.

“Those are the games you can lose by 10 goals because they are just too hard but our boys all year have shown their determination and will to get back in the contest.”

The Cats welcomed Quinton Narkle (knee), Sam Simpson (knee) and Lincoln McCarthy (groin) back into the side after injury plagued stints on the sidelines.

“They all showed glimpses of what they are good at and the finishing touches will come in the next couple of weeks,” O’Bree said.

“I was really happy for those boys, the way they got through the game and hunted the ball.”

McCarthy kicked two goals and was amongst the Cats best players whilst Simpson (19 disposals) and Narkle (17) both competed well and importantly got through the match unscathed.

The visitors won the ruck battle with Ryan Abbott (34 hitouts) playing one of his better games for the year.

“I thought (Abbott) was the most dominant ruckman on the ground,” O’Bree said.

“He played with a bit of aggression today which is what we have been asking for and I thought he was one of our most consistent players.”

VFL listed midfielder Jordan Keras played his first game in the hoops and had an immediate impact on the side, finishing with 24 possessions and six tackles.

“(Keras) will help our stoppage craft and contest craft so he is another one we have just got to keep getting more time into,” O’Bree said.

The reigning NEAFL MVP was amongst a group of VFL listed players who performed admirably, with Tom Atkins (20 disposals, nine tackles), James Tsitas (24 touches) and Sam McLachlan (22 disposals, five clearances) all racking up big numbers.

Youngsters Harry Kol and Matthew Hayball were also amongst the best players while Mark O’Connor performed well across half back.

The VFL Cats will look to get back onto the winners list next week when they take on Essendon in round seven.

VFL Round 6 – Bendigo Bank Cats 13.9 (87) def. (by) Collingwood 13.13 (91)

Goals: Stanley, McCarthy, Dobson 2, Narkle, Black, Miers, Jones, O’Connor, Abbott, Atkins
Best: Abbott, McCarthy, Hayball, Kol, Simpson, O’Connor

Reports: Nil

Injuries: Constable (Concussion) @ Olympic Park Oval, Holden Centre