Geelong’s VFL side has claimed a massive win on Saturday, defeating North Melbourne, 21.11 (137) to 5.7 (37).
The two sides entered the clash separated only by percentage on the VFL ladder, however the match was anything but a tight affair.
The Cats had the perfect start to the game, kicking seven goals while restricting their opponents to a mere two points for the entire first term.
Amazingly, the Cats took it up a notch in the second term, piling on eight more goals as the visitors remained goalless at the main break.
The Roos got on the scoreboard in the second half with five late goals but the Cats still managed to run out 100-point victors.
The big win gives the Cats a handy percentage boost and coach Shane O’Bree was a happy man after the triple figure victory.
“One of the more complete performances, where all the focus areas that we went into the game with, we implemented them,” O’Bree said.
The Cats were bolstered by the returns of Lachie Henderson (knee), Scott Selwood (back) and Cam Guthrie (ankle).
Each member of the trio had spent lengthy periods on the sidelines and got through Saturday’s match unscathed.
“They are quality players, the way they have approached their rehab and the VFL game,” O’Bree said.
“They would love to be playing AFL but they understand what the process is and their impact on the game was pretty high.”
Cory Gregson put his hand up for a senior recall with five goals whilst Stewart Crameri kicked three in the first half before leaving the match with an eye Injury.
George Horlin-Smith put together a complete performance, racking up 22 touches, eight clearances, five tackles and two goals.
“Attitude, leadership and the way he embraces the VFL program – (Horlin-Smith) plays consistent footy every week,” O’Bree said.
Jackson Thurlow (39 disposals) was the major ball winner on the ground whilst Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie attacked well off half back.
Timm House was a brick wall in defence, taking nine marks, numerous from opposition kicks and setting up a plethora of forward thrusts.
Ryan Abbott fought admirably in the ruck against man mountain Braydon Preuss and earned himself a place amongst the best players.
Abbott continues to show his versatility, racking up 21 touches and a goal to go with his 27 hitouts.
Quinton Narkle was also amongst the best players, playing his finest game since returning from a knee injury.
“The last couple of weeks, (Narkle) has looked really sharp, playing to his strengths around the contest and his stoppage craft has been really good,” O’Bree said.
The midfielder racked up 19 disposals, 13 by foot and was damaging in front of goal with the three majors.
VFL listed stars Jordan Keras (22 disposals, seven marks) and Campbell Floyd (21 disposals, seven marks) also played a big part in the win.
The VFL Cats will look to continue their winning form next week when they travel to Port Melbourne in round 11.
VFL Round 10 – Bendigo Bank Cats 21.11 (137) def. North Melbourne 5.7 (37)
Goals: Gregson 5, Narkle, Crameri 3, Miers, Horlin-Smith 2, Gardner, Abbott, Siggins, Dobson, Atkins, Dowling
Best: Gregson, Thurlow, Abbott, Narkle, House, Horlin-Smith
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Crameri (Eye) @ GMHBA Stadium
VFL: Complete performance pleases Coach
The Cats recorded an emphatic 100-point win on Saturday