Geelong’s VFL side has been beaten comfortably by an impressive Williamstown outfit on Sunday, falling to the Seagulls, 7.10 (52) to 15.15 (105).
The scene was set for an exciting day of football with clear skies and a surprising lack of wind making for a big crowd at Burbank Oval.
However, the game would be anything but exciting in the first half as both sides combined for only four goals.
The goal drought would affect the Cats the most as they went over an hour without a goal between the first and third quarters.
Despite outclassing the visitors, the Seagulls were unable to convert in front of goal and the Cats trailed by only 13 at the final change.
The last quarter would see the home side get their rewards for a dominant day out as they kicked 11 final term goals to run out 53-point victors.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree believes his side showed some intent throughout the day but was disappointed that they didn’t put up a fight when the game was there to be won in the final term.
“That first 10 minutes of the last quarter where we weren’t aggressive enough around the stoppages and the clearances, and they got their momentum up,” O’Bree said.
“It’s a common trend this year that when teams come at us, we don’t stand up in certain areas.
“We have just got to find the right mix when the heat is on and find ways to respond and meet the challenge.”
The Cats lost the inside-50 count and the clearances and the ball spent a lot of the game in the Seagulls' forward half off the ground.
This allowed those playing behind the ball to rack up big possession numbers with Tom Ruggles and James Tsitas both finishing with 27, whilst Tom Atkins racked up 23 disposals.
Wylie Buzza fought hard up forward despite limited opportunities, kicking one goal and laying nine tackles.
O’Bree believes Buzza is close to being given an opportunity at AFL level on the back of his continuous effort and improvement.
“(Buzza) is competitive in the contest, he embraces the contest and has improved a hell of a lot,” O’Bree said.
“He can go in the ruck if we need so he is definitely putting his hand up if an opportunity is to come next week or in the weeks to come.”
James Gow played an important tagging role, after he was sent to Willie Wheeler following a dominant first half from the Williamstown midfielder.
Gow kept Wheeler to one possession in the third term and was named the Cats’ best in the loss.
The Cats will have their second bye in the space of three weeks next week before taking on Richmond on June 17.
VFL Round 7 – Bendigo Bank Cats 7.10 (52) def. by Williamstown 15.15 (105)
Goals: Buzza, Black, Ruggles, O’Connor, Abbott, Atkins, Edwards
Best: Gow, Buzza, Tsitas, Edwards, Atkins, Horlin-Smith
Reports: Jones (rough conduct)
Injuries: Nil
@ Burbank Oval, Williamstown.
