Geelong’s VFL side has come up short in Saturday’s match against Collingwood, falling to the Magpies, 7.8 (50) to 11.10 (76).
The visitors set the tone early with a four-goal opening term whilst they restricted the Cats to just one major.
The tide turned in the second term as the Cats piled on four goals to take a two-point lead into the main break.
The Magpies regained control in the third quarter and steadily increased their lead whilst keeping the Cats from scoring consistently to run out 26-point victors.
It was the VFL Cats’ sixth straight loss to Magpies and Cats coach Shane O’Bree believes his side allowed their opponents too many marks inside 50.
“The amount of goals they got from 0-10 metres out from goal was disappointing, whether it was one on one contests or our ability to defend in isolation,” O’Bree said.
However, the coach was pleased with his side’s effort as the Cats fielded a very inexperienced team.
“I thought our effort over four quarters was pretty consistent, we kept trying to bring intensity around the contest,” O’Bree said.
“I thought we matched them with intensity, just execution at times compared to theirs was a bit different and our composure with the ball let us down at times.”
Despite the result there were numerous positive performances from O’Bree’s side.
The highlight of the day came in the second term when key defender Ryan Gardner floated forward to kick the first goal of his VFL career.
“(The goal) was off good defence so I was pumped for him,” O’Bree said.
Gardner was among the best players for the Cats, playing strongly across half back.
“It was one of Ryan’s better games, I thought he had composure with the ball, good defensive positioning and intercept marking,” O’Bree said.
Ryan Abbott continued his strong form at VFL level forming a handy partnership with Jack Berry in the ruck whilst playing well at ground level.
Abbott totalled 26 hitouts and laid four tackles whilst Leopold’s Berry racked up 29 hitouts.
“Our rucks competed pretty well and were more experienced than what they were up against,” O’Bree said.
The VFL listed players stole the show once again with Sam McLachlan, James Tsitas and Jake Edwards all making their way into the best players.
Tsitas earned best afield honours with 25 touches and 12 tackles whilst also playing a lockdown role on Jarryd Blair.
“Tsitas did a good job on Blair, we probably should have (tagged him) a bit early,” O’Bree said.
McLachlan collected 24 possessions and laid eight tackles whilst Edwards racked up 20 touches and nine rebound 50s.
The VFL Cats will look to get back on the winners list next Saturday night when they take on Footscray at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Round 12 – Bendigo Bank Cats 7.8 (50) def. by Collingwood 11.10 (76)
Goals: Ratugolea, Gardner, Henry, Tsitas, Hayball, Dobson, Capiron
Best: Tsitas, McLachlan, Jones, Gardner, Edwards, Dobson
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil @ Simonds Stadium, Geelong.
