Geelong’s VFL side has claimed a much-needed victory over Williamstown on Saturday, defeating the Seagulls 9.17 (71) to 5.6 (36).

Despite inaccuracy in front of goal, the Cats were the dominant team from the start of the match.

The Cats kept the Seagulls goalless in the first term, however they struggled to convert at the other end and held a mere 14-point advantage at the first change, not reflecting their early dominance.

The match was a tighter affair in the second term but the Cats kept their lead in tact before an improved third term.

The Cats took control in the second half and kept the visitors to two goals for the remainder of the match to run out 35-point victors.

Cats coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with his side’s ability to stand up against a quality VFL team and beat them in a stoppage-heavy contest.

“At the contests and clearances, that was always going to be the battle against Williamstown, they are very good at it and have a lot of experienced players,” O’Bree said.

“I thought we battled away hard and tried to change things up as a midfield group and probably wore them down in the end.”

The Geelong backline was at their brilliant best, keeping the Seagulls to five goals for the match.

Mark O’Connor (eight marks, four rebound 50s) and Timm House (16 disposals, six marks) were the pillars of the back six and both were named in the best players.

James Parsons, Jackson Thurlow and Zac Smith were all left out of the AFL side this week but responded well in the win.

Parsons was the best of the trio, racking up 30 disposals, six clearances and a goal.

“Full credit to those boys, their attitude coming back was fantastic and I couldn’t fault them,” O’Bree said.

“I thought (Parsons’) work all day was pretty good, playing in multiple positions.”

Sam Simpson played his finest game since returning from a knee injury, the midfielder totalled 28 possessions, seven marks, five tackles and kicked his first ever VFL goal.

“I thought (Simpson) worked into the game really well, played his role well and got in the right spots to get a bit of the ball too,” O’Bree said.

Lincoln McCarthy (19 possessions, one goal) and Quinton Narkle (19 disposals, 13 by hand) also continued their strong form since returning from respective injuries.

The VFL listed contingent played a hand in the win with Tom Atkins, James Tsitas, Luke Kiel and Campbell Floyd all performing strongly whilst Jordan Keras was the pick of the bunch, finishing as the top ball-winner on the ground.

Keras put together a complete performance and racked up eight tackles and five clearances to go with his 35 possessions (18 contested).

The VFL Cats will look to continue their strong form next week when they travel to IKON Park to take on the Northern Blues

VFL Round 8 – Bendigo Bank Cats 9.17 (71) def. Williamstown 5.6 (36)
Goals: Buzza, Miers 2, McCarthy, Gardner, Parsons, Simpson, Tsitas
Best: O’Connor, House, Keras, Atkins, Abbott, Parsons
Reports: Nil
Injuries Nil @ GMHBA Stadium