Geelong’s VFL side made a big statement on Saturday, defeating ladder leaders Richmond, 17.7 (109) to 9.3 (57).

The match started with a tightly contested first term as both sides had their share of opportunities on goal, with the Cats holding a one-goal advantage at the first change.

The Cats followed on from their strong start by piling on the pressure in the second term before blowing their opponents away with some scintillating attacking football.

Dominance all over the ground saw the home side skip out to a 37-point lead by three quarter time.

Despite both sides tiring late in the game, the Cats piled on four final term goals to run out 52-point victors.

The big win sees the Cats remain in the top four and coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with his side’s ability to play the game on their terms despite the quality of opposition.

“I thought we controlled the game for four quarters easily, probably our better game for the year just the way we implemented our contest work and structures,” O’Bree said.

“Probably the first quarter we were a bit frantic at times with the ball, made it a quick game which suited them, but after quarter-time I thought we controlled the game.”

The Cats have now tightened the race for a top two spot but O’Bree is not getting ahead of himself with his side facing a tough run home.

“It would be great to finish top two, but we know the next three weeks are going to be challenging,” O’Bree said.

Zac Smith was the dominant ruckman on the ground, racking up 50 hitouts as well as 17 possessions to be named the Cats’ best.

“(Smith) was good, I thought he dominated the ruck but the pleasing thing with Smithy was around the ground his aerial contests to spoil the ball or mark, protect a teammate, he was all over it,” O’Bree said.

Wylie Buzza also fought hard in the ruck (10 hitouts) and was a strong presence up forward, taking nine marks and kicking three goals from 22 possessions.

“I thought (Buzza) marked more than he has been, which is pleasing and he got rewarded by hitting the scoreboard,” O’Bree said.

Ball magnet Charlie Constable was everywhere for the home side, collecting 31 possessions to be amongst the best players.

Constable also totalled eight marks and four clearances in an impressive display.

Zach Guthrie pushed his case for a senior recall after being named in the best, as he racked up 16 disposals across half back and used the ball well by foot.

Also amongst the best was VFL listed star Tom Atkins (24 touches, 10 tackles), continuing his incredible patch of form.

Tom Lang made his VFL debut and played admirably in a defensive role, whilst fellow St. Mary’s product Aiden Grace kicked four goals in his second game at VFL level.

“(Grace) has slotted into a new forward system to what he plays in local footy,” O’Bree said.

“There are some scenarios where the chemistry’s not there but over time you build that so Gracey has been really good just to play his role in the team and got rewarded with a few goals as well.”

James Parsons, Gryan Miers and Jacko McLachlan all kicked two majors and were big factors in the win.

The VFL Cats will look to continue their winning form next week when they face Essendon in Round 19.

VFL Round 18 - Bendigo Bank Cats 17.7 (109) def. Richmond 9.3 (57)
Goals: Grace 4, Buzza 3, Miers, Parsons, J. McLachlan 2, Gardner, Murdoch, Atkins
Best: Smith, Constable, Atkins, Grace, Buzza, Z. Guthrie
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil @ GMHBA Stadium