Geelong’s VFL side has finished their practice match campaign strongly, defeating Footscray, 16.16 (112) to 15.4 (94) on Sunday.
The game started with a goal-fest in the first term as both sides combined for 11 majors with Geelong holding a slight advantage at quarter time.
The second term saw the Cats lock down on the defensive end, keeping the Bulldogs goalless to take a 38-point lead into the main break.
A resurgent Footscray outfit challenged the Cats in the second half but it was too little, too late as the visitors ran out 18-point victors.
With a host of AFL listed players suiting up for their first VFL game, Cats coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with his side’s ability to play as a unit.
“Last two weeks have been really pleasing with the mix and the chemistry between the group,” O’Bree said.
“It was the most experienced VFL team we’ve had for a few years and it was good to see the way they all played.”
The coach was also pleased by the way his side held on in the final term in difficult conditions.
“The way we finished the game, against the wind and with a few guys a bit sore and cramping and on caps, the boys kept trying to play the right way.”
Scott Selwood made his return from an ankle injury and looks to be on the right track for an AFL recall.
“Everything he does on the footy field is for the best of the team,” O’Bree said.
“It will probably depend on how the AFL side is performing, but at this stage we’re just happy with him getting through a game of football.”
The Bulldogs played with a potent forward line with the likes of Tom Boyd, Jack Redpath, Josh Schache and Tory Dickson all lining up together.
The Cats defensive unit played strongly as a whole with key defenders Timm House and Ryan Gardner playing important roles to shut down an AFL-quality forward line.
Nakia Cockatoo also looks ready for an AFL recall after playing out the full game and impressing with two goals.
“We wanted to get as much game time into him so he played the whole game, a bit everywhere and contributed and had an impact on the game,” O’Bree said.
“The player he is and the player we need him to be, we need him fully wound up to play a full game of AFL football.”
Rhys Stanley looked lively up forward and finished with four goals to be amongst the Cats’ best whilst Aaron Black and Jamaine Jones kicked two each.
George Horlin-Smith, Nathan Horbury and Jordan Cunico were among the top ball winners whilst Gryan Miers looked dangerous up forward.
The Cats will look to continue their strong form in round one when they face Werribee on Easter Sunday.
Practice Match – Bendigo Bank Cats 16.16 (112) def. Footscray Bulldogs 15.4 (94)
Goals: Stanley 4, Cockatoo, Black, Jones 2, Buzza, Miers, Henry, Diamond, Atkins, McLachlan
Best: Horlin-Smith, Black, Jones, Horbury, Stanley, House
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Reid (Concussion)
