Geelong’s VFL side has won its final game of the season, defeating Essendon 10.9 (69) to 9.13 (67) at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.
The odds were stacked against the Cats to sneak into the top eight but they came out firing in the first term, playing with intensity at both ends of the ground.
The middle two quarters were a tight affair but the home side never lost their lead and took a 14-point margin into the final term.
The Bombers came storming back in the final quarter but for the third week in a row, the Cats were able to hold on, winning by two points.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree was pleased with his side’s ability to hold on in tough conditions.
“It was a great effort, to get challenged the way we did in conditions that were pretty wet and slippery,” O’Bree said.
“The amount of injuries we had and sore players that fought through the pain barrier and found a way to win contests or just help their teammates out was a great effort.”
Timm House claimed best afield honours, taking six marks and racking up 16 possessions, impressing his coach with his work at full-back.
“House is a competitive bugger, we threw him down back just to free him up a bit, he played a lot of junior footy down there obviously because he has played such good footy for us,” O’Bree said.
Jackson Thurlow (24 disposals) and Zach Guthrie (14 disposals, four marks) ensured they finished the year on a high in case they are called up for an AFL recall, both playing strongly across half back.
“Thurlow, Simpson, Guthrie were probably hard done by a little but their attitudes and the way they played today puts them in good stead when they are required at AFL level,” O’Bree said.
Ryan Abbott went down with concussion but the likes of Trent McMulllan, Ryan Gardner and notably the undersized Jack Henry filled the void, sharing ruck duties.
“We had to play Henry (in the ruck today) and he dominated, he is a talented player that can play multiple positions, hopefully he gets an (AFL) opportunity very soon,” O’Bree said.
Henry finished with 11 hitouts, 12 disposals, three marks and a goal.
After his 23 tackles last week, Tom Atkins could only manage a game-high 10 but he had an impact every time he went near the ball with his 16 possessions.
Atkins wasn’t alone this week as a VFL listed contributor with Ben Reid and Dan Capiron also playing strongly to be amongst the best players whilst Aaron Black and Mark O’Connor had a huge impact on the win.
VFL Round 19 – Bendigo Bank Cats 10.9 (69) def. Essendon 9.13 (67)
Goals: Black 2, Hayball, Gardner, Henry, Thurlow, Jones, Dobson, Atkins, Gow
Best: House, Reid, O'Connor, Henry, Caprion, Black
Reports: Atkins (Rough Conduct)
Injuries: Abbott (Concussion), McMullan (Shoulder)
