Geelong’s VFL side has jumped back into the finals race after a resounding victory on Saturday, defeating Coburg 19.12 (126) to 6.5 (41).
The home side came out with a bang, kicking six first quarter goals whilst restricting the Lions to just one, to lead by 31 points at the first change.
The Cats were able to maintain their advantage through the middle two quarters, playing great team football to take a 67-point advantage into the final term.
The defensive intensity from the Cats was relentless in the last quarter as they kept the Lions goalless to run out 85-point victors.
The Cats had only seven AFL listed players take the field, making the win even more impressive for coach Shane O’Bree.
“Today was challenging and exciting at the same time with the amount of young guys we had in the team,” O’Bree said.
“We could be adventurous because we didn’t know what to expect from the young group.”
Brandan Parfitt was one of the seven senior players, playing his first game since injuring his hamstring in round six of the AFL season.
Parfitt looked a class above, collecting 26 possessions whilst also racking up nine tackles, five clearances and a goal.
“(Parfitt) got through unscathed, his touch was good and his ability to win the contest around stoppages, footwork and cleanliness was good to watch,” O’Bree said.
In the absence of Wylie Buzza and Timm House, Sam Dobson was a focal point up forward, kicking six goals and gathering 20 possessions to be amongst the Cats’ best players.
“Today (Dobson) stood up, he was our most experienced forward and he was a real leader, having presence in the air and kicking goals when we needed them,” O’Bree said.
Jamaine Jones was also potent, kicking five goals from his 15 touches, with his coach praising his work on the training track as a key reason behind the rise in form.
“JJ has had two good weeks in a row, purely off his work rate during the week and his attitude and mindset to get himself up for games,” O’Bree said.
With numerous injuries at AFL level, the Cats were forced into using 16 VFL top up players, which included four debutants.
Leopold pair Jai Thompson (24 disposals) and Jack Berry (42 hitouts) starred on debut in the midfield whilst St. Mary’s duo Jack Blood and Harry Kol played quality first games in blue and white hoops.
“(Thompson) was awesome, around the contest he was clean hunting the ball.
“Having that connection with Jack Berry in the ruck obviously helps too because they did look after each other around the stoppages.”
The Cats will look to continue their winning form next week when they return to Simonds Stadium to take on Collingwood
VFL Round 11 – Bendigo Bank Cats 19.12 (126) def. 6.5 (41)
Goals: Dobson 6, Jones 5, McLachlan 3, Abbott 2, Parfitt, Ratugolea, Berry
Best: McLachlan, J.Thompson, Parfitt, Jones, Dobson, Henry
Reports: Nil
Injuries: M. Thompson (Hamstring)
@ Simonds Stadium, Geelong
