Geelong’s VFL side has gone down to Box Hill, falling to the Hawks 13.7 (85) to 19.23 (137).
Kicking with the breeze, the Cats failed to make the most of their chances in the first term and only one goal saw them trail by 19 points at the first change.
The effort didn’t drop for the Cats in the middle two quarters but the ladder leaders kept them at arm’s length and held a 16-point lead heading into the final term.
Despite an early goal to Jordan Cunico in the final term, the home side kicked seven goals with the breeze to run out 52-point victors.
The Hawks played the conditions much better than the Cats, taking full advantage when kicking with the wind, recording 22 more scoring shots for the match.
Geelong coach Shane O’Bree was pleased with the effort of his side after half time but believes the Cats lost the match with their first quarter.
“First quarter we had a fair breeze to kick with and played poorly, obviously didn’t capitalise there,” O’Bree said.
“The second half effort was there, we were trying to do what we wanted.
“It is just about playing together and understanding the scenario and situation.”
The Cats played most of the match without star midfielder James Tsitas after the classy on-baller hurt his knee early in the second term.
Along with key forward Esava Ratugolea, who broke his hand on Saturday, the pair will miss the rest of the VFL season.
In better news for the VFL side, three players with AFL experience made their respective comebacks on Saturday.
Jordan Cunico (ankle), Tom Ruggles (collarbone) and Mark O'Connor (ankle) all returned from lengthy injury layoffs and gave the Cats greater flexibility around the ground.
“All of them are definitely better for the run,” O’Bree said.
VFL listed player Tom Atkins also made a welcome return to the side after being sidelined with a hamstring injury, finishing with 13 disposals and a game-high nine tackles.
“(Atkins’) impact on the game around the contest, he makes things happen for us whether he gets the ball or not, he’s nice to watch and someone we missed,” O’Bree said.
Geelong’s two rookie forwards, Jamaine Jones and Jack Henry, were the Cats’ best in the heavy loss, both finishing with two goals.
“(Jones and Henry) have both had solid months, both played as high forwards today and their pressure was really good, obviously kicked a couple of goals from their pressure,” O’Bree said.
“Even though they didn’t get a hell of a lot of stats, they were the most consistent all day with their effort and playing their role for the team.”
Jones finished with 10 disposals and six tackles whilst Henry racked up 11 disposals, six tackles and three highlight reel marks.
“Those boys have improved all year, you can see them looking comfortable at VFL level, implementing game structures and thinking on the spot,” O’Bree said.
“They have done the work during the weeks just to make themselves better and are looking more confident every week.”
The VFL Cats will look to turn their form around next week when they take on Richmond in Saturday’s curtain raiser.
VFL Round 16 – Bendigo Bank Cats 13.7 (85) def. by Box Hill Hawks 19.23 (137)
Goals: Black, Henry, Jones, Dobson 2, Stanley, Ratugolea, Cunico, Webb, Edwards
Best: Jones, Henry, House, Moloney, Atkins, McLachlan
Reports: Ratugolea (Hand), Tsitas (Medial – Knee)
Injuries: Nil
@ Box Hil City Oval
