Geelong’s VFL side has won their second consecutive match, defeating Coburg 15.12 (102) to 10.7 (67), at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.
It was a scrappy affair early as both sides struggled with the windy conditions. The Cats adjusted first and took a 20-point lead into the first break.
It was more of the same in the second term with the home side extending their lead to five goals at the main break. Midfielder Alex Hickey with nine tackles in a strong first half.
The heavens opened in the second half and the Cats were able to control the game in and around the contest, dominating the disposal count to run out 35-point victors.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with the result in the trying conditions.
“The boys were used to those conditions and they’ve never used that as an excuse. They had an appetite for the contest,” O’Bree said.
Coburg’s Ahmed Saad had been dangerous over the first three rounds, kicking 12 goals but Cats defender Tom Stewart was able to hold him to just 14 possessions in a tough day for the former Saint.
“I thought (Stewart) did a pretty good job on him today against a quicker, smaller, very smart forward with AFL experience,” O’Bree said.
Following three weeks on the sidelines, Josh Cowan made a successful return from a hamstring injury.
Cowan totalled 15 disposals, 12 by foot and seven marks as he was managed throughout the day.
Billie Smedts followed on from his return game last week with another solid outing, Smedts had 21 disposals and seven tackles.
“(Smedts) played more game time and played different roles to previous weeks. We’ve just got to expose him to as many areas as we can so that Billie can put his hand up for AFL selection,” O’Bree said.
“I thought last week he was really clean around the contest, had his quick feet going and today was exactly the same.”
Many of the Cats’ young draftees displayed their potential with numerous excellent performances across the board.
Wylie Buzza played one of his best games in Cats colours, collecting 15 touches, as he adapted well to a new role in the backline.
“Buzz is another young first year player, we are exposing him in as many areas as possible.
“I thought he was pretty good in the first half, he looked proactive and got a lot of the ball,” O’Bree said.
Rookie Jock Cornell was potent up forward with 20 touches and three goals in a best afield display.
“(Cornell) is finding his feet at VFL level, starting to get a bit of reward for effort. His contest work has been really good and he has kicked a few goals,” O’Bree said.
Will Sexton also impressed in his VFL Cats debut. Sexton racked up 24 disposals and four clearances and was poised with ball in hand.
“The way he played today, he didn’t look out of his own depth at VFL level which is really pleasing,” O’Bree said.
The Bendigo Bank Cats will look to continue their winning form next Saturday, taking on Essendon’s VFL side at Windy Hill.
VFL Round 4 - Bendigo Bank Cats 15.12 (102) def. Coburg Lions 10.7 (67)
Goals: Cornell 3, Dobson 2, Murdoch 2, Hayball, Horlin-Smith, Parsons, Luxford, Lucey, Hickey, Atkins, Rees
Best: Cornell, Sexton, Tsitas, Stewart, Horlin-Smith, Atkins
Injuries: Tudor (head knock)
Reports: Nil @ Simonds Stadium, Geelong
