Geelong’s VFL side has failed to come away with a win against an impressive Essendon outfit on Saturday, falling to the Bombers 12.12 (84) to 16.9 (105) at Windy Hill.
The Cats had numerous chances in the first term, dominating the inside 50 count, but the efficiency of the Bombers saw the home side take an 11-point advantage in the first break.
Despite an improved quarter offensively for the Bankers, a host of undisciplined free kicks in the second term saw the home side hold the advantage at half time.
The ball was camped in the Cats forward 50 for the majority of the third quarter but inaccuracy cost the visitors a chance to take the lead at the final change.
The Bankers clawed their way back into the game and found themselves with a slender lead midway through the final term with a chance to claim victory.
Near misses in front of goal ultimately cost the Cats a win as the home side was able to counter with an efficiency that had not waivered all day.
“You can’t fault the guys’ effort, they tried to do the systems that we wanted to do but just couldn’t complete the finishing touches,” Cats coach Shane O’Bree said.
The Cats were impressive on the stats sheet, winning the clearances, disposals and tackles but their inability to finish that hard work saw them come undone late in the game.
With 13 AFL listed players, the Cats had many quality performers on the day, looking to stake their claim for a spot in the AFL side.
Cory Gregson, who did not suit up for the Bankers in 2015, was impressive in his VFL debut.
“(Gregson’s) attitude was very good. He played multiple roles, up on the wing, high forward, played our structures really well and looked clean around the contest,” O’Bree said.
Cats draftee Ryan Gardner played on dangerous forward Sam Grimley for majority of the day and was one of the Bankers’ best for his ability to keep the spearhead out of the game.
“Ryan’s had a really good start to the year, he’s got a great defensive mindset for a young guy. He wants to work on his game, works on it every day and he got a lot of reward for it,” O’Bree said.
“Grimley is a very good VFL player and to keep him without a stat to half time is a great credit to Gards.”
Jed Bews was also impressive in his VFL return, controlling the defensive unit and creating numerous attacks off half back.
Bews was amongst the Cats’ best and finished with 25 disposals, four marks and six rebound 50s.
The Cats midfield brigade was once again prolific with George Horlin-Smith continuing his strong VFL form, racking up 25 possessions, 16 of which were contested.
Zac Bates and Michael Luxford were also damaging with their pace and goal sense whilst James Tsitas collected a game-high 30 possessions.
The Cats will look to get back on the winners list next Saturday when they face Collingwood at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Round 5 – Bendigo Bank Cats 12.12 (84) def. by Essendon VFL 16.9 (105)
Goals: Horlin-Smith 2, Bates 2, Dobson 2, Luxford, Hickey, Farrelly, Atkins, McLachlan, Stewart
Best: Tsitas, Gardner, Bates, Bews, Smedts, Horlin-Smith
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil @ Windy Hill, Essendon
