Geelong’s VFL side has won its third consecutive match on Saturday, defeating the Northern Blues 19.11 (125) to 8.11 (59), at Preston City Oval.
Following the week off, the Cats came out firing in the first term, kicking the first five goals of the match.
The Bankers were in control at both ends of the ground as the Blues failed to register a first quarter goal.
The Cats’ dominance continued early in the second term as the visitors kicked the first four majors of the second quarter before the Blues came into the game.
After finally breaking through for a goal late in the second term, the Blues piled on three late goals to take momentum into the main break.
The pressure lifted from both sides in the third term and scoring was scarce early. The Cats ensured there would be no miraculous comeback and held an unassailable 48-point lead at the final change.
There was no holding back in the last term as the Cats were relentless in assuring victory, piling on six goals to claim a 66-point victory.
The win sees the Cats retain their position in the top eight for another week and gives them a strong chance at a finals push.
Whilst the Cats were strong across all four quarters, their start to the match, in which they kicked the first nine goals, impressed coach Shane O’Bree.
“The boys had a focus to bring the right attitude and it started from the start of the game,” O’Bree said.
It was the first time Cats fans got to see Scott Selwood in the blue and white and he did not disappoint on debut.
“(Selwood) steadied the ship a little bit today and it was good, I was very pleased with him to get a few touches,” O’Bree said.
“He played his role really well and got a bit of the ball and got through the game unscathed.”
The former Eagle impressed with 17 touches three tackles and a goal in limited game time.
With many big names returning to the VFL side, including Cory Gregson, Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy, there were numerous contributors on the day for the Bankers.
“All the boys, through the culture of the club, that have been omitted out of the AFL team, have had terrific attitude and have been leaders on the ground,” O’Bree said.
Pushing their cases for an AFL recall, the trio combined for seven goals and proved a handful for the opposition.
George Horlin-Smith made his return from a knee injury and got through the match unscathed.
Playing his first game at VFL level since round five, Horlin-Smith was amongst the best players with 27 touches and seven clearances
“Horlo played to his strengths around the contests and at stoppages he sets up those younger guys around him,” O’Bree said.
Another Cat in good form was rookie James Parsons, who was best afield in the big win.
The young Cat had been building in previous weeks and his hard work was on display as he racked up 19 possessions, three marks and two goals.
“(Parsons) is looking more confident every week around the contest and his running capabilities for a first year player show he runs really well,” O’Bree said.
“He’s just got to keep chipping away and keep doing the work during the week and he’s getting the rewards and getting more confident in the areas that he’s working on.”
The Cats will look to continue their winning streak when they take on Werribee next Saturday at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Round 14 – Bendigo Bank Cats 19.11 (125) def. Northern Blues 8.11 (59)
Goals: Kersten 4, Bews 2, Gregson 2, Parsons 2, Stanley, Selwood, Vardy, Horlin-Smith, Lucey, Atkins, McLachlan, Haintz, House
Best: Parsons, Kersten, Horlin-Smith, Atkins, McLachlan, Sexton
Injuries: Menegola (migraine)
Reports: Nil
@ Preston City Oval
