Geelong’s VFL side has overcome a gallant North Ballarat outfit on Sunday, defeating the Roosters, 15.10 (100) to 6.15 (51).
Coming in to the match, the Roosters were winless from nine attempts in 2017 while the Cats hadn’t tasted victory since round six.
The Roosters fought hard kicking three goals early but were inaccurate after quarter time, with only 2.10 to show for the second and third term to trail by 39 points at the last change.
In the final term, the Cats iced the game with goals to Wylie Buzza and Jack Henry to run out 49-point victors.
Whilst the Roosters’ inaccuracy flattered the Cats on the scoreboard, Geelong coach Shane O’Bree was just happy to get the four points.
“The boys deserved (the win), we kept things really simple today with our defensive methods to just control the game,” O’Bree said.
“Even though they had 21 scoring shots, I thought the boys really bought in to the team defence today.”
With injuries depleting the AFL side, many players put their hands up for senior selection.
Wylie Buzza looks ready for an AFL debut after playing strongly in the ruck and up forward, with O’Bree impressed with his consistent effort in tough conditions.
“Buzza’s work rate was phenomenal,” O’Bree said.
“He is getting to so many more contests and he is doing the work during the week.”
Buzza kicked a goal from 18 touches, took six marks and helped fellow ruckman Ryan Abbott out with 14 hitouts.
Abbott also continued his good form with 43 hitouts, 22 disposals and four tackles.
“Against a couple of young ruckmen today, you’ve still got to beat them and (Abbott) showed them the way he can play,” O’Bree said.
“Ryan dominated with some of his hitouts to advantage, his follow-up work was a highlight and I thought he was impressive.”
On the ground where he played TAC Cup football for North Ballarat Rebels, Jamaine Jones played his best game for the Cats.
After a poor few weeks from the young rookie, Jones finished with 18 disposals on Sunday, along with eight tackles and two goals.
“(Jones) turned it around after his last weeks. He wouldn’t have been happy with the way he has performed, but today he came with real intensity and aggression,” O’Bree said.
“He got after the ball, won the ball and we were pleased with JJ.”
Timm House also played his best game of the year, kicking four goals in a starring role up forward.
“(House) was playing his role in the system and he got rewarded for it so I was pleased for Timm.” O’Bree said.
The Cats will look to continue their winning form next week when they return to Simonds Stadium to take on Coburg.
VFL Round 10 – Bendigo Bank Cats 15.10 (100) def. North Ballarat 6.15 (51)
Goals: House 4, Jones, Dobson 2, Buzza, Hayball, Ratugolea, Henry, Abbott, Capiron, McLachlan 1
Best: Abbott, House, McLachlan, Jones, Buzza, Edwards
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Floyd (Quad)
@ Eureka Stadium, Ballarat.
