Geelong’s VFL side has ended their losing streak against Collingwood, defeating the Magpies 11.10 (76) to 9.17 (71).
The match started with a low scoring first term that saw both sides combine for only two goals.
That trend ended in the second term as the Cats piled on five goals to two to take a 19-point lead into the main break.
The third term saw the home side regain their composure, controlling the play late in the quarter to take momentum into the final term.
The last quarter was thrilling until the final siren as the two sides went goal for goal with the Cats coming out victorious by five points.
The result ended the streak of six straight losses to the Magpies and Cats coach Shane O’Bree credits the teamwork of his side.
“It is a good streak to end, the boys deserved to win today and I thought we controlled the game majority of the time,” O’Bree said.
“23 players contributing, sticking to their values and what the themes of the game were, trying to implement it for four quarters.
“It was a good effort for a very young team.”
The defensive unit was impressive and O’Bree believes that it was their experience that enabled them to keep the Magpies to only nine goals for the day.
“I thought it was our most experienced backline we’ve had all year,” He said.
“Hickey back, Ruggles doing a job on Kirby, (Edwards), Cal Mitchell on Jesse White did a good job, Guthrie going through at times and Ben Reid as well.”
Tackling records tumbled as Tom Atkins totalled 26 tackles in an astonishing display.
Atkins was named best afield for his tackling efforts whilst he also totalled 26 possessions (21 contested), ten clearances and a goal.
“Atkins was unbelievable again, to have over 20 tackles and 20 possessions and just getting secondary stoppages when we needed them, he is going really well Tommy,” O’Bree said.
Ryan Abbott was a dominant force in the ruck, racking up a game-high 56 hitouts and kicking an important goal in the final term to go with his eight clearances.
“I thought Abbott dominated the ruck and gave our mids first use, he has had a solid back half to the year,” O’Bree said.
“He has really improved and got confident as the year has gone on.”
Atkins and Abbott were amongst the best players, along with Jordan Cunico (24 touches, two goals), Darcy Lang (19 disposals, five tackles), James Gow and Aaron Black.
Ryan Gardner was thrown into a new role, switching from back to forward for the first time in his career and showed promise in front of goal.
“I was pumped for (Gardner), he moved really well, he actually used his creativity and used his body,” O’Bree said.
“He looked good and I was happy for him.”
Gardner finished with one goal from his eight disposals and put pressure on the Collingwood defenders with his defensive mindset.
The Cats will look to continue their winning form next week when they face Essendon at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Round 18 – Bendigo Bank Cats 11.10 (76) def. Collingwood 9.17 (71)
Goals: Cunico, Atkins 2, Gardner, Black, Abbott, Caprion, Webb, McLachlan, Gow
Best: Atkins, Abbott, Cunico, Black, Lang, Gow
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Dobson (Concussion)
@ Olympic Park Oval
