The Cats were having trouble finding guys to help him out. Injuries haven’t helped the cause with the likes of Scott Simpson and Mitch Brown out injured.
“Today was the first time we were missing the likes of a Scotty Simpson and Mitch Brown as that lead up type centre half forward who can provide that get out kick for us, we didn’t have it today and we got exposed for it.”
Geelong, kicking with the aid of a breeze in the first term, entered the quarter time break down by seven points after Trent West kicked the Cats first major of the match. Hogan, David Johnson, Nathan Djerrkura, Ben Raidme, Kane Tenace and Ryan Gamble all found plenty of the ball in the first quarter.
North Ballarat had the wind in the second quarter and used it well to their advantage kicking six goals to the Cats two goals. The backline led by Tom Gillies worked overtime and managed to provide run from the backline. He and Hogan led Geelong with nine possessions each for the quarter.
“He shows glimpses of being a really good player, he does a really good job as a young defender who most weeks would take on the opposition key forward.” Amos said of Tom Gillies.
Geelong came out after half time and dominated the third quarter without making any inroads on the scoreboard. They dominated inside 50’s 19 to 7 and dominated the tackles 14 to 4. A highlight of the quarter was the effort of Adam Varcoe who chased down an opponent and laid a great tackle.
Everyone knew it wasn’t the Cats day when Jon Simpkin ran into an open goal and missed. But he was the Cats second leading possession getter for the quarter behind Hogan who had 10. Young Cat Tom Allwright showed great courage when going for a mark but ended up taking a heavy hit leaving him winded. He came back onto the ground in the fourth quarter.
North Ballarat got the jump on the Cats early, but a few a late goals by Podsiadly reduced the final margin to 58 points. Hogan, Johnson and Djerrkura all found plenty of the footy in the final quarter. A good sign to come out of the quarter was Geelong dominating the clearances 11 to 4.
“ It was disappointing after we played well last week its just disappointing to get beaten like we did today, it’s just one of those days where it just didn’t happen for us.” Amos said after the game.
Simon Hogan collected 36 possessions, 19 hardball gets, nine clearances and nine tackles in his first game back after a two week lay off with injury.
“I was pleased with my first come back game from injury and I’m glad I pulled up alright. I think I need to improve my skills as I turned the footy over a bit today.” Hogan said after the game.
