Geelong’s VFL side has returned to the winner’s list with a comprehensive 89-point victory over Frankston on Saturday.
The Cats were clinical across four quarters in the 19.13 (127) to 5.8 (38) win.
Against the VFL’s bottom side, it was a game the Cats had to win, and they made sure they put the chances of an upset away early.
An eight-goal first term was just the start the Cats needed and they continued the onslaught with another four majors in the second term.
The third quarter was a defensive masterclass from the Cats, as they restricted the visitors to a solitary behind to open up an 89-point lead at the final break.
The Cats took their foot off the pedal in the final term but still managed to break even and run out with a big win.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree was pleased with his side’s complete performance against a strong attacking team.
“I was impressed watching Frankston in the way they attacked in the first half, they are going to scare some teams with their ability to play fast footy,” O’Bree said.
“The pleasing thing for us is that we knew it was coming and we held up, delayed them and slowed them down.”
VFL skipper Aaron Black made his return to the side following a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since round five.
With the Cats’ strong defensive stocks, Black was swung forward and performed well, kicking three goals.
“(Black) will be better for the run and looked like he was running alright,” O’Bree said.
“His touch got better as the game went on and obviously played forward, which he hasn’t done for 18 months, and it was good to see him hit the scoreboard.”
Lachie Henderson also returned from injury and was rock solid down back.
Wylie Buzza and Jamaine Jones also hit the scoreboard with three goals each.
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— Geelong VFL (@GeelongVFL) June 22, 2019
The Cats’ on-ball brigade was crucial in the win with Sam Simpson (27 touches), Lachie Fogarty (27), Scott Selwood (32) and Charlie Constable (33) all named amongst the best.
They were given silver service from ruckman Ryan Abbott, who racked up 27 hitouts, 25 disposals and eight clearances.
“(Abbot’s) ability to follow up and get after the ball was very good and I thought he was more composed with the ball,” O’Bree said.
“(The midfielders) worked well together, their main focus today was being elite with ball in hand, whether under pressure or in time and space.”
The Cats will have another important clash next week when they travel to IKON park to take on the Northern Blues.
VFL Round 12
Bendigo Bank Cats 19.13 (127) def. Frankston 5.8 (38)
Goals: Buzza, Jones, Black 3, Kreuger 2, Jarvis, Simpson, Abbott, Rokahr, McLachlan, Reid, Dowling, Byrne
Best: Simpson, Abbott, Selwood, Fogarty, Constable, McLachlan
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Henderson (AC Shoulder) @ GMHBA Stadium