Geelong’s VFL side has continued its losing streak, falling to Sandringham 13.8 (86) to 16.17 (113) on Saturday.
The Cats started the match strongly, kicking four opening quarter goals.
However, the home side were unable to keep it up in the second term as the Zebras returned fire to take a 16-point lead into the main break.
The second term was soured by a head injury suffered by Jamaine Jones which saw his day finish early due to a concussion.
The Zebras' momentum carried over into the second half as they kicked five goals in the third term to take a 31-point advantage into the final change.
Despite showing fight, the Cats were unable to peg back the lead and the Zebras ran out 27-point victors.
The loss leaves the Cats in 12th position on the VFL ladder but Geelong coach Shane O’Bree believes his side is still capable of making finals.
“Teams keep losing around us to keep us in the hunt,” O’Bree said.
“I’m definitely not giving up hope (of making the top eight), I think we are capable of beating any team on any day.”
The Cats had a quality first term but dropped away after that, highlighted by a second quarter in which they were unable to register a clearance.
“The disappointing thing was our lapse in concentration to let a team come at us again,” O’Bree said. said.
“We didn’t win any clearances or contests in the second quarter which hurt us a bit.”
For the visitors, it was Nick O’Kearney (34 touches) and Tom Hickey (29 disposals, 35 hitouts) who were most damaging around the ground.
On a positive note, the Cats had an even spread of goal kickers and Luke Webb, Harry Kol and Josh Guthrie were all able to kick their first VFL goals.
“It was good to see those boys kick their first goals for the club.” O’Bree said.
“All these guys are getting games under their belt which is going to make them good players down the track.”
“I hope they gain a lot of confidence from where they are at and how much they have improved as the year goes on.”
Webb looked lively on debut and finished with two classy goals from 11 possessions.
“(Webb) was good for his debut, didn’t look out of sorts and is a smart footballer, kicking two goals,” O’Bree said.
Sam Simpson returned to the VFL side after a stint at AFL level and played predominantly through the midfield.
Jackson Thurlow also had a quality outing with 29 disposals and four marks.
“(Thurlow’s) work rate was pretty good, he tried to implement the way we wanted to play, got the ball in his hands and worked hard,” O’Bree said.
Aaron Black played one of his better games for the VFL Cats, kicking three goals from 12 touches whilst also racking up six marks.
Consistent pair James Tsitas (31 disposals) and Ben Reid (28 disposals) continued their strong VFL form, both amongst the Cats’ best players.
The VFL Cats string of four consecutive home games has now ended as they travel to IKON Park in Round 14 to take on the Northern Blues.
VFL Round 14 – Bendigo Bank Cats 13.8 (86) def. by Sandringham 16.17 (113)
Goals: Black 3, J. Guthrie, Dobson, Webb 2, Henry, Reid, Kol, Berry
Best: Reid, Thurlow, Tsitas, Black, House, J.Guthrie
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Jones (concussion)
@ Simonds Stadium, Geelong
