Geelong’s VFL side has claimed their fifth consecutive victory on Saturday, defeating Werribee 12.16 (88) to 10.12 (72).

The Cats were favoured coming in to the clash but Werribee were resilient and provided a stern test from the opening bounce.

The match started with a tightly contested first term as the two sides went goal for goal, with the Cats holding a slight advantage at the first break.

The second and third quarters saw both sides take a more defensive-minded approach and neither team could break the game open.

With the game in the balance late in the final term, Geelong captain Tom Atkins kicked two crucial goals to steer his team to a 16-point victory.

Cats coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with his side’s defensive efforts in the scrappy contest .

“Credit to our defenders, I thought they scrambled really well all day and probably saved us a lot of the time,” O’Bree said.

“We got challenged a lot of the time but we found a way to get that goal and get the momentum back.”

Daniel Menzel made his return to football and got through the match unscathed whilst playing a key role in the Cats’ victory. Menzel kicked two majors from 12 possessions whilst also setting up numerous goals for his teammates.

Lachie Henderson pushed his case for an AFL recall, racking up nine marks and 12 rebound 50s to be amongst the best players.

“I thought (Henderson) got back to reading the play and his intercept marks, I think he had almost double figure marks,” O’Bree said.

“He read the ball well and is building confidence with his body and with the way he is playing down back.”

Zac Smith (28 hitouts, one goal) and Ryan Abbott (26 hitouts, one goal) formed a solid tandem in the ruck and gave the Cats’ on-ballers first use out of the middle.

“Zac will be better for the run, he has had a few weeks off and he is just glad to be back playing footy today and as we know with Abbott, he has had a really good season,” O’Bree said.

The pair also looked lively up forward and along with Wylie Buzza (two goals), formed a formidable forward line.

“If they get AFL opportunities they have got to be able to play forward and I think they have improved on that this year.”

Of the VFL listed contigent, Jordan Keras was the major ball winner on the ground with 37 possessions, whilst Luke Kiel racked up 22 touches and a goal.

Tom Atkins put together a captain’s performance with two clutch goals, 19 possessions (13 contested) and six tackles to be named best on ground.

“He has done it a few times for us, where he has found a way to kick the goal that we have needed,” O’Bree said.

“As the year has gone on, Tom is building with his performance but as a leader, he is definitely growing.”

The VFL Cats will look to continue their winning streak next Sunday when they travel to Frankston.

VFL Round 13 – Bendigo Bank Cats 12.16 (88) def. 10.12 (72).
Goals: Gardner 3, Menzel 2, Buzza 2, Atkins 2, Smith, Abbott, Kiel
Best: Atkins, Simpson, Henderson, Keras, Kiel, Jones
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil @GMHBA Stadium