Geelong’s VFL side suffered their second straight defeat of the 2011 home and away season when they were put to the sword by arch rival the Werribee Tigers. The Tigers ran out 28 point winners, 9-20-(74) to 6-10-(46) in blustery conditions at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

Steven Motlop (26 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal) and Simon Hogan (26 disposals, 6 marks) both made successful return from injury while first year midfielder Jordan Schroder (15 disposals, 4 marks) was the only multiple goal kicker for the Cats with 2 majors. The first term was a tough, hard, old fashioned affair with Werribee costing themselves a considerable first term lead after kicking 6 consecutive behinds. The ever changing direction of the wind was about the only thing keeping the Geelong VFL team in the contest, as it ended the first quarter only 8 point behind.

Unfortunately ‘Mother Nature’ turned its back on the Cats in the second quarter as the Tigers put on four goals, 5 behinds to Geelong’s 1 goal, 2 behinds. The Werribee Tigers recorded the first 10 inside 50’s of the second quarter and had all the drive through the middle of the ground through former West Coast rookie Ben Sharp (28 disposals, 6 clearances), former Sydney Swan Matthew O’Dwyer (25 disposals, 8 marks) and club stalwarts Robbie Castello (25 disposals, 6 marks) and Michael Rockefeller (27 disposals, 6 marks).

After his impressive debut for the Kangaroos in round one of the AFL season, the versatile Cameron Pederson (19 disposals, 9 marks) again shone for the Tigers with his strong body work and his control of the half-back line noticeable for the majority of the game. Utility Jamie McMillan (24 disposals, 9 marks) was busy around the packs whilst West Coast recruit Ben McKinley (9 disposals, 3 marks, 2 goals) provided a dangerous target in attack.

The third term was a much more competitive affair with the Cats getting back to basics and each player looking to beat their direct opponent contest by contest. The ever impressive Andrew McLean (23 disposals, 7 marks) was moved forward after an impressive first half in defence and continually presented up at the ball and created opportunities for teammates. Jordan Schroder ran tirelessly throughout the quarter and was rewarded late by streaming forward to take an impressive contested mark and going back to slot his first goal in Geelong VFL colours.

Just as the Cats seemed to be crawling back into the contest, Tigers forward Michael Still showed nerve as he steered home a crucial goal and gave his side a 24 point buffer heading into the last quarter.

With the crowd building for the AFL Round 3 Geelong Vs Port Adelaide fixture and the Cats only down by four goals, VFL coach Dale Amos called on his charges for a big final effort. Unfortunately, there was to be no fairytale finish. The Cats continually let themselves down by making simple mistakes by both hand and foot.

With co-captain Troy Selwood sustaining a glute injury in the first minute of the match and his co-leader Matthew Firman on the sidelines with a quad injury, the Cats seemed to be lacking a great deal of leadership and experience.

While the VFL bye has come at a good time for those in the medical room, The VFL Cats will get a wonderful opportunity to work on some key areas next week when they take on the AFL AIS Academy squad at the MCG as a curtain raiser to the Collingwood Vs Richmond match.

While the majority of the AFL listed players will be rested from the AIS fixture, a number will use the game for some much needed match conditioning. Steven Motlop, Simon Hogan and George Burbury all look set to take part in the game, while AFL Rookie Jesse Stringer will make his return from injury after being sidelined for over 12 months. Talented VFL listed duo Ben Raidme and Mitchell Cuthill will also be back in action for the Cats for the first time in season 2011.

The AIS match at the MCG kicks off at 4.20pm with the gates opening at 4.00pm.

Werribee: 9.20 (74)
Geelong: 6.10 (46)
Goals: J. Schroder 2, A. McLean , N. Vardy , S. Motlop , J. Walker 1
Best: A. McLean, T. West, J. Cowan, J. Schroder, C. Tutungi, S. Motlop