Geelong’s VFL side has claimed a thrilling victory over Richmond on Saturday, defeating the Tigers, 12.12 (84) to 11.11 (77).
It was the Cats’ first curtain raiser of the year and the crowd was treated to a match that was exciting from the first bounce.
The first term was arguably the Cats’ best all year as they played scintillating football at both ends of the ground to take a 21-point lead into the first change.
The visitors lifted in the second term but the Geelong defenders worked tirelessly to ensure they held the advantage at half time.
The second half was played on the Tigers’ terms until late in the final quarter when the Cats rallied to regain the lead and ultimately hold on to win by seven points.
Shane O’Bree’s side was outstanding defensively and the coach was pleased that they were able to get reward for effort.
“There have been a few seven or eight goal losses over the last month but the effort has been there and the intent and they have tried to implement the structures,” O’Bree said.
“Today we played a four-quarter effort, played the way we wanted to play and won a lot of critical contests when we needed to and they got rewarded for it.”
VFL superstar Tom Atkins claimed best afield honours, finishing with 24 disposals, nine clearances and 12 tackles.
It was Atkins’ second game back from injury and O’Bree was thrilled with the performance of his star midfielder.
“It is (Atkins’) perceived pressure, he just finds a way to scare an opponent to cough the ball up,” O’Bree said.
“It is just infectious what he does, he is a ripper to watch and his effort is unbelievable.”
Timm House continued his stellar form as a backman, racking up 12 disposals, four crucial marks and four rebound 50s.
Since moving to the backline, House has been a regular in the best players built on his intercept marking and ability to shut down key forwards.
Darcy Lang made his return from a broken leg and collected 15 possessions whilst laying nine tackles.
“Darcy is an AFL player and when he plays VFL, he comes back with a great attitude and gives effort,” O’Bree said.
Jamaine Jones and Ryan Abbott (39 hitouts) were also important whilst VFL listed duo Ben Moloney and Sam McLachlan rounded out the best players.
The Cats blooded two new players on Saturday with Brent Daniels and Trent McMullan performing admirably in their first games in the hoops.
The Cats will look to continue their winning form next week when they travel to the Holden Centre to take on the Magpies, a side they have struggled to beat in recent years
“We are due to beat those blokes, I can’t remember the last time we beat them in the VFL,” O’Bree said.
VFL Round 17 – Bendigo Bank Cats 12.12 (84) def. Richmond 11.11 (77)
Goals: Black 3, Buzza 2, Jones, Caprion, Moloney, Webb, Dobson, Atkins, McLachlan
Best: Atkins, House, Jones, Moloney, McLachlan, Abbott
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Floyd (ankle)
@ Simonds Stadium, Geelong
