Geelong’s VFL side has overcome their demons in more ways than one, claiming a nine-point victory over Casey on Saturday.
Facing the side that demolished them by 91 points in last year’s qualifying final, the Cats earned some revenge in the 5.18 (48) to 5.9 (39) win.
While this clash didn’t have the high stakes of last year’s final, it was an important one in the context of the 2019 season with the two sides sitting one game apart on the VFL ladder.
Much like last year’s final, this game was impacted heavily by wind, with one half of the ground proving to be the dominant scoring end.
The Cats were up against that blistering wind in the first term and started the match slowly with a scoreless first period.
Despite having that advantage in the second, the Cats kicked 1.7 and trailed by ten points at the main break.
A more even third term saw the Cats trim the margin to three points and with the wind dying down, the match was set up for an exciting finish.
In the final stanza, the Cats continued their inaccuracy but with 10 scoring shots, they managed to get over the line for an important win.
The result marks the Cats’ fourth win out of their last five matches and sees them continue their rise up the VFL ladder.
Cats coach Shane O’Bree was pleased with how his team performed, especially in times where they were against the wind (quarters one and three).
“Even though they scored three or four goals in the first quarter, we still structured up the way we want to play,” O’Bree said.
“We knew we had a hard 30 minutes in front of us (in the third term) and it was just about making it a battle and we knew we could still score.”
Sam Menegola made a successful return from a knee injury.
News on the injury front was not as positive as both Zach Guthrie and Nathan Kreuger were taken from the ground during the first half of the match and did not return.
“Both injuries didn’t look the best on the footage, they will get scans and take it from there, they were both leg injuries,” O’Bree said.
Sam Menegola made his return from a knee injury and was amongst the Cats’ top ball winners on the day with 26 disposals while also totalling 11 tackles.
“He has had a really good training block, so he was ready to go today,” O’Bree said.
“It was good to get through unscathed and he had a real impact on the game.”
Quinton Narkle was named best on ground.
Quinton Narkle was at his explosive best around the ball, racking up 30 touches.
While Narkle’s finishing around goal was inconsistent (2.4), he was amongst the Cats’ best for his work creating scoring opportunities for others.
“He is starting to really impact on games as he is feeling fit and strong,” O’Bree said.
“He kicked two critical goals too which is pleasing to see.”
Ruckman Ryan Abbott raised the bat with 50 hitouts while also collecting 21 touches around the ground.
The Cats will have a rest next week before they travel to Port Melbourne to take on the Borough after the round 17 bye.
VFL Round 16
Bendigo Bank Cats 5.18 (48) def. Casey Demons 5.9 (39)
Goals: Selwood 2, Narkle 2, Jones
Best: Narkle, Jones, Menegola, Abbott, Constable, Buzza
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Kreuger (Knee), Guthrie (Ankle) @ Casey Fields
