Geelong’s VFL side have come away with a second consecutive win after their triumphant victory over Port Melbourne last week, this week defeating Coburg 8.10 (58) to 20.15 (135).

The fierce contest played out in soggy conditions, making quick possession and efficient disposal difficult as the players struggled to keep their feet.  

The Coburg Tigers took initial control of the match, finding favourable targets through the midfield as Geelong lagged behind the play at times, but struggled to convert in their forward 50.

Congestion through the middle compounded by the slippery conditions meant stoppages dominated much of the match, however the sure hands and precision kicking of Shane Kersten allowed the Cats to take control of the scoreboard from the second quarter.

Kersten was dominant in his third game after undergoing knee surgery in March, bagging 8 marks and 6 goals to earn himself a position in the Cat’s best. Coach Matthew Knights was suitably impressed with the young forward and hinted at a potential call up to the senior team in the coming weeks.

‘Kersten played brilliant football today. His form has been on an upward curve over the last three weeks along with his game time. To kick six goals and own best position was great.

‘He gave a couple away also, which is one of Shane’s traits. He likes his goals but he also likes to feed his team mates. It’s a really great quality to have.’

Midfielder Josh Caddy made headlines this week on his highly anticipated return after breaking his foot during a training drill in April, and his performance was well worth the wait. Amassing 22 disposals and 6 clearances, Caddy’s form was easily a class above as he threw himself into the contest with abandon.

‘I didn’t set the world on fire today, but it was just good to get the run back in the legs again.’ Caddy reflected after the match.  

‘That was a good starting point but I’ve just got to keep pressing in to try to get back in the ones.’

Mitch Brown and Jordan Schroder also completed successful returns after being sidelined by injury. Schroder had clearly retained his ferocity and intensity for the contest as he laid tackle after tackle while acquiring 18 disposals of his own, evidently relishing in the physicality of the wet weather footy. After a quarter time transition from forward to the backline, Brown similarly flourished in his relatively new defensive role.

‘Mitch played some really good footy as a defender last year. In particular today I thought his last quarter was excellent. He took marks, covered his man and his ball use was very good.

‘Mitch will have to get his fitness back up after having a three or four week layoff but I think his best football’s in front of him.’ Knights said after the match.

Rocket midfielder Allen Christensen was named best on ground for the second week running after yet another tenacious performance. His 22 disposals and 7 tackles provided integral momentum for the midfield group as they assisted in feeding an incredible 62 inside 50s to Coburg’s 36.

Young Cat Jake Kolodjashnij managed to add another string to his bow, moving forward in the final quarter and securing two goals after a successful three quarters in the backline.

‘Jake’s played as a second or third tall defender for the year so far and we like to give young key position players an opportunity in the other part of the ground. He lead at the ball well, he created goal scoring opportunities for his team mates and kicked a couple of goals, so we’re quite pleased with what he showed up forward.’ Knights said after the match.

After successive wins against powerhouse opponents, Geelong now returns home to take on the seventh-placed Werribee Tigers at Simonds Stadium on Saturday the 21st of June. Be sure to get down for a 12pm start or follow @GeelongVFL on Twitter for live match updates.

Talking Points
1. Shane Kersten
The young gun from Western Australia is clearly pushing for senior selection with yet another strong performance in the forward line. Kersten’s confidence in his ability to take marks and goal from set shots is unquestionably growing. The 191cm tall forward will be a welcome addition to the senior team in the coming weeks.

2. The return of Caddy
Caddy may not have ‘set the world on fire’ with his performance yesterday, but after stringing together several strong training sessions and providing crucial pressure as the role assigned to him required, you can be rest assured that this prolific midfielder will once again be gracing the Simonds Stadium turf as a senior player very soon.

3. Allen Christensen and the midfield group
Though the scoreboard spoke of a Geelong domination, the contest was hard fought through the middle. Key statistics showed marginal differences between the two opposing teams (Geelong had 326 disposals and 145 contested to Coburg’s 308 and 150 contested). It was Christensen’s leadership that was evident in his relentless attack as he set the indisputable standard for the midfield group. Schroder, Caddy and Jackson Sheringham followed suit and this momentum was key.

4. Team play
With the steady inclusion of AFL players returning from injury, Geelong’s VFL contingent are slowly beginning to look and play like a solid team. The encouragement and enthusiasm that stems from a team atmosphere is crucial to success.

VFL - Bendigo Bank Cats 20-15-(135) def. Coburg Lions 8-10-(58).
Goals: Kersten 6, McFarlane 3, Toohey, Thurlow, Kolodjashnij, Hollmer 2, Caddy, Luxford, Sully.
Best: Christensen, Kersten, Caddy, Sheringham, Hunt, Thurlow, Schroder, Hamling.
Injuries: Nil. Reports: Nil @ Piranha Park, Coburg