The ferocious Hawks initially stunned with their intense attack, leaving the kittens on the back foot for most of the first quarter. The ensuing panic meant disposal efficiency was low, as the Cats struggled to maintain possession and throw off the relentless tackling pressure of the Box Hill contingent.
In true Geelong form the boys eventually found their feet and began to actively compete against the Box Hill onslaught, finally claiming the lead as the siren sounded for the half time break. Josh Walker continued his stellar form with a starring performance up forward once again, booting two of his four match goals in the second term; while up and coming defenders Joel Hamling and Jake Kolodjashnij worked tirelessly to stem the flow of Box Hill goals in the back half.
The lead continued to bounce back and forth between the two teams with the margin remaining under a goal for much of the third term. However a sterling final quarter by the experienced Hawks was the clincher as the reigning premiers booted five consecutive goals to seal the victory.
Post-match, an obviously disappointed Matthew Knights acknowledged that the Box Hill Hawks were once again positioning themselves as the team to beat for the 2014 season.
‘We expect Box Hill to be a really top side, so to the fact the we didn’t start with the intensity that we needed to was pretty disappointing.
'We settled a little bit in the second half of the first quarter but we really were on the back foot for the first fifteen minutes.'
‘At three quarter time we spoke about the need to scramble for the ball at every contest to keep it tight, but Box Hill were unfortunately able to get some easy centre clearances and move the ball forward which put a lot of pressure on our young defenders.
‘We’ve played some pretty tight, ferocious matches against them over the last three seasons. The game was there for us to win tonight, but you’ve got to give full credit to Box Hill as they are a very good, sharp football team.’
Undoubtedly the highlight of the night was the successful return of injured Cat Steven Motlop, who at times showed glimpses of sheer class despite being on restricted game time and a focus on simply getting some ‘run in the legs’.
‘It was a good physical hit out for me, despite the disappointing result. I didn’t come out trying to do anything tricky, I just tried to keep it basic. The next two days are pretty important to see how my knees pull up, but I don’t feel too bad at the moment.’
With the Grand Final rematch now put to rest, the Bendigo Bankers’ focus turns to the North Ballarat Roosters, who currently sit in 14th position on the ladder after a string of losses. Be sure to get down to Simonds Stadium on Sunday the 27th of April at 12pm to support the Bankers as we seek to redeem ourselves with a hard fought win, or follow @GeelongVFL on Twitter for live match updates.
Talking Points
1. The key stats
• Geelong had 8 players who had played 3 or less VFL games
• …and a further 4 who have played less than 25 VFL games
• Both teams had 13 AFL listed players and 10 VFL listed players
• Both teams had ONLY 8 players who played in the 2013 VFL Grand Final
2. The return of Steven Motlop
Despite missing the first quarter due to injury management, Motlop seemed a class above the rest at times. While a tight snap at goal from the Gary Ablett Terrace pocket was disallowed by the umpire for being out of bounds, it reinforced that the young forward looks set for another standout season in 2014.
3. Joel Hamling
‘Hammer’ was outstanding in another strong performance down back alongside rising star Jake Kolodjashnij. His solid presence, intense pressure and ability to beat his opponent in the Box Hill forward 50 in the second and third quarters gave Geelong the conversion and ensuing momentum needed to make a strong comeback.
4. Josh Walker, again.
Described as a ‘willing listener and a good learner’ by Knights, the question must be asked, what more does Josh Walker have to do to gain senior selection? And indeed, is there room for another tall forward in the as yet unbeaten AFL side?
5. The VFL list
After losing clutch players Jaxson Barham, Mark Corrigan (now coaching), Rob Condy, Ben Raidme (injury), Andrew Banjanin (currently overseas) and captain Troy Selwood, Geelong’s VFL list looked a little decimated moving into the 2014 season. However with the addition of dynamite midfielder James Linton, stand in ruckman Fraser Fort, defender Luke Bath, BFL ‘Best on Ground’ premiership forward Daniel Gibbs and ‘ball magnet’ Mitch Herbison, Geelong’s local talent looks shine once again in the current season.
VFL - Box Hill Hawks 17-20-(122) def. Bendigo Bank Cats 14-11-(95).
Goals: Walker 4, Brown 3, Bews, Lynch, Motlop, Schroder, Luxford, Hollmer, Hartman.
Best: Hamling, Walker, Schroder, Hartman, Kolodjashnij, Bath, Linton.
Reports: Stringer (striking).
Injuries: Nil @ Simonds Stadium.
