Geelong’s VFL squad kicked off its 2010 practice matches series with a 61 point loss to a vastly more experienced Collingwood outfit at Gosch’s Paddock on Saturday. Bell Park’s Jackson Bright was the only multiple goal kicker with 2 majors, as the young Cats went down 8-5-(53) to 16-18-(114).

Key playmakers Taylor Hunt, Allen Christensen, Jeremy Laidler and Nathan Djerkurra all shone, in a game where Dale Amos and his coaching staff got a good look at many of the fresh faced youngsters vying for a spot on the VFL list.

The bigger and more experienced Collingwood side out-muscled and out-ran the young Cats from the start. Dayne Beams, Anthony Corrie, Ryan Cook, Chris Dawes and Sean Rusling all showed they were a cut above in a dominant opening term, with Collingwood leading by 29 points at the first change.

The second quarter opened in positive fashion for the Cats with the rangy young forward Bright receiving and converting a free kick within the first three minutes to open the Cats account for 2010. A goal from a set shot to young gun Adam Varcoe saw the fresh faced Cats gain some much needed momentum early in the quarter.

Unfortunately much of the Cats’ good work was brought undone by critical ball handling and decision making errors going into attack.

Late in the quarter new recruit Josh Cowan showed great composure, with a silky handball receive and release to set up Taylor Hunt.

Things did not get much better for the Cats in the third quarter as the Magpies ran riot kicking 5 goals to 1. The solitary goal came from Christensen’s mark and goal at the eighteenth minute mark of the term.

With the deficit at 70 points going into the final quarter, the message from Dale Amos was simply to win the last quarter. With these words still ringing in their ears, a seemingly reenergised Cats side opened with goals to Hunt, Ben Dobson and Daniel Kees through aggressive and attacking football. Strong last quarter performances from Queenscliff’s Daniel Gibbs, South Barwon’s Anthony Biemans and new recruit Marcus Drum reduced the final margin to 61 points.

Cats coach Dale Amos was satisfied with the performance of some of his young players despite the heavy defeat, stating “I thought Cowan and Drum showed good signs in their first game for the club”. Amos went on to discuss the position of the team at this early stage of the year, “It’s hard to judge early but it was great to establish where some of the boys are at and to see where we can improve going forward.”

Another positive was the first outing of former Docker Marcus Drum, who impressed across half back with his commitment and leadership. It seems the transition to a new club has been an easy one for the 22 year old. “I have really enjoyed the move to Geelong, a great group of boys who have all been really welcoming and have made it super easy for me to fit in” Drum said.

After an interrupted pre-season Drum is now looking forward to the games ahead, stating “It was great to get out there and blow out a few of the cobwebs. I am looking forward to building my fitness up and hopefully having a good year for the club.”

The Cats now have a week off before travelling to Eureka Stadium to take on the North Ballarat Roosters on Saturday 27th March at 2.00pm.

Collingwood 16-18-(114)
Geelong Cats 8-5-(53)
Goals: Bright 2, Christensen, Hunt, Varcoe, Dobson, Kee, Coles.
Best: Hunt, Djerrkura, Drum, Christensen, Laidler Simpson.