The Geelong Cats will be thinking what could have been after squandering long periods of unequivocal domination and numerous straight forward goal opportunities to be eventually over run by a classy Bendigo Bombers outfit 9-8-(62) to 14-9-(93) at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

Coming off an impressive 91 point win against Frankston last week, the Cats were looking to continue their sparkling form at home in front of a vocal crowd. Allen Christensen (22 disposals, 2 goals), Ryan Gamble (33 disposals), Taylor Hunt (24 disposals)and Nathan Djerrkura (36 disposals, 8 clearances, 7 tackles) put in solid performances, whilst the continued improvement of big man Nathan Vardy (10 disposals, 5 marks 2 goals, 3 behinds) provided a great deal excitement in the AFL curtain raiser.

The first quarter was one of great contrast for the two teams - the Bombers converted their opportunities to score, while the Cats wasted chance after chance to get an early break. The early quarter form of forward duo Ben Johnson (14 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals) and Nathan Vardy was promising it only returned a 2 goal, 2 behind dividend for the Cats. The silky skills of the elusive Lewis Jetta combined with the strong overhead marking ability of AFL young gun Jay Neagle provided the Bombers a crucial major just before quarter time to give them an 18 point break. The Cats lost high profile recruit Daniel O’Keefe to an ankle injury late in the quarter and he looks set for a further stint on the sidelines.

In complete juxtaposition to the first term, it was Bendigo who went into half time missed opportunities as they dominated the term for only a four behind return. Bachar Houlli ran rampant for Bendigo as they racked up inside 50’s and clearances for minimal result. The forward pressure of Bell Park’s Mitchell Cuthill and St Mary’s Daniel Jull and the dashing run of Taylor Hunt kept the Cats in the contest. With the Geelong forward setup failing to make an impact, a quick break from Ben Raidme (28 disposals) and a long kick setup an Allen Christensen open goal to make the Bombers pay for their inaccuracy. The Cats went into only 8 points behind.

The Cats came out breathing fire in the second half. They ran and carried the ball in waves - in the same vain as their senior counterparts.

Christensen goaled early from a string of handballs and the Cats seemed to have the Bombers on the ropes. The report of first year player Daniel Menzel (charging) and a minor injury to defender Tom Gillies swang the momentum towards the Bombers as the intensity of the game went up a notch. The encounter became a free flowing run and carry affair with both teams showing flashes of brilliance. An easy goal to Bachar Houlli in time on and a crucial long goal on the siren from Bendigo forward Michael Still pushed the margin out to 13 points going into the last term.

With a chance to consolidate a position in the top eight it was a crucial final term for the Cats - unfortunately though it was all one way one traffic as the Bendigo Bombers stormed home. The Cats turned the ball over numerous times and looked lethargic as former Hawthorn premiership player Mark Williams kicked two important last quarter goals. Late quarter majors to Cats midfielders Allen Christensen and Daniel Jull added some respect to an unflattering scoreboard with the margin reduced to 31 points at the final siren.

Geelong assistant coach Matthew Egan identified some areas of concern for the battling Cats after the game, “It was a really frustrating game from both a player and coaching perspective, they kicked five goals in a row in the first quarter and then had a six goal burst in the final term, which is the cause of some concern.

Egan was happy with the effort of the defensive unit as it held firm for the majority of the game, despite being under immense pressure at times, “I thought the defence held up pretty well today, especially with the amount of ball they had to de

al with. Ryan Gamble’s second half with the ball was really good, he had 33 touches and looks really settled down there at the moment”.

Bendigo had lost 26 VFL matches in a row after Round 1 this year but now loom as one of the more unlikely premiership contenders. It seems the Bombers have collected the prefect mix of senior experience, talented young AFL players and a solid group of VFL listed players to trouble some of the competition’s best teams.

For the younger and less experienced Geelong Cats - an early final looms next week when they take on arch rivals Collingwood at Victoria Park next Saturday. Game kicks off at 1pm.

Bendigo Bombers 14-9-(93)
Bendigo Bank Cats 9-8-(62)
Goals: Vardy 2 Jull 2 Johnson 2 Christensen 2 Simpkin 1
Best: Djerrkura Gamble Raidme Johnson Jull Christensen