A fast-finishing Casey Scorpions has knocked the Bendigo Bank Cats from top position on the VFL ladder after a thrilling one-point come-from-behind victory at Casey Fields.

Geelong unleashed a seven-goal first quarter blitz and dictated proceedings into the second quarter to lead by over six goals, before the Scorpions ran over the top of the weary Cats in the second half to win 12.12 (84) to 13.5 (83).

The Cats were out on their feet in the final quarter and relinquished the lead for the first time for the day at the 19-minute mark of the term.

Jason Davenport was Geelong’s best in a scintillating 26-possession display through the midfield, where he worked hard to generate drive all afternoon.

“He was outstanding today,” coach Leigh Tudor said.

“He really showed he wants to play at the Geelong Footy Club, all the things he’s been working on during the week he’s bringing into games now, so he’s playing some good footy.”

Nathan Djerrkura emerged from nearly two months on the sidelines and produced some encouraging sides, immediately having an impact in the first quarter.

Just minutes into the match, he swooped on the loose football, picked it up one handed and burst away to set up Todd Grima in the goal square.

Minutes later, he kicked the Cats’ third goal of the match, before finishing with 12 possessions, despite spending much time on the bench.

“Rapt - rapt he got through the game,” Tudor said.

“He did all he needed to, he worked pretty hard and he’s got through – which is all we wanted him to do.

“He’s got good evasive skills, so he’s got plenty of things to work on, but it’s just good to see him back playing again.”

Geelong was looking in ominous form after a clinical opening quarter, despite the late withdrawals of Ryan Gamble and Tim Callan.

The Cats skills were sharper; they outnumbered the Scorpions at every contest and had a wide-open forward line that was appearing very potent.

The Scorpions began to warm to the contest in the second quarter and played the better football, but did not capitalise on their opportunities in front of goal.

Five goals to two in the third quarter ignited a surge of momentum for the Scorpions, who sensed the Cats were beginning to fade.

The Cats were hamstrung for flexibility in the second half, with Steven King and Shannon Byrnes both rested in the final quarter.

VFL listed Chris Urie was overcome by a persistent cramping spasm, while Matthew Spencer (ankle) and Henry Playfair (corked shin) kept the Cats’ medicos busy on the sidelines.

In contrast, the Scorpions had a full interchange complement at their disposal and felt the Cats were beginning to tire, madly rotating fresh bodies through the midfield.

The Cats were gallant, and withstood a powerful final-quarter surge by the Scorpions, before succumbing into time on.

“I thought that once we were a little bit tired in the second half we probably did not use the ball as well, we probably didn’t play on like we had been before, and it hurt us in the end,” Tudor said.

Tudor praised the fighting efforts of Playfair to return to the field in the final term despite being in some discomfort.

“Henry was good, he really battled through,” Tudor said.

“He got a pretty big corky during the game and for him to finish off the game and work as hard as he did was a really good effort by him.”

The Cats will look to rebound quickly against top-four aspirant Port Melbourne at TEAC Oval next Sunday from 1pm.

“It’s always a big challenge to play Port at Port,” Tudor said.

“They’re a good side and they’ve had a lot of recruits this year so it’s another big game.

“Every game in the VFL is a big one because it’s a pretty even competition.”