GEELONG’S unbeaten start to the 2021 VFL season has come to an end at the hands of Casey on a chilly afternoon at Casey Fields on Saturday.
Falling to the Demons 7.15 (57) to 8.8 (56).
Both teams found it a challenge to hit the scoreboard in the opening two quarters with Geelong holding a narrow 10-point advantage after a three-goal to one first half.
The game opened up in the third term with Casey wrestling back the momentum to cut Geelong’s lead to one-point at three-quarter time.
The Cats surrendered the lead early in the fourth before a Charlie Constable snap put Geelong back in front.
Casey responded with back-to-back goals to setup a nine-point advantage. A late goal from Rhys Stanley gave the Cats a sniff but they fell short by one-point.
Despite the loss, Darcy Fort was a strong presence in the ruck.
He amassed 15 disposals (12 contested), five marks, five tackles and a goal to be named in Geelong’s best for the fourth consecutive game.
“I think the boys battled really hard, but it’s tough to come out of that game and be satisfied with how you played,” Fort said.
“They’re a good side Casey but we let ourselves down at times with our ball security, inside 50s and we didn’t defend well behind it.”
“There’s a few other things, but it’s a quick turnaround so we’ll look to get things sorted quick and get back into it.”
The Bendigo Bank Cats will now have a quick turnaround to prepare for its next challenge against Coburg on Thursday night.
A focus area for the team between now and that game will be continuing to work on their chemistry between the AFL and VFL listed players.
“A lot of these guys haven’t played together and we’re still working on our Chemistry.
“At times we move it well, we look really good so it’s just about repeating that and keep it up at training.”
Stefan Okunbor also played well with 19 disposals (at 74% efficiency), nine marks and four tackles.
Geelong will return to GMHBA Stadium to host Coburg on Thursday night. The match will be televised on Kayo with the first bounce at 7.10pm.
Geelong 1.1 3.4 6.5 8.8 (56)
Casey 1.5 1.6 5.10 7.15 (57)
Goals: Jenkins (3), Stanley, Jarvis, Constable, Fort, Burke (1)
Best: Fort, Okunbor, Constable, Chalcraft, Stanley, Brownless
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil
@ Casey Fields
