It was a welcome sight seeing the boys pull on the hoops for a big-time match up after so long.

Geelong’s VFL side faced a quality Footscray lineup after weeks without a VFL match, the final score reading Bulldogs 14.12 (96) to Cats 9.9 (63).

In the end the Bulldogs got the win after they absolutely dominated the second half.

Geelong started well with four goals to one in the first quarter but all went quiet during the second with only one goal scored in total.

Footscray then kicked 12 goals to five after half-time, owning the fourth quarter when Geelong couldn’t keep up the pressure.

Charlie Constable got around the ground well, finishing with 31 touches, seven marks and seven tackles.

Fellow AFL-listed players Jordan Clark (25 disposals, three goals) and Rhys Stanley (24 disposals, 10 clearances) also racked up plenty of numbers.

Although, as coach Shane O’Bree mentioned earlier in the year, it’s all about being a consistent side.

There was a noticeable drop in intensity in the second quarter when Footscray started moving the ball through the corridor and tallying clearances from stoppages.

From there it was much tougher for Geelong to find a good option inside 50.

It was a good wake-up call for the Bankers to see what it takes to beat the best sides in this year’s new-look VFL competition.

The defeat brings Geelong’s record to four wins and two losses, a record that presumably would look better if not for the recent COVID lockdown.

After reviewing the match, the boys will look ahead to next week’s scheduled clash against Brisbane.

Aside from any travel complications, Geelong will head to Queensland to challenge the Lions at 11.30am at South Pine Sporting Complex next Saturday 26 June.

VFL Round 10

Geelong   4.2  4.3  6.5   9.9 (63)
Footscray 1.2  2.6  7.11  12.14 (96)

Goals: Clark (3), Stanley, Holmes, Jenkins, Fort, Miers, Lang (1)

Best: Stanley, Brownless, Fort, Stevens, Clark, Constable 

Reports: Nil 

Injuries: Krueger (back) 

@ GMHBA Stadium