Though Bendigo initially stunned the Cats with their fierce attack, the Cats soon rose to the occasion and responded with the intensity and resolve necessary to get the job done.
The Cats were sluggish in the first quarter, lagging behind the play and struggling to throw off the relentless tackling pressure of the Gold. With much of the first quarter spent in the Gold forward half, Geelong found themselves 11 points behind their opponents as the siren sounded.
The second quarter saw a marked increase in performance with quick goals from Josh Walker and Kane Leerson putting the Cats in the lead for the first time in the match, which they refused to concede at any point afterward.
The second quarter also saw the rise of Josh Walker, who managed to inspire the team with his ‘superb’ courage and endless determination to beat his opponent at all costs.
Coach Matthew Knights was full of praise for the young forward, crediting him with the noticeable lift in team effort.
‘Walker had an outstanding second quarter. His ability to take contested marks, kick goals and overall individual performance got us rolling, and the rest of the team joined in after that. It’s not often that you say that as a coach.’ Knights said.
Walker also gave his chances of senior selection a significant boost, a feat that Knights conceded was ‘not easy’ with the current crop of strong forwards.
‘After a dominating performance like tonight, I’ve got no doubt that if he keeps pushing he’ll get there eventually. He was quite clearly best on ground.’
Walker himself was understandably pleased with his performance after the match, as he spoke of his determination to work alongside the coaches to improve in the areas necessary to warrant senior selection.
‘From a personal point of view I’ve had a few things I’ve been working on with the coaches and it was good to feel that a few of those things pulled off tonight. I’ve just got to be confident and back myself when it comes to flying for those marks and into the contest, and hopefully the more I get right the closer I’ll get to a senior game.’
The second half of the match saw a crucial momentum swing towards the Geelong forward 50, as the young kittens and veterans alike began to capitalise on their created opportunities. As a result the Gold continually found themselves in the back foot as the Cats fearlessly attacked the contest, showing their prowess through the middle with clean hands and sure foot skills. The boys’ team emphasis was also shown through the sheer number of single goal kickers – a testament to the depth of talent that is already becoming evident in the young team.
Young prodigy Jake Kolodjashnij continued his terrific form into the first game of the season, with Knights once again praising the first year recruit for his performance down back.
‘His consistency over the last four weeks has been outstanding. I thought both him and Matthew Sully were solid in defence tonight.’
VFL listed players Tom Maas and Daniel Gibbs also played key roles in the forward half, kicking some ‘nice goals and applying good pressure’, according to Knights.
2013 ‘TAC Cup Team of the Year’ Full Back and 23rd player Fraser Fort was a standout performer in the centre, confidently filling the position of ruckman in the absence of man mountain Andrew Banjanin.
‘Fraser Fort really battled hard tonight. He often won clearances himself as the ruckman then was able to kick the ball forward. His second and third efforts around the contest and marking were a key part of his overall excellent performance, which was very pleasing to see.’ Knights said.
After a solid season starter, Geelong will now make the long trip to Casey Fields to take on the Casey Scorpions after their narrow win against Essendon’s VFL side. Be sure to follow @GeelongVFL on Twitter for live match updates.
Talking Points
1. Josh Walker’s best on ground performance.
His ability to dominate the air and fearlessly crash into the contest inspired the boys to up their own intensity, which ultimately lead to such a large winning margin.
2. The Debutants
With first goals to AFL listed players Michael Luxford, Darcy Lang, Jarrad Jansen, Nick Bourke and VFL listed players James Linton, Kane Leerson and Fraser Fort, this young team is already showing signs that they can not only compete with the veterans but indeed outplay them.
3. Jake Kolodjashnij
After the retirement of full back Andrew Mclean at the end of 2012 (who has now returned to coach for the 2014 season), Matthew Sully has done an excellent job of filling his key position in defence. With the addition of Jake Kolodjashnij, the pair look dangerous in their ability to put pressure on the opposition’s forward line and subsequently open up opportunities for the Geelong midfield.
Geelong VFL Cats 18-13-(121) def. Bendigo Gold 11-8-(74).
Goals: Walker 4, Hollmer, Luxford 2, Lang, Jansen, Thurlow, Bourke, Hamling, Linton, Leersen, Herbison, Fort, Maas.
Best: Walker, Fort, Kolodjashnij, Maas, Herbison, Sully, Gibbs.
