Though Casey managed to turn on some beautiful sunny weather for the hotly anticipated match, the boys were by no means able to breeze through the intense contest.
The first quarter saw both teams come out firing as the margin stayed relatively consistent. Although the Geelong boys managed to rack up the possessions the quality of disposal was low, culminating in a narrow lead of only 3 points at the end of the first quarter.
A stirring quarter time speech from Coach Matthew Knights clearly did its job as the Bankers used the wind to their advantage in the second, securing a five goal lead at half time.
Strong performances from Scorpions Shannon Byrnes, Jack Fitzpatrick and dominant 198cm ruckman Mark Jamar saw Casey briefly take the lead, but ‘Knighta’s’ boys once again demonstrated their ability to respond well when put under pressure.
Knights was clearly rapt with the boys’ efforts again this week, highlighting the strong forward and ruck work of stalwart Josh Walker for the second time in as many weeks.
‘I couldn’t be more pleased with his performance in the last two weeks. He showed his versatility again today, not only kicking three goals as a forward but also providing assistance in the ruck when it was needed.’
‘Obviously with the AFL team playing so well it makes it a bit hard (to be selected) but he, along with Jesse Stringer and Jackson Sheringham, are doing everything they can to get there.’
2013 J.J. Liston Trophy winner Jordan Schroder was named best on ground for his similarly strong performance, putting plenty of pressure on the Casey midfield and securing 23 disposals and 5 inside 50s.
‘Schroder did a really good job in the midfield. His contested work against Trengove, Riley and Shannon Byrnes was excellent and was probably one of the reasons why we were up by 5 goals at half time.’
‘Jarrad Jansen and Darcy Lang too took big steps forward this week in their second games; both had really decent first halves. Condition can often give way with the young guys, but they both battled hard and were quite prominent in the second half too.’
Geelong also continued its flow of debutants this week with South Australian defender Zac Bates gracing VFL turf for the first time. Though Bates was an early exit from the match with a hamstring complaint, the new recruit still managed his first VFL goal and pleased the coaches in his short lived opening performance.
‘Zac did really well before his injury. He was always going to be on managed game time (due to a previous back injury) but he’s an excitable player and character, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in a whole game.’
VFL listed players Luke Bath, Mitch Herbison and vice-captain Jack Hollmer also ran out the game in style, affording much of the tackling pressure that kept the Scorpions goalless for large periods in the second half.
‘We’re really proud of how all the boys are progressing. They knew how to win today when it counted, particularly when it was close in the last quarter. For the players to grind out a win when it’s important is what matters.’
The Bendigo Bankers’ next game will be the highly anticipated Grand Final rematch, played under lights at Simonds Stadium on Easter Saturday the 19th of March. Kick off will be at 6pm with the gates opening at 5pm. Geelong Cats members receive free entry to the match. Be sure to get down and support the Cats as we take on the currently undefeated Hawks!
VFL - Bendigo Bank Cats 14-18-(102) def. Casey Scorpions 12-14-(86).
Goals: Walker 3, Hamling, Linton 2, Hollmer, Jansen, Luxford, Thurlow, Bates, Herbison, Maas
Best: Schroder, Walker, Sheringham, Bath, Hollmer, Herbison, Fort.
Injuries: Bates (hamstring). Reports: Nil @ Casey Fields, Cranbourne.
