Geelong’s VFL side has hit a speed bump in its run to the finals, falling to Collingwood 5.12 (42) to 13.14 (92).
It was the battle of the winning streaks, as the Magpies came in to the match having won their last eight while the Cats were searching for consecutive victory number seven.
In the first term the Bankers didn’t look like a team on a winning streak, as they failed to register a goal due to Collingwood’s stifling pressure.
The intensity from the home side was maintained in the second term as they opened up a 41-point half time lead.
The Cats were unable to stop the flow of goals in the second half whilst the Magpies continued to dominate at both ends of the ground.
A few consolation goals was all the Cats could manage in the final term as the Magpies ran out 50-point victors.
The manic pressure applied by the home side throughout the game was unmatched by the Cats, a key factor in the loss according to Cats coach Shane O’Bree.
"We got bashed up early. They did to us what we have being doing to teams and we lost a lot of confidence in our ball use, structure and team cohesion," O’Bree said.
The Magpies maintained possession for majority of the match and were also able to win the tackle count significantly, highlighting the impact of their pressure.
"When teams pressure you from the start, you lose your confidence, you start doubting yourself, you go away from your structures."
"We expected to win today and to put in a good performance but we didn’t."
Despite the final score, there were some positive performances from a few Bankers that tried hard all day.
Midfield general George Horlin-Smith continued his strong VFL form as he racked up the ball with ease.
Horlin-Smith finished with a game-high 36 possessions, 24 of which were contested and also totalled four tackles and seven inside 50s.
“Horlo was really consistent, he played outside mid and inside mid, got his hands on it at times but it was just about composure when (he) used it,” O’Bree said.
“It was a tough day at the office for Horlo but he did get a lot of the ball.”
The Cats welcomed back Josh Caddy for his first appearance in six weeks, following a knee injury suffered whilst playing with the AFL side.
Caddy was a class above with 30 touches and eight tackles, putting his hand up for an AFL recall.
“(Caddy) definitely got his hands on it a lot and will definitely be better for the run,” O’Bree said.
“It was good for him to play the game in the midfield with a little bit up forward as well.”
Youngster Jordan Cunico also made his return to the side following a lingering knee injury and worked hard in limited game time.
“(Cunico) will definitely be better for the run, he looked a bit off the speed and he’s done a fair bit of training and will definitely build on that,” O’Bree said.
With key forwards Nathan Vardy and Mitch Clark out of the side, Wylie Buzza saw significantly more ruck time than he is used to and O’Bree was impressed with the young forward’s effort in tough conditions.
“(Buzza) was really good for a guy that hasn’t played much ruck at all for us, he competed well and probably got into the game more,” O’Bree said.
“He took a few more marks and played to his strengths where he can follow up and tackle.”
Buzza finished with 22 hitouts whilst also racking up 11 disposals, five tackles and a goal.
The Cats will look to get back on the winners list next week when they take on Frankston at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Round 17 – Bendigo Bank Cats 5.12 (42) def. by Collingwood 13.14 (92)
Goals: Caddy, Parsons, Buzza, Edwards, Stewart
Best: Buzza, Horlin-Smith, Selwood, Delaney, Edwards, Caddy
Injuries: Murdoch (cork), Cornell (cork)
Reports: Nil
@ Victoria Park, Abbotsford
