Geelong’s VFL side has been defeated by a talented Essendon outfit on Saturday, falling to the Bombers 8.7 (55) to 17.14 (116).
A loss would have seemed unlikely after the first term, where the Cats outplayed the Bombers at both ends of the ground to lead by two goals at the first change.
The positive signs continued when Jordan Cunico kicked off the second term with an early goal but that would be the Cats’ only highlight for the term.
The home side broke the game open and ran rings around the Cats, kicking seven consecutive goals across the middle two quarters to open up a 38-point lead at the final change.
There would be no fightback from the visitors in the final term as the Bombers finished off the Cats with six emphatic goals, including three in the final five minutes to Tom Bellchambers.
The 62-point loss places the Cats outside the top eight and their already low percentage has taken a big hit after the result.
Shane O’Bree’s side looked like a different group after quarter time and that discrepancy was the most disappointing aspect of the game for the Cats coach.
“Once again, a team has come at us and we have had too many guys not absorb the pressure, not willing to support each other, basically working as individuals,” O’Bree said.
“(Essendon) got a bit of a rev up at quarter time and came out with some real sting and we just fell away with all our confidence and ability to win the ball.”
O’Bree’s side was passive when the Bombers had possession and it cost them on the scoreboard.
“We’ve got to be more consistent for longer and we aren’t,” O’Bree said.
“We teach all these guys methods but sometimes mentally you’ve just got to get yourself up for that battle.”
The Cats fielded a side with plenty of AFL talent but they were outclassed by their opponents when it mattered.
The captain for the day was Scott Selwood who led from the front but much like his teammates, was unable to have a significant impact on the match.
Consistent VFL performer James Tsitas was a shining light in the loss as the midfielder kicked three goals from 17 touches.
“(Tsitas) has been consistent and that’s what we are after, he knows his role within the team, he plays his role and he gives effort,” O’Bree said.
Among the Cats’ better players, Ryan Gardner fought hard down back early and was also used in different positions further up the ground.
Gardner showed he is capable playing in positions other than down back and O’Bree believes he could be used elsewhere in the future.
“We didn’t need that tall defender so tried (Gardner) in the ruck, it’s good for his development to play that role,” O’Bree said.
“He’s nearly 200cm tall, we haven’t seen him in there and he probably hasn’t done any ruck craft but he’s a competitive bugger that we needed at the time.
“We teach these guys different roles and different methods and Gards is capable of playing ruck with his height.”
Former Clarence (TAS) midfielder Callum Mitchell made his debut in the hoops and racked up 10 touches along with three marks whilst James Gow impressed with 14 disposals and four tackles.
O’Bree’s side will look to get back on the winners list/continue their winning form next week when they take on Footscray.
VFL Round 5 – Bendigo Bank Cats 8.7 (55) def. (by) Essendon 17.14 (116)
Goals: Tsitas 3, Black 2, Buzza, Cunico, Reid
Best: Tsitas, Gow, Atkins, Gardner, Mitchell, Cunico
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil
@ Windy Hill, Essendon.
