Geelong’s VFL side have secured their first practice match win of 2016 on Friday night, defeating Richmond, 12.12 (84) to 8.5 (53).
The Cats lineup was bolstered by AFL captain Joel Selwood, playing his first state league match since VFL Round 9, 2007.
It was a tightly contested start to the match with both sides struggling with the wet conditions. The Tigers got the early jump on the Cats, restricting the visitors to a solitary goal in the first term.
The Cats responded in the second term, kicking five goals to the Tigers’ one, taking a 16-point lead into the main break.
An evenly contested third term was soured by an ankle injury to Cats development squad player, Matthew Inglis, as the Darley prospect was taken from the field after a heavy collision.
The Bankers put the result beyond doubt in the final term with three goals, whilst keeping the Tigers to a mere two behinds.
Cats Coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with the team’s ability to gel in only their second game together.
“We’ve got a good blend of experienced and young guys that are willing to get better as footballers,” he said.
“We had our most experienced VFL players come in tonight, that really helped the team and I’ll be leaning on them a fair bit.”
Selwood and Daniel Menzel were handy additions to the Bankers’ lineup with the Cats skipper collecting 34 possessions to go with 11 tackles, nine clearances and two goals, whilst Menzel was damaging around the contest with 12 possessions, 10 of which were contested.
“(Selwood’s) work rate was awesome, it goes to show that even though he’s had a limited preseason, he has done the work and he should be right to go for next week,” O’Bree said.
“Dan was really good for us too, he played his role, which was forward and through the midfield.”
“He would have loved to kick a few more goals but his contribution to the team was amazing and he got through the game really well.”
With only two AFL listed players taking the field on Friday night, the Cats’ VFL talent stepped up, with many getting their first taste of VFL football in Cats colours.
After crossing from Essendon VFL to the Cats this season, Alex Hickey made a good first impression in the hoops on Friday night.
Hickey had 19 disposals, three inside 50s and laid six tackles in an impressive outing for the former bomber.
Jake Edwards also played his first game for the Bankers and was amongst the best players as he played well as a lockdown defender whilst also setting up many attacks off half back.
“(Edwards) has got a lot of flexibility in his game,” O’Bree said. “We will be leaning on him as a mentor for our guys that are playing, whether that is AFL or VFL players.”
Grovedale ruckman Ryan Abbott also impressed and was amongst the best players for the Cats. Abbott was a dominant force in the ruck with 23 hitouts but his work at ground level highlighted his versatility, totalling 11 disposals and 11 tackles.
Up forward, Sam Dobson and Cameron Tudor were potent, providing great marking options and composure with ball in hand.
Dobson finished with 16 disposals, seven marks and three goals in a solid showing whilst Tudor had 17 touches and a goal.
Tudor had a significant impact when running through the midfield with 14 contested possessions and eight tackles and his versatility impressed O’Bree.
“Cam can play multiple positions, he is capable of playing anywhere. He’s a good runner, good size, nice kick and knows our game style,” O’Bree said.
The Bendigo Bank Cats will play their first match on home turf next week when they face North Ballarat on Saturday evening. The match will kick off at 5pm at Simonds Stadium.
VFL Practice Match 2 - Bendigo Bank Cats 12.12 (84) def. Richmond 8.5 (53)
Goals: Dobson 3, Selwood 2, Paliouras 2, Tudor, Stewart, Rees, Haintz, Burchell
Best: Selwood, Abbott, Dobson, Tsitas, Edwards, Burchell, Tudor
Injuries: Inglis (ankle)
Reports: Nil @ Punt Road Oval, Richmond
