The Bendigo Bank Cats have fallen to the Footscray Bulldogs by 5 points at VU Whitten Oval on Friday night, ending a four-game winning streak.
The Cats started the game in strong fashion, but five unanswered goals to the Bulldogs in the second quarter proved costly in the 8.11 (59) to 7.12 (54) defeat.
Sam Menegola enjoyed a solid performance in his return from injury, gathering 17 disposals and 5 clearances to be named among Geelong’s best players.
Two long range goals to Shannon Neale in the opening quarter gave the Cats the early momentum, with the visitors opening up a 14-point lead at the first break.
The Bulldogs produced a dominant second quarter however, establishing a 19-point lead at half-time.
Geelong refused to give up, keeping the Bulldogs goalless in the third term as Francis Evans kicked two goals in addition to Lachlan Waddell’s second for the match, to once again take the lead.
A goal to the Bulldogs early in the final quarter was enough to secure their victory in the seesawing match.
Jye Chalcraft continued his strong form for the Cats, gathering an equal game high 28 disposals and 6 clearances.
Francis Evans (19 disposals) and Ollie Dempsey (17 disposals) also enjoyed strong outings.
NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draftee Zane Williams showed promising signs in the forward line after joining the Cats earlier in the week.
Sam Menegola was pleased to make his return from injury.
“Big step in that rehab, it was good to get out and do that,” Menegola said.
“It’ll just be about week on week trying to improve my footy again, it’ll just be stacking days where I improve my game.”
The Cats have a bye next week before facing Werribee in Round 13.
VFL ROUND 11
BULLDOGS 2.1 7.6 7.8 8.11 (59)
CATS 4.3 4.5 7.11 7.12 (54)
Goals: F Evans, Neale, Waddell 2, Abbott 1
Best: Chalcraft, Evans, McLachlan, Feely, Dempsey, Menegola
