The Bendigo Bank Cats have taken a gutsy loss at the hands of the Casey Demons, despite the best efforts of returning ruck Jonathon Ceglar and young Cat Francis Evans.
The final score read 9.10 (64) to 11.9 (75) in a match of momentum swings, with Casey kicking the first six goals of the match only to be answered by eight in a row from the Cats.
In pouring rain and chilling conditions at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong’s impressive response came through their work rate around stoppages and efficiency going inside 50.
Francis Evans played a huge role in the comeback as he kicked five goals to go with his 20 disposals.
His new midfield-orientated role once again saw him making an impact by pushing out the front of stoppages and sending the ball forward.
Ruck recruit Johnathon Ceglar made his return to football after being injured since April, dominating the majority of stoppages (20 disposals, 36 hit-outs, eight clearances).
Other notable AFL-listed players Quinton Narkle (28 disposals, six marks, six clearances and Luke Dahlhaus (22 disposals, six clearances) also put in plenty of work.
Cats ruck Toby Conway suffered a heavy knock in the final term, laying motionless on the ground before leaving the field under his own power.
Despite the loss in a must-win game, the contest Geelong put forward against the benchmark of the competition was impressive.
The squad will be looking to carry on their outstanding effort into the remaining five games of the season to give themselves a chance at playing finals.
Geelong will next face Carlton’s VFL side at Ikon Park, July 16 at 2:35pm.
GEELONG 0.3 4.3 7.6 9.10 (64)
CASEY 6.1 6.3 6.7 11.9 (75)
Goals: Evans 5, Neale 2, Chafer, Stephens
Best: Evans, Ceglar, Narkle, McLachlan, Byrne, Capiron
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Conway (Concussion)
