Geelong’s VFL side has suffered a disappointing loss to North Melbourne on Sunday, dropping their fourth match of the season.

The Cats had their chances in an even contest, but a poor final term saw them fall short, 14.9 (93) to 17.11 (113)

It was the Kangaroos’ first win of 2019 but their four-quarter performance highlighted how strong of a side they can be.

With some strong inclusions, the Cats played confident football in the first term and held a slender lead at the first break.

They kept their lead intact for the next two quarters of football but North never got too far behind, with only three points separating the sides heading into the final term.

The Cats ran out of steam as the home side kicked six final quarter goals to run out 20-point victors.

It was the Cats’ fourth loss of the year and they now sit in 12th place despite playing a promising brand of football across the first few weeks of the season.

Shane O’Bree’s side won the clearance and inside 50 count on Sunday but North’s ability to move the ball freely was evident as the Cats struggled to stop their run and carry.

Nathan Hrovat kicked six goals for the victors while Aaron Hall was classy with ball in hand.

For the Cats, the returning duo of Lachie Fogarty and Jed Bews both got through the match unscathed.

Fogarty was the best of any Cat on the day, racking up a team-high 27 disposals and 12 clearances.

The young midfielder also totalled seven tackles and a goal in a very complete return to football.

While Fogarty may need a few more weeks in the VFL to get his body to 100%, there were a few Cats pushing for an AFL return.

Sam Simpson kicked three goals and racked up seven tackles to be amongst the best players while Jamaine Jones had 21 disposals and a goal.

The Cats’ forward duo of Darcy Fort and youngster Blake Schlensog combined for six goals and provided strong marking targets.

The scoreboard wasn’t the only negative on the day as Lachie Henderson and Quinton Narkle both suffered leg injuries and Wylie Buzza went out of the match with concussion.

The VFL Cats will hope to turn their form around next Sunday when they take on Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium.

VFL Round Six
Bendigo Bank Cats 14.9 (93) def. by North Melbourne 17.11 (113)
Goals: Fort, Schlensog, Simpson 3, Buzza 2, Fogarty, Jones, Tarca
Best: Fogarty, Simpson, Z. Smith, Fort, Schlensog, Tsitas
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Henderson (Foot), Buzza (Concussion), Narkle (Hamstring)