The Bendigo Bank Cats have fallen to ladder leaders Essendon in their round five VFL clash at the MCG on Sunday.

The Bombers ball movement was the difference as they were able to hit up their targets inside 50 with greater effect, running out 13.16.94 to 7.10.52 winners.

Charlie Constable was the leading disposal winner for the Cats with 25, while Sam Simpson pushed his case for AFL selection with a polished 23 disposal and one goal performance.

The Cats started the game brightly, with Dan Capiron kicking the first a major of the game, but it was the Bombers who made the most of their chances, kicking the next four unanswered goals to take a 15-point lead into the first break.

Nathan Kreuger was moved forward to start the second term and the move almost paid off immediately with Kreuger taking a strong mark on the lead, but he missed a simple set shot from directly in front.

Essendon’s quick ball movement continued to cause the Cats problems and when Edyen Sibbard kicked the first goal of the second term the game looked like breaking open.

To Geelong’s credit, they were able to steady the ship with former Shepparton Bears goal sneak Luke Smith kicking a late major on the half time siren to keep the Cats within striking distance at main break.

The Cats came out of half time down two rotations with Aaron Black and Scott Selwood playing no further part in the match.

That quickly turned to three after Nathan Kreuger left the field on a stretcher following a nasty head collision with Bomber Matt Dea.

Despite goals to Smith, Simpson and Jake Tarca, the quarter belonged to the Bombers who extended their lead to 35 points at the final break.

The Cats put on a brave fight in the final term, but the class of the Bombers prevailed with the Cats going down by 42 points.

Geelong move to 1-3 for the season and will face an important match away to North Melbourne at Avalon Airport Oval next Sunday.

VFL Round Five
Bendigo Bank Cats 7.10 (52) def by Essendon 13.16 (94)
Goals: Abbott 2, L. Smith 2, Capiron, Simpson, Tarca  
Best: McLachlan, Simpson, Abbott, Constable, L Smith, Jones
Injuries: Kreuger (Concussion) Black (Hamstring)