The Bendigo Bank Cats returned to the winner's list on Friday night at GMHBA Stadium with a 75-point victory against Essendon.
The Cats controlled the game from the outset and never looked back, downing the Bombers 16.16 (102) to 3.9 (27).
Geelong’s pressure around the contest was fantastic and earned them an inside 50 differential of plus 26.
The high-scoring first half was followed by a wet and hard-fought second half, but that didn’t matter - the Bankers had the lead and held on well.
Charlie Constable was up to his usual standard with 41 disposals and 13 clearances, while Darcy Lang booted five goals in his 50th VFL game.
Oscar Brownless was another impressive performer for the Cats and was pleased with the performance of the whole team.
“We touched on it before the game that we’ve all found a bit of form,” Brownless said.
“In particular our midfield, I think we’ve been going really well and it helps when you have ‘Forty’ dominating.”
“I think I can speak on behalf of the boys in saying that having footy every week and having that continuity just allows you to keep building on your game week in week out.”
Individually though, it’s been a shift in roles for Brownless - and a welcome one at that.
“As I’m playing a bit more inside, it’s been more about staying strong over the ball,” he said.
“We talk about driving through our legs and trying to get out from contests so I try and work on that,”
“And staying strong as a rambo, so as the guy with the ball I can dish it off on my terms rather than the opposition’s.”
The numbers speak for themselves.
Six appearances in the best (out of eight games) and a quality 26 disposal, two-goal performance.
His improvement is heading up on a steep incline and there’s not much that can stop him.
Along with the side’s strong form, they’re solidifying a finals spot, possibly even in the top four, before the season is finished.
Geelong will face Carlton’s VFL side at Ikon Park next weekend with the time TBC.
VFL Round 12
Geelong 6.3 11.4 12.6 16.16 (102)
Essendon 1.0 2.2 3.4 3.9 (27)
Goals: Lang (5), Evans (3), Jarvis, Brownless (2), Neale, Smith, Johnston, Stevens (1)
Best: Lang, Brownless, Constable, Fort, Stevens, Evans
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Nil
@ GMHBA Stadium
