Geelong continues to strengthen its 2012 credentials, with the Cats' latest scalp a hard-fought away win against North Ballarat last Sunday as Kane Hunkin reports.
The victory maintains the side's current winning streak (now seven wins) and redeems an earlier season defeat to the Roosters. As a result, Geelong holds onto third position on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder at the conclusion of round 19.
In wintry conditions, the game was played accordingly. Rain and a strong breeze blowing across the ground rendered the match a defensive tussle, with both sides equally benefiting and suffering from the weather's effects. Despite entering the game inside the top four, a round 10 loss to North Ballarat, coupled with a fresh Roosters outfit coming off a bye, provided an even platform.
Kicking with the wind, two first quarter goals from North Ballarat's Bill Driscoll contributed to the home side's seven point first change lead. However, through the agency of Jordan Schroder and the return of Nathan Vardy, Geelong controlled the second term. A strong mark by the latter help set up a Shannon Byrnes goal late in the term and subsequently gave Geelong the half-time lead.
North Ballarat provided all three third term goals, with a major to Aaron Edwards at the 25 minute mark giving the Roosters the momentum and a lead of 11 points at three quarter time.
Despite the home side remaining competitive and determined in the final quarter, Geelong, in a manner fitting of their yearly resurgence, ran the game out better to register win number 11 for the season. Two last quarter conversions from Schroder and an impressive roving goal from captain Troy Selwood sandwiched in between were the catalysts to the end result, as well as keeping the home side scoreless.
The Cats took the four points and with it the Cotton On Foundation Children's Ward Cup, which gives $50,000 to Geelong Hospital's Children's Ward.
After the game, Geelong academy coach Paul Hood affirmed the team's trend of finishing games off strongly, noting the constantly improving fitness of the playing group.
"As a young group gets older their fitness improves and they're improving from week to week. It's been a really good trend over the season to see us run out games and we hoped that was the case today," Hood said.
In a subtle and symbolic gesture, Cats coach Matthew Knights addressed the team in a huddle prior to entering the half-time break. Hood observed that the message centred on ball use.
"We just wanted to get some pattern to our ball use. Obviously, with the ball going real hard out to the Showgrounds side, we wanted to work the clubroom side as much as we could. I think everyone knew the plan, but it's just difficult to do it in the heat of the moment. Matty [Knights] was just imploring the guys to get the ball out to the top side whenever they could," he said.
In addition to the win, the return of young key position prospect Nathan Vardy was of significance.
"We are delighted with the way he's trained and prepared, and came back today. The expectations for Nathan are pretty balanced. We just want to see what he does and let him enjoy his footy, and build up his confidence. We just want him to play the best footy he can."
With the regular season approaching its conclusion, Hood believes the goal and direction stays the same.
"The message doesn't change. Everyone's got it in the back of their mind that you're a chance to achieve success. But we all know that success comes from getting things right contest by contest and week by week."
In an afternoon where goals were rare, Jordan Schroder's three majors were crucial, while the form of regular contributors Jonathan Simpkin and Mitch Brown continued to impress. North Ballarat were again brave, with Myles Sewell and Michael Searl among the Roosters best.
Geelong travel to take on the league leading Casey Scorpions in the match of the round this Sunday. While, North Ballarat will aim to keep their finals hopes alive in a tough away match-up against Werribee.
Geelong 7.14.56 def North Ballarat 6.9.45
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 07/08/2012 16:05