Geelong has continued Werribee’s recent losing streak, with the Cats recording another impressive win to remain the undefeated in 2013.
The home side, in perhaps their most consistent performance, again utilised a strong last quarter, winning by 55 points – Geelong’s fifth victory for the season as Kane Hunkin reports.
Despite the Tigers leading at quarter-time, it was a game largely dictated by the reigning premiers in the first meeting between the two sides since last year’s preliminary final.
Werribee enjoyed a six-goal consecutive goal run occurring either side of the first and second terms. However, Geelong would kick six of the next seven majors to end the half.
While, Jarred Moore (30 possessions) and Levi Greenwood (24 possessions, one goal) were prominent for the beaten Tigers throughout, Geelong appeared settled with more primary-listed player additions.
The continued inclusion of key-position targets – with Dawson Simpson (32 hit outs) returning in the ruck – proved decisive.
When Mason Wood goaled for Werribee at the 14 minute mark of the third quarter, the margin was within a goal. However, Geelong, in a response similar to their round four win against Frankston, kicked nine of the next 10 goals - including an eight goal to nil final term - to move to first spot on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder and claim the K-Rock Cup.
George Burbury, returning from a navicular injury, was a standout, kicking six goals in his first game back since last year’s grand final. Burbury would take out the Damian Drum Medal.
In the rooms, Burbury reflected on his comeback, with the young forward modest in his observations.
“To be honest, six goals for me is just a bit of cream on the top. My role in our forward line in the VFL, and if one day I’m lucky enough to get an opportunity in the AFL, is predominantly forward pressure. If I look at my stats sheets, I’m more worried about my tackles and pressure acts inside the forward half,” Burbury said.
Burbury additionally noted the tedious nature of being diagnosed with a navicular stress fracture in January.
“For me, it was six week on crutches in a moon boot, I could only take the boot off if I was in bed or on the couch. [There was] No weight bearing at all,” he said.
Geelong coach Matthew Knights was buoyed by the continuity in his side’s form.
“On the back of last week’s last quarter performance against Frankston to have a significant win today against a good team, and to finish off the game the way we did was really pleasing going into a bye,” Knights said.
Moreover, the coach noted the importance of having key players return.
It was only three weeks ago Jack Hollmer was doing most of the rucking. So today we had Dawson [Simpson] and Banjo [Andrew Banjanin] in the ruck and we had three big defenders and four big forwards.
“[Having] The big men at your disposal allows your structure to be a lot stronger and gives you a bit more flexibility throughout the game,” Knights said.
Nathan Vardy equally excelled in the win, with the ruck/forward in his second game back kicking six goals and taking four marks (three contested).
Geelong 21.14.140 def Werribee 12.13.85
Last Modified on 06/05/2013 11:11