Geelong’s imposing mid-year form has continued in impressive style, with the Cats leading from start to finish against North Ballarat last Saturday, writes Kane Hunkin.
In a manner that mirrored their last home win against Port Melbourne, Geelong dominated a North Ballarat side entering the match on a three game winning streak.
The result contradicted some early and pre-game misfortune for the Cats. Jed Bews was a late withdrawal (replaced by Piers Flanagan) after injuring his ankle in the warm-up. While, Nathan Vardy was stretchered from the ground with concussion following a heavy tackle in the first minute of play.
Bill Driscoll and Nathan Horbury tried to keep North Ballarat competitive early. However, the damage was done in the second quarter, with the Cats kicking seven goals to the visitors two.
There was a sense of symmetry to Dom Gleeson’s play in the third term, with the veteran bookending the quarter – a goal in the first minute of play to begin the half and another major on the siren.
Luke Delaney and Liam Anthony were prominent for the Roosters. However, on a day where the side failed to kick consecutive goals in any sequence, influence was minimal to the scoreboard.
Ryan Bathie’s move to the forward line again paid dividends for the Cats, with the key-position target kicking four goals.
Geelong coach Matthew Knights succinctly summarised the victory after the game.
“It was a significant effort to win by that much against a team that has been playing well. [It was] a great win,” Knights said.
In addition to the result, the return of Travis Varcoe and Jared Rivers was of particular note. Varcoe observed his comeback when speaking in the rooms.
“It has been a long time coming – I haven’t strung too many games together. It was nice to get back out there. In terms of how I played, I wasn’t too fazed with that. I just wanted to play my role,” Varcoe said.
Similarly, Varcoe noted how having succumbed to injury earlier in the year has helped give him time to recover and allowed him to better prepare for the second half of the year.
“I feel a lot better [than last year]. This one here [the injury] happened at the start of the year. It has given me a bit of breathing space to make sure I’m 100% and I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”
Moreover, Rivers was equally buoyed by his return. The defender has adopted a fundamental approach to overcoming injury.
“[The focus is to] Train well for the next few weeks and get the consistency up each week,” Rivers said.
Rivers asserts the transition to adopting the Geelong club ethos has been a positive one.
“The whole club has been fantastic. It’s such a really well run club. Coming to a successful club and trying to earn some respect off your peers is always challenging. But, it’s a great club, with great players and I work with some great coaches.”
Knights touched on the impact both players had on the game.
“To have these guys out there today is a bonus. Not only do they bring good experience for a lot of young guys they play with, but also they provide a cool head sometimes when the game is hot. The bonus was they were able to play really good game time,” Knights said.
Both teams now enjoy a bye during the split round. Geelong will look to rectify an early season loss when they take on Collingwood under lights at Simonds Stadium Friday week. While, North Ballarat travels to Frankston.
Geelong 18.19.127 def North Ballarat 7.11.53
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 08/07/2013 10:28