By Kieran Jones
Geelong registered their sixth victory of the season against a valiant Bendigo Bombers outfit at Windy Hill on Sunday, running out 35 point winners.
A depleted Bendigo side put up a spirited fight, but a Geelong’s fresh legs helped them in a seven goal to two final term.
Better ball use by Geelong’s midfielders in the last quarter became a key factor, as Adam Donohue provided run and carry through the middle of the ground, whilst a strong and versatile forward set up proved too much for the Bombers defense.
Geelong began the game in remarkable fashion, kicking six goals in the opening term to take a 25 point lead to quarter time. In a long quarter, Bendigo youngster Jack Redpath was carried from the field on a stretcher, leaving the Bombers with three on the bench for the remainder of the game.
Both sides struggled to make the most of opportunities in the second term, with key forwards Darcy Daniher and James Podsiadly missing set shots at either end. However consecutive goals to Bendigo before half time reduced the margin to 11 at the main break.
An enthralling third quarter saw a Bendigo fight back, with good defensive pressure and better ball use in the middle of the ground by David Myers and Jarrod Atkinson sparking the comeback. Only a goal late in the quarter to Podsiadly gave Geelong a three point lead going into the final term.
However, the fresh legs of Geelong was a deciding factor in the final term, as well as a potent half forward line featuring Jackson Sheringham and Jonathan Simpkin. Dan McKenna’s courageous effort backing into the lead of Jay Neagle epitomised Geelong’s ferocity and desire in the final term.
Bendigo showed some signs of improvement that could trouble Port Melbourne next week, whilst Geelong faces Coburg in a must win game for both sides.
Bendigo Bombers 2.3 5.8 8.13 10.15 (75)
| Geelong 6.4 7.7 9.10 16.14 (110)
GOALS:Bendigo Bombers: Fiske 4 Zaharakis 2 Williams Lovett-Murray Houli Atkinson
Geelong: Podsiadly 3 Johnson 2 Westwood 2 Tom 2 Simpkin 2 Sheringham 2 West Stavenuiter Corrigan
BEST:Bendigo Bombers: Flaherty Atkinson Quinn Myers Fiske Bellchambers
Geelong: McKenna Donohue Hollmer Corrigan Raidme Sheringham
Last Modified on 13/07/2009 16:49