Geelong has returned from its final bye of the season, continuing its previous momentum with an imposing win over Bendigo at Simonds Stadium last Saturday as Kane Hunkin reports.
The home side picked up from where it left off, taking their current streak to six consecutive wins. While the 67 point victory marked the Cats' second significant win over the Gold for the year (86 points in round six), it similarly moves Geelong to third on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder approaching the regular season's final month.
Although the aforementioned earlier season defeat seemingly galvanised Bendigo, with the side registering six straight wins between rounds 9 - 15, the weekend's loss now sees the team on a three game skid.
The inclusion of James Podsiadly for the Cats and current additions of Brent Prismall and Sam Lonergan for the Gold appeared telling, but it was Geelong who controlled the play from start to finish.
Inaccuracy and dour, contested conditions conspired to keep the game close in the first half. Despite the conditions, Brendan Lee and Steve Stroobants were lively for the Gold, but it was the constant run of Geelong's Jordan Murdoch that proved most damaging.
A seven goal to two third quarter was the decisive point of the game. A strong contested mark by Mitch Brown and similar finish at the 16 minute mark affirmed the Cats' polish. While, Bendigo showed commitment throughout the morning, only three goals after half-time resulted in the team's seventh loss in 2012.
After the game, Geelong coach Matthew Knights noted the consistent finishing of his side in recent weeks.
"I think Bendigo were very physical and threw everything at us today. We adjusted a few things after half-time. We put Dom Gleeson forward. [Joel] Hamling went back, which probably balanced up our team a little bit better.
"And, full credit to them for finishing so strongly. It's been probably something the last five or six weeks we've done very well as a team; is finish games strongly in the last quarter and we did it again today," Knights said.
The coach additionally touched on Geelong's ability to rectify an indifferent first term.
"I felt after quarter time we got into a rhythm, in both attack and defence, and certainly played some good footy and were able to dominate the inside 50 count," Knights said.
Returning from a stint in the AFL side, Murdoch impressed in the Cats' win. Knights observed the benefits of young players alternating between the two leagues and the ability to assimilate back into the VFL.
"They've started with us, so they form the relationship with the fellow players and the team and they go up and play well for Chris [Scott] and do what he asks. But, when they come back they already have that strong bond with the team, so they feel really comfortable, which is so vital," he said.
Podsiadly (one goal) was rested in the last quarter, with the forward's second quarter the most promising. In addition to the win, the debuts of rookie Mark Blicavs and father-son prospect Jordan Bourke (two goals) were noteworthy.
"Pleased for both Jordan and Mark. Unbelievably different stories. An athletics background and a father-son player. Just to have them in the team together today was great for them, but also great for the group to accept them in.
"I thought both Mark and Jordan's efforts in the second half were good. And, it will be good to have another opportunity to play them sooner rather than later in the coming weeks."
Prismall and Longergan finished the game unscathed for the beaten Gold, while Tayte Pears was consistent playing down back. Comparatively, Jordan Schroder and Brown again were vital to the end result for Geelong.
Bendigo have a chance to get back on the winners board when they host Collingwood at Queen Elizabeth Oval this Saturday, while Geelong will look to rectify a round 10 defeat when they travel to take on North Ballarat this Sunday.
Geelong 18.12.120 def Bendigo 7.11.53
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 30/07/2012 17:07