It was tough, close, and at equal times scrappy. Geelong though survived a scare from a less fancied Coburg side to keep their winning streak intact and maintain a top two spot at Simonds Stadium last Saturday as Kane Hunkin reports.
Geelong returned home, entering the game on the back of a defining win against the Casey Scorpions in round 20 and on a club high eight game unbeaten run. It was the visiting Tigers however – with the aid of a strong breeze – that played in a more polished manner in the first quarter.
Keen to rectify a last start loss to Frankston, Coburg kicked four of the first five goals, with captain Nick Carnell registering their opening major. Returning Cats Travis Varcoe and Nathan Vardy (second game) eased into the game, with Varcoe starting on the bench and the latter pushing forward as fellow teammate Dawson Simpson (36 hit outs) made a similar comeback in the ruck.
Geelong took advantage of the conditions in the second term. A heavy clash between George Burbury and Coburg’s Jake Batchelor typified the intensity as the scoreboard remained even at the main break.
Consecutive goals to Angus Graham and Luke Cartelli gave the Tigers the momentum as the Cats looked to feel the effects of the past fortnight’s tough away games. However, a late goal to Nathan Vardy realigned the close game. While Geelong’s Jaxson Barham suffered an injury early in the last quarter, the Cats held-off a competitive Coburg side; Burbury’s major at the 25 minute mark confirming the result. The victory moves Geelong’s winning streak to a club VFL record sequence of nine consecutive games.
After the game, Geelong coach Matthew Knights paid credit to Coburg’s four-quarter intensity, similarly noting his side’s ability to persevere against the solid opposition pressure.
“First and foremost I thought Coburg were outstanding. I thought their tackling was great today. It put a lot of pressure on us. There wasn’t a lot [of things] today where we were able to get in rhythm. To our credit, we came through,” Knights said.
The win was again reflective of Geelong’s depth, with a host of players missing in the win.
“Troy Selwood and Andrew McLean, they’ve been nursing some sore spots for a couple of weeks. So after the win against Casey, which probably cemented our top four spot, we probably just felt it was a good opportunity to get their injuries right before the finals came,” Knights said.
The return of Travis Varcoe (22 possessions, one goal) signposted the victory, with the midfielder getting through the game unscathed.
“I always tried to give myself the best chance to get back and this is another small step in the right direction,” Varcoe said in the rooms.
Knights additionally observed Varcoe’s influence on the VFL team.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with him – the way he gelled with the team, the way he just fitted in with the group,” he added.
Coburg, in a contradiction of their ladder position, played in a gallant and determined manner, which now rounds out their 2012 campaign. Carnell (three goals) and Pat Contin were among the Tigers best.
George Horlin-Smith’s impressive VFL season continued for the Cats, while Jackson Hollmer kicked three goals for the second straight week.
Geelong face a possible finals dress rehearsal when they host Williamstown this Saturday. Coburg’s season is complete, with the side having the bye in round 22.
Geelong 11.13.79 def Coburg 9.12.66
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 20/08/2012 08:22