Geelong’s title defence continued in earnest as the Cats maintained their unbeaten start to 2013, with a solid win against Frankston last Sunday as Kane Hunkin reports.
Geelong claimed win number four after travelling to Frankston Oval for the first time since 2007.
Despite welcoming back key-position players Nathan Vardy, Ryan Bathie and Shane Kersten, the injury misfortunes continue to plague the Cats. Jackson Sheringham dislocated a shoulder after a heavy tackle in the first few minutes of the game. The primary listed player was taken to Frankston Hospital and will have scans during the week.
A four-goal start gave Geelong the early ascendency. However, in a manner symptomatic of their improvement, Frankston remained stubborn and competitive. Goals on either side of the first change to David Gallagher keeping the Dolphins in touch.
Frankston were desperate and driven in the third term, but despite kicking three of the first five goals they couldn’t reduce the margin to a manageable state. While, Frankston’s Sam Lloyd tried to inspire, with strong contested marks, the Cats kept the lead.
Geelong proved too strong late – kicking all eight goals in the final quarter, winning by 79 points.
While the final margin was decisive, the scoreboard failed to highlight the competitive contest. In an affirming trend, Geelong again finished the game strongly. Cats coach Matthew Knights observed the positive.
“All credit to the players the way they run out games. We’ve run out the last three weeks incredibly well in the last quarters. It is a good sign for our young players to do that,” Knights said.
Cam Eardley excelled in the win for Geelong, with the usual halfback playing in the midfield.
“A big focus of the VFL is development and part of Cam’s development is to start interacting him in the midfield. I thought his contested ball was great. I thought his ball use was really good,” Knights said.
Concurrent with the win, the return of Nathan Vardy was significant. The big man played solely in the forward line, with the primary listed player rested in the last quarter.
Vardy was enthusiastic when speaking of his return after the game.
“It is good to be back out there and to get through is a bonus…I was able to run and jump at the footy and take a couple of marks. It was just about enjoying footy today,” Vardy said.
In promising signs, Vardy got through his comeback unscathed, kicking a goal in the first quarter.
“Today I felt amazing. The last few weeks I’ve been training and I’ve felt fine. Fingers crossed it stays that way,” Vardy said.
Geelong’s win was soured slightly by injuries to Sheringham (shoulder) and Jaxson Barham (hamstring).
Joel Hamling finished with six goals for the victors (five coming in the last quarter), with Ben Raidme and Eardley kicking three majors apiece.
David Gallagher (two goals) was among the Dolphins’ best, with Russell Gabriel prominent in the ruck.
Geelong return home to take on a Werribee side looking to break a recent losing streak for the K-Rock Cup, with the two teams playing a curtain-raiser to the Geelong Falcons versus Northern Knights TAC Cup game this Saturday.
Frankston travel to Eureka Stadium to take on North Ballarat also played on Saturday.
Geelong 19.17.131 def Frankston 7.10.52
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 29/04/2013 15:28