A youthful GIANTS’ VFL side was unable to tame the red-hot Cats in Geelong on Saturday as the home side registered its sixth straight win with a 61-point victory at GMHBA Stadium.
Played as a curtain-raiser to the two clubs’ AFL clash, the Cats had a five-goal unanswered opening term and despite a valiant effort, the GIANTS were unable to handle the slick Cats at home as they ran out 16.14 (110) to 7.7 (49) winners.
It was a tough start to the day for the GIANTS who had their early 30-point deficit compounded through a game-ending ankle injury to dominant ruckman Nick Madden in the second term after a red-hot start to the clash.
Hurting his ankle in a marking contest, the talented 20-year-old had already collected a then team-high 12 disposals and five clearances to go along with five tackles and nine hit-outs before injury ruled him out just 12 minutes into the second term.
Prior to the big man’s departure, the GIANTS were able to get going early in the second term as promising key forward Max Gruzewski helped turn the tide with back-to-back majors before Giorgio Varagiannis snapped a clever goal to make it three straight GIANTS goals and cut the lead to just 13 points.
Geelong was able to quell the GIANTS’ momentum following Madden’s departure however as the Cats kicked the remaining two majors of the second term to hold a 25-point lead at the main break.
Despite the half-time deficit the GIANTS were extremely well served by emerging defender Wade Derksen who was a standout in the first half with a team-high 16 touches and six marks on the back of last week’s brilliant VFL performance in restricting Bulldog forward Rory Lobb to just one goal.
Derksen continued his strong outing after the main break with a brilliant run-down tackle to save a goal in the opening moments of the third term.
But despite Derksen’s defensive brilliance, the Cats continued to prove too slick with two more majors to start the second half before a strong contest at half forward from Lachlan Keeffe resulted in an easy goal in the goal square to Gruzewski for his third.
But once again the Cats responded with two of the final three majors of the quarter either side of a nice goal from GIANT Conor Stone to give themselves a seven-goal buffer entering the final term.
The GIANTS continued to fight until the final siren and added two more majors through exciting draftee Phoenix Gothard and tough midfielder Marc Sheather but ultimately were outclassed on the day as the Cats registered their sixth win in a row.
Despite the loss, Derksen finished with 29 touches and 10 marks in a defiant display down back, while VFL skipper Ryan Hebron (28 touches, 11 marks) had his best game of the year.
Dashing defender Joe Fonti (26 touches, seven marks) also showed off his talent as the recent draftee put in his best VFL performance yet as he continues his development to press for an AFL debut.
Strong midfielder Harry Rowston (26 touches, seven clearances, 10 tackles) also continued his consistent VFL form while former Swan Sheather (21 disposals, 11 tackles) was tough at the contest as always.
Keeffe (16 touches, 13 hit-outs, three tackles, three clearances) battled well all day after taking over ruck duties following Madden’s departure, while Gothard (17 touches, one goal) put in another lively performance which he capped off with his classy goal late in the game.
Meanwhile Gruzewski (three goals) once again led the way up forward as he continues to keep his name in contention for an AFL debut.
With a bye next week, the GIANTS’ VFL side will next face the Hawks in Box Hill in round 11.
VFL Round 9
GIANTS: 0.2 3.3 5.4 7.7 (49)
Geelong: 5.2 7.4 11.11. 16.14. (110)
Goals:
GIANTS: Gruzewski 3, Stone, Varagiannis, Gothard, Sheather
Geelong: Willis 3, Mannagh 3, Clohesy 2, Bradtke 2, Stevens, O’Sullivan, Hughes, Hardie, Foster, Annand
