While a host of Cats listed players used the round 3 VFL bye to lick their early season wounds, a number of other took to the MCG to take on the talented AFL AIS Academy squad. The match provided a wonderful opportunity for the out of form Cats to practice a number of things and for many it was their first match at the spiritual home of football. Unfortunately for the out of form Cats it was the young and super energetic AIS team that prevailed by 1 point in a tight struggle 12-10-(82) to 11-15-(81).

Second year AFL rookie Jesse Stringer, Ben Raidme and Mitchell Cuthill all made successful returns from long term injuries and showed that they will strengthen a midfield group that has struggled in recent weeks.

Body size and experience was a factor early as the more experienced Cats out tackled, out marked and outran their less experienced opponents to open up an ominous 14 point break midway through the first term. Goals to Jaxson Barham, ruckmen Trent West and Mark Blake and Tom Maas gave the Cats a 20 point buffer at the first change.

The small crowd that came early for the curtain raiser were treated to some brilliance from the AIS stars of the future with three spectacular marks coming in the space of ten minutes. The AIS piled on three early goals to reduce the deficit within a goal midway through the term. Two posters to West and VFL listed midfielder Jackson Sheringham saw the Cats keep their noses in front and go to the main break 4 points in front.

Whether it was the bright lights of the MCG or the all star AIS coaching panel of Micheal O’Loughlin, Tom Harley and Matthew Lloyd, the Cats seemed to be spooked early in the third quarter, as the AIS forward line clicked into gear. Nathan Vardy’s made his presence known in the third quarter when he chased and tackled with vigour. Trent West’s influence continued to be prominent as he out marked and outmuscled his junior opponents kicking an important late goal to keep the Cats in it after the AIS dominated the term with their run and evasive skills.

As the crowd started to build for the Collingwood Richmond clash the interest was growing in the engrossing contest taking place in the curtain raiser, as the less fancied AIS took a three point lead into the last quarter.

Nathan Vardy looked in inspire their teammates early in the last quarter with a freak goal at the five minute mark of the quarter brought the crowd to its feet as he showed amazing agility and poise to slot through a goal. The AIS hit back with an important goal from a Tom Gillies 50 metre penalty that gave them the crucial lead with only five minutes remaining.

The Cats had 4 shots on goal in the final 3 minutes but failed to regain the lead, handing the AIS squad a 1 point victory in front of their excited support team.

VFL midfield Ben Raidme who had a chance to win the game with a late snap, was asked how he felt after making his return from injury, “I was really happy to come through the game feeling ok and hopefully it will give me a good platform to the rest of the season.” Raidme said.

The VFL Cats go from playing at the MCG last weekend to the Torquay Football Ground this weekend as they take on Williamstown in their Round 4 Easter weekend clash. The Cats look set to welcome back co-captains Troy Selwood and Matthew Firman along with a host of AFL listed players including Mitchell Brown, Ben Johnson, Joshua Cowan, Cameron Guthrie, Jordan Schroder and Jonathan Simpkin for what could shape as a season defining encounter for the Cats second tier group.

Although the match is a Williamstown home game, the Cats will be hoping to have all the home town support on Bells weekend.