In an ominous warning to the competition, Bendigo Bank Cats coach Leigh Tudor believes there is plenty of room for improvement despite his side’s 60-point pumping of North Ballarat at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.
Geelong improved as the match transpired to overcame errant goal kicking and a persistent North Ballarat, prevailing 18-17-125 to 9-11-65 in wet conditions.
“We missed a lot of targets today, so there’s still room for improvement,” Tudor said.
“We’ve learnt to score goals against teams that have put numbers behind the ball – our patient ball use was good today – but we still need to work on hitting targets.
Thirteen goals to four after half time paved the way to a third successive victory, as the Cats finally shook a relentless Roosters line up in the last quarter with six unanswered goals to consolidate second position on the ladder.
Todd Grima continued his scintillating early season form with another five-goal haul, taking his impressive total to 16 goals from the past three matches.
Kane Tenace was a standout with 41 possessions on his way to best on ground honours, while defender Josh Hunt gave a strong performance off half back.
Nathan Djerrkura displaying an insatiable desire to win the contest complemented by flashes of mercurial brilliance, while Ryan Gamble got through his first match of the season unscathed.
Tenace was again left to run unhindered all afternoon and was used as a sweeper across halfback, cutting off the Rooster’s forward thrusts and emerging as a potent attacking weapon on the rebound.
Hunt played predominantly through the midfield and played a kick behind play at the stoppages with the intent to capitalise on his incisive kicks to set up the forward line contingent of Matthew Spencer, Charlie Gardiner and Grima.
The defender played a solid four-quarter match and also worked hard back into defence to give the Cats drive off the half back line, collecting 33 disposals and seven marks.
Djerrkura had a presence around the ball and looked to run and carry, picking up 23 possessions and playing a part in numerous attacking plays for the Cats.
After the match, Tudor said he was impressed with Grima’s early season form and was pleased with his second half performance.
“He’s been good, he’s been kicking lots of goals for us,” Tudor said.
Gamble, playing his first game of the season after re-injuring his ankle a month ago, was particularly prominent early through the midfield and finished the day with 19 disposals and eight marks.
The Bendigo Bank Cats will be out to press for top spot on the VFL ladder when they take on the Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon.
The match will be broadcast live on ABC TV from 1pm.
Geelong: 3.7, 5.10, 12.13, 18.17-125
North Ballarat: 3.2, 5.5, 9.9, 9.11-65
Best: K. Tenace, J. Hunt, R. Gamble, M. Firman, H. Playfair, T. Grima
Goals: T. Grima 5, S. Mumford, S. Byrnes, S. Johnson 2, J. Davenport, K. Tenace, M. Spencer, S. Hunt, C. Gardiner
