An inspired six-goalfinal quarter paved the way for the Bendigo Bank Cats to surge to a 28-pointcome-from-behind victory over the
On a day where the Cats reclaimedtop position on the VFL ladder, they cemented their credentials as a genuinecontender this season.
Tim Callan continued his stellarseason with a standout performance off halfback, while Charlie Gardinerpresented tirelessly across half forward in an impressive display.
After the match, coach
“(It was a) really good win downhere considering last year we only kicked two goals for the match, so to comeaway with the win with only nine VFL boys on the list was a really goodeffort,” Tudor said.
“(Tim Callan played) a fantasticgame off the half back flank. Reallyhard, really tough, he used the ball well and made good decisions.
“Charlie (Gardiner) was very goodfor us again today, he ended up kicking two goals and presented really well andhe probably took about eight marks as well. When the game needed to be won, he really presented himself – in thefirst and last quarters.”
So scintillating was the startthat the Cats made light work of last year’s dismal score of 21, surpassing itless than half way into the opening quarter.
The Cats were on a mission anddictated play through quick and direct ball movements around the ground.
But a mid second-quarter lapse andthe Cats’ imposing stance of the game was slowly whittled away, with theBullants seizing the momentum.
The Bullants tightened theirstranglehold on the match throughout the third quarter with four crucial goals,as
Sensing the danger ofrelinquishing a golden opportunity to cement its place in the top echelon ofthe ladder,
The resurgence was built on aninjection of pace and penetration from Josh Hunt in the midfield, while amarked improvement in the intensity around the ground brought back thetrademark Cats drive.
Todd Grima emerged as a vocalpoint in attack and
“I think the boys started winning thecontested football and going in a bit harder. The second and third quarters we were off the boil a little bit,” Tudorsaid.
“We talked at three quarter time about howneeded to start winning the contested ball and use it better.
“Josh Hunt was moved in to the on-ball andhe made a big difference in the last quarter (and) Todd Grima started runningmore at centre half forward.”
Tom Hawkins did not play, while JoelSelwood – who played his first VFL match of the season - was rested in thesecond half.
The Cats will face their nextchallenge against in-form Werribee at Skilled Stadium next Saturday at 1.10pm,with the match broadcast live on ABC TV.
“Werribee are going really well,they’ve had two 100-point wins this year and I think they’ve beaten Casey thisweek,” Tudor said.
“We’re back at home, so we expectto win at home, but Werribee will be a huge challenge for us.”
GoalKickers: J. Cheep 2, C. Gardiner 2, J. Davenport 2, D. Barnes 2, C. Urie2, S. Byrnes, T. Callan, J. Byrne, T. Grima, M. Firman
Best Players: T. Callan, C. Gardiner, S. Hunt, J.Byrne, S. Byrnes, M. Firman
