Late surge not enough for the Zebs in Geelong

01/07/2024

The Zebs go down to Geelong on the road, yet show plenty of determination with a brave late surge. 

Photography by Anthony Vella

On a wet day in Geelong, the sun appeared through the clouds just prior to the teams entering the field of play. Sandy beginning the day just behind Geelong on the ladder, the game was set to be a belter.

We were looking for a quick start to gain ascendency in the contest. The slippery surface made it tough to find clean distribution by hand, only strings of precise kicking giving good opportunity. A slow and deliberate approach by foot mixed with quick movement by hand brought about our first major, courtesy of Blake Watson. Solid defending held up multiple Cats’ surges. The Cats drew two back in quick succession. A response in pressure by the Zebs came with reward with thanks to Mattaes Phillipou. Isaac Keeler produced a moment of magic late in the quarter with a step-ladder intercept mark. We trailed at the first break.

As the rain started to fall, cleanliness became the focus and the territory battle ever important. We kept the ball forward of centre for the first eight minutes without reward, before the Cats slipped forward on a fast break to extend the lead. With us on the back foot, we needed a response to get competitive on the scoreboard. The pace of the game slowed as the ball became held firm in the contest. After repeat stoppages, Lance Collard sprung from the contest to snap one in for the Zebs. We went into the break 28-points off the pace.

The second half started hot as the rain continued to pour. After five minutes of consistent forward territory, a free kick and big snap goal to Lance Collard opened the scoring for the quarter. Geelong hit back immediately out of the centre clearance. The pressure rose and the scoring dried up. The pressure inside-50 brought reward as Hugo Garcia snapped one in for the Zebs. The Cats hit back straight away, able to lock it in out of the centre and able to manufacture a shot and score. A clean transition from half back resulted in a shot from the pocket for Tim Membrey who calmly slotted for his first of the day. We looked to close out the quarter strong, peppering the Cats defence, to no avail. The margin sat at 37-points going into the final break. 

We re-collected at the break and came out strong, with an immediate set shot and goal from Mattaes Phillipou. Captain Anthony Seaton led the pressure surge off half back, with multiple rebound efforts to propel forward movements. We looked well and truly up for the fight in the last quarter, able to control and move the ball to our advantage. A strong pack mark and goal execution by Max Heath brought us within 21-points. We capitalised on turnover with Isaac Keeler able to make a dent on the scoreboard. Ryan Byrnes got us close with a set shot after a trip call inside-50. The Cats put on a settler at the 26-minute mark of the final quarter. A goal to Matt Allison brought the score to its final margin at 15-points.

We came at the Cats with plenty of pressure, however Geelong were able to play expansive football and put damage on early. Our late charge from was brave yet not quite enough to come home with the win.

Sandringham Zebras                   2.2          3.2          6.2          11.7                        73

Geelong Cats                                  4.3          7.6          11.9       13.10                      88        

Our next game is at RSEA Park against the Sydney Swans,  Sunday July 7 at 11:05am.

For full stats from the game head to the VFL Website at https://www.afl.com.au/vfl/matches/6485

Written by Tom McQuillan - Sandringham FC Media