From Geelong Advertiser
Reported by Bradley Green
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IF Geelong coach Chris Scott needed any more proof that Mitch Brown is ready for his AFL debut next weekend, he got it from the Cats' narrow VFL loss on Saturday.
The Cats were overrun by the Northern Bullants in the final quarter at Skilled Stadium after leading by 29 points late in the third term to lose by five points.
But Brown, their 2008 No.1 draft pick, was again a shining light up forward with his contested work a feature of his game.
Brown may have had only eight possessions, but he took four marks, booted three goals and also had a hand in a couple of others in the 15.12 (102) to 15.7 (97) loss.
The 20-year key forward has now booted 20 goals in eight VFL matches this year.
The form of senior players Shannon Byrnes and Cam Mooney were other encouraging signs from the match while youngster Josh Cowan also impressed.
Byrnes had 18 possessions and kicked two goals while Mooney was involved in a good contest all day with the Bullants' Carlton-listed defender Paul Bower, finishing with 10 touches and four marks.
The Cats veteran had the chance to tie the scores in the final minute when he took a strong mark 25 metres from goal on a slight angle. But his shot missed.
Geelong had one last opportunity to win the game, but the siren went with the ball in the air on its way to a contest about 30 metres from goal involving Brown and Mooney.
It was Byrnes' fourth game back from a knee injury and Saturday's performance showed that he may not be that far away from returning to the AFL side for what would be his 100th game.
Although the Bullants dominated the possession count and inside 50s on Saturday, the Cats looked set to spring a major upset when they lead by 23 points heading into the final term.
But the Bullants quickly eroded that advantage and the lead swapped hands five times in the last 10 minutes before the Cats ran out of chances to score their second win of the season.
Geelong coach Dale Amos said his players simply ran out of legs in the final term, but praised the efforts of young players in Brown, Cowan, Steve Motlop, George Horlin-Smith, George Burbury and Jack Weston.
"Our young boys are progressing really nicely and they are starting to play some good footy," Amos said.
The Cats face a daunting task travelling to Melbourne next Saturday up against top side Port Melbourne.
But they are likely to regain captain Troy Selwood, who was a late withdrawal.
