May 07, 2007
From Geelong Advertiser
FORMER Geelong captain Steven King and tough defender Max Rooke gave the Cats' brains trust plenty to smile about with solid performances in the Bendigo Bank Cats' dominant 81-point win over Casey at Casey Field on Saturday.
King's return to form was a highlight, imposing himself on the contest early with some clever ruck work, and kicking the first major of the day. His work rate was excellent, running from both ends of the ground and providing consistent second efforts. The only negative came in the final quarter when he was reported for tripping Casey's Nigel Carmody.
Rooke began slowly but in the second quarter racked up 12 possessions, taking his usual courageous marks in defence and providing plenty of rebound.
It was Geelong's fourth consecutive victory and the side that included a combined 547 games of AFL experience to Casey's 74 was far too strong and classy, winning every quarter.
The match also saw football journeyman Phil Read make his VFL debut for the Cats. His start to the season was delayed by four matches because of a suspension carried over from last year's grand final, where he ironically headbutted new teammate Mathew Stokes. Eighteen-year-old James McTaggart also played his first VFL game after being a valuable member of the Geelong Falcons TAC Cup side last year.
Brent Prismall was best on ground in the first half with 29 possessions before being spelled then Mathew Stokes took over with 32 touches in the second half. His vision and work rate was exceptional, but his ability to deliver to a target under pressure was the aspect of his game that was most impressive.
Defender Josh Hunt had an uncertain first half but worked his way into the ground when coach Leigh Tudor gave him a run on the ball in the second half.
In all, it was the four-quarter effort the coach had demanded, and best on ground Stokes was relieved to get the four points.
``I was disappointed to get dropped from the ones, but these are a great bunch of guys. They (Casey) were a bit depleted, so we really needed to win today,'' he said.
The Cats face the struggling Bombers at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval at 2pm next Sunday.
