THE Rural Bank Bendigo Pioneers suffered their heaviest loss of the TAC Cup season against Geelong at the QEO on Sunday.
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The Falcons showed why they sit at the top of the ladder as they won by 60 points in a game where both sides were plagued by inaccuracy as they combined to kick 14.30.
The Falcons finished 11.21 (87) to 3.9 (27) victors in what was the first of three Futures Round matches where all teams must play 11-bottom age players.
“Geelong was very slick today. They controlled the ball well and were very efficient by foot and unfortunately, we were the opposite,” Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said.
“Our intent was really good early… we were able to get our hands on the ball, but were very ineffective with our possession.
“We turned it over far too often and were consistently made to pay by the opposition.
“Our boys didn’t throw in the towel and showed glimpses of the footy they are capable of playing, particularly with some of their set-up behind the ball in the third quarter, but we just couldn’t put the score on the board consistently.”
The consistent Austin Mertz, who played defence before being moved forward, was Bendigo’s best player. The Pioneers are now 3-7.
Geelong Falcons 3.4, 5.10, 7.14, 11.21 (87) d Bendigo Pioneers 1.0, 1.2, 2.5, 3.9 (27)
GOALS – D. Henderson, J. Bouwmeester, W. Donnan.
BEST – A. Mertz, J. Warde, D. Clohesy, W. Donnan, B. Henderson, K. Betson.