Geelong’s VFL side has suffered a heavy loss to Collingwood in Saturday’s VFL practice match, falling to the Magpies 8.10 (58) to 16.12 (108) at Simonds Stadium.

The Cats were slow to start the match and played catch-up for the majority of the first half. The visitors had 16 scoring shots against an under-siege Cats defence, taking a 35-point lead into the main break.

It was more of the same after half time with Collingwood restricting the home side to one goal, taking an insurmountable lead into the final change.

The Bankers were admirable in the final term, kicking four goals, but it wasn’t enough to take down an impressive Collingwood outfit, as the Magpies ran out 50-point victors.

The visitors benefited from the Cats’ inefficiency, totalling 22 scoring shots from Geelong turnovers.

Whilst the overall outcome of the match was disappointing, many young Cats showed promise heading into the home and away season.

Tom Ruggles continued his run of strong VFL form with 25 disposals, 20 by foot, four tackles and a game-high nine rebound 50s.

Ruggles and fellow defender Jed Bews performed well despite the constant pressure they were under from the Magpies’ relentless attack.

Bews was amongst the Cats’ best as he fought hard down back with 15 disposals and seven marks.

In the midfield, Alex Hickey led the way with 23 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles and a goal in a four-quarter effort.

Following a modified pre season program, rookie James Parsons played his first game for the Cats and looked right at home in the blue and white hoops.

Parsons collected eight possessions in a half of football and looked dangerous with ball in hand.

The Bendigo Bank Cats will have the bye during round one of the VFL Fixture and will take on the AFL Academy during their week off. The match will be held at Simonds Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.

VFL Practice Match 4 - Bendigo Bank Cats 8.10 (58) def. by Collingwood VFL 16.12 (108).

Goals: Dobson 2, Menzel 2, Williams, Hickey, Stewart, Haintz

Best: Hickey, Bews, Ruggles, Cowan

Reports: Howe (Collingwood) striking Bews

Injuries: Nil @ Simonds Stadium, Geelong