VFL

GEELONG veteran Cameron Mooney showed plenty of signs to suggest he still had plenty to offer the Cats after an impressive display against Werribee yesterday.

The 31-year-old had two goals and eight marks over about three-quarters of game time during a thrilling 11-point loss to Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval.

Cats VFL coach Dale Amos said Mooney was dangerous on the lead and appeared to be regaining form.

Mooney is expected to play at least another two matches in the VFL before being considered for a senior return.

"I thought 'Moons' was really good,'' Amos said. ''I thought every time we gave him a chance one on one, he looked really dangerous and moved well.''

Conversely, Tom Hawkins had a disappointing day for the Cats where he struggled to have an influence in patches. Robbie Tarrant clearly won the duel.

Meanwhile, Essendon defender Tayte Pears got through his second VFL game unscathed from injury in Bendigo's 26-point win over Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. Justin Koschitzke had little influence on the match despite kicking one goal.

The Box Hill Hawks defeated Frankston by 28 points.

Meanwhile, the Northern Bullants were bundled out of the Foxtel Cup after losing to Claremont by 46 points.

¦Hawthorn withdrew ruckman-cum-forward David Hale from the VFL yesterday in the wake of Jarryd Roughead's season-ending Achilles injury.

The former Kangaroo is likely to play the Gold Coast next week.