Missing several key players, Geelong has clawed its way back onto the winners’ list with an important win over Darebin Falcons at La Trobe University on Sunday.
The Cats were without a host of AFLW-listed players that have been influential in their season to date, while state league stars Charlotte Simpson (injured) and Sachi DeGiacomi (illness) were also unavailable, but the Cats dug deep to defeat the Falcons 4.9 (33) to 0.4 (4).
With several new faces in the team – including three debutants in Mia Fuller, Ruby Bowers and late inclusion Emma Gilligan – the Cats took some time to settle into the contest, but their effort was clear from the outset.
Jane McMeel kicked the only goal of the opening half, as the Cats held much of the play in their attacking end, but couldn’t find the last kick to goal, leading by nine points on the scoreboard but winning the inside 50 count 28-8 at the main break.
AFLW ruck Liv Fuller added a new position to her resume, playing full forward, with tall defender Sarah Perrott reprising role in the ruck, where she had played much of her football prior to joining Geelong.
The Cats looked more polished in the second half, adding 3.5 to their score and keeping the Falcons goalless as they built a percentage-boosting win to remain atop the table.
Breanna Pratt led the way on the scoreboard with two goals, while Liv Fuller and Jane McMeel also registered majors.
More to come
VFLW Round 8 – Darebin Falcons v Geelong
Darebin Falcons 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.4 (4)
Geelong Cats 1.2 1.4 2.6 4.9 (33)
GOALS
Darebin Falcons: –
Geelong: Breanna Pratt (2), Liv Fuller, Jane McMeel