Geelong will celebrate two milestones this weekend during their Round 3 AFLW clash with Collingwood when Kate Darby and Jackie Parry both play their 25th AFLW career games.

Since joining the club for its inaugural AFLW season in 2019, Darby has become a much loved member of the Cats locker room.  The key forward/ruck was placed on the inactive list during the 2021 season while pregnant, but re-joined the playing list for season six after teammate Renee Garing announced her own pregnancy in late 2021.

Geelong teammates Meghan McDonald and Becky Webster, talking on the Catterboxes podcast, marvelled at Darby’s athleticism and durability, particularly post pregnancy.

“She's been in and out of the team at different points in her career and since having Ella has been in-in,” Geelong skipper McDonald told the podcast. “This would be her 12th consecutive game wouldn’t it? Looks like having a baby is good for you,” she laughed. 

“She's the most incredible athlete. The thing is to get around her and play like that this week and attack the ball. When she flies at the ball you can't stop her.”

“Absolutely, Webster agreed “It's either coming to ground or she's marking it.”

Parry was one of the Cats’ offseason recruiting coups, joining Geelong from Melbourne along with Shelley Scott, during the 2022 Sign and Trade period.  

The 25-year-old mobile forward has added a new dimension to the Cats attack this year, but her new teammates have been especially impressed with her contested work. 

“I'm excited for JP,” Webster said.  

“I think she's had some great games as well playing up the ground like a collision beast. 

“Special shout out to her this week as well, she won our 'Grit Player' of the round, absolutely smashed it, contest after contest, crashing packs”. 

Geelong currently sit in top spot on the AFLW ladder with a percentage of 350% and will face Collingwood this Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium.

COLLINGWOOD has escaped with its third win of the season against a tough Geelong outfit on Saturday afternoon.

In a game between two well-drilled defensive teams, scores were hard to come by as the Magpies ultimately prevailed 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11) at GMHBA Stadium.

Early in the game Geelong was under the pump as Collingwood controlled territory, but it weathered the storm, conceding just three behinds to half-time. However, the Pies eventually broke through for the first goal of the game midway through the third quarter as Alana Porter streamed forward to drill her first-ever AFLW goal.

CATS v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats

Collingwood's desperate last line of defence, while impressive, did become a little overzealous as a Sarah Rowe tackle on Georgia Clarke without the ball saw the Cats slot their first and once again narrow the margin.

As we have come to expect, Lauren Butler and Jordy Allen intercepted the ball at will down back, really controlling the game from the back half, with Allen also pushing forward to kick a crucial goal midway through the final quarter to put her side in front.

Star Magpie Jaimee Lambert, who came into the game managing a left ankle concern, copped a knock to her right thigh during the first quarter and was moved to the forward line. The Cats, however, got right on top at the contest throughout the third thanks to the work of Nina Morrison, Becky Webster, and Amy McDonald, which saw Lambert injected back into the midfield.

For the Cats, Webster's willingness to take the game on and gain ground with her touches was a highlight, delivering the ball forward seven times from her 19 disposals.

Presparkis Provides the Spark

Geelong young gun Georgie Presparkis is shaping into something special right before our eyes as she was again a key cog for much improved Cats. 

Presparkis finished the game with 18 possessions, including 14 contested, five clearances, and critically going the other way as well, laying a game high nine tackles. She’s already a fan favourite down at the Cattery, but it won’t be long until the whole league takes notice if they haven’t already. 

Missed Opportunities

In her 50th AFLW game Sabrina Frederick came out of the blocks and presented strongly in attack. Her hard work saw her take two set shots in the first half that fell agonisingly short, she then injected herself into the ruck near goal to try a trademark snap out of the stoppage, but unfortunately it was a half of almosts for Frederick.

Porter the Drought Breaker

Midway through the third quarter neither team had been able to find a goal, but it was the run of Alana Porter out of defence that ultimately broke the drought. Using her speed and expertly linking up with teammates, Porter burst inside 50 and expertly slotted a goal on the run, her first in AFLW.

What's next?

Geelong will head to Tasmania to face a smarting North Melbourne, meanwhile Collingwood will return home to host reigning premiers Adelaide at Victoria Park.

GEELONG                    0.1     0.1     1.3     1.5     (11)
COLLINGWOOD          0.1     0.3     1.3     2.3     (15)

GOALS
Geelong: Clarke
Collingwood: Porter, Allen

BEST 
Geelong: Webster, Prespakis, Emonson, Johnson
Collingwood: Allen, Schleicher, Butler, Cann

INJURIES 
Geelong: Amy McDonald (left cheekbone)
Collingwood: Jaimee Lambert (right thigh)

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 1,957 at the GMHBA Stadium