Returning Cats midfielder Nina Morrison says the Cats ticked some crucial boxes in their practice match against Richmond on Saturday, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.

After a disappointing 2021 season, the Cats have put a special focus on consistency and creating scoring opportunities in the team’s fourth AFLW campaign.

On Saturday, the Cats produced a consistent four-quarter effort, maintaining their pressure against the Tigers and keeping the scoreboard ticking over – albeit with more behinds than they would have liked, in part due to a tricky wind.

Morrison, who was playing her first competitive game since March 2020 after a second ACL injury, said there was plenty to be pleased about with Saturday’s performance.

“A big focus for us off the back of last year was to have that consistency across all four quarters,” she said.

“We had a lot of girls rotating in – it was great to be in a position where we could play 29 players, so obviously (there were) a lot of rotations – so come Round 1 we’ll have a bit more consistency with the team (on the field).

“It was a really solid hitout to start with. A lot of stuff that we’ve improved on from last year, (we have) a lot of clarity around the way we want to play, but certainly (there is) lots to improve on as well.

“I think the girls are just really stoked to get into it. Coming off the back of today, we’ll have some really clear things we need to work on over the next couple of weeks and I think we’ll all be pumped come Round 1 against North.”

The Cats often struggled to generate meaningful forward entries and scoring opportunities last season, but were able to hit the scoreboard 18 times in the 23-point win over Richmond at the Swinburne Centre.

Only a third of those scores were goals, but this is an area the Cats will look to turn things around heading into Round 1, according to Morrison.

“A key focus coming into the year is to generate those scoring opportunities and keep the ball inside 50,” she said.

“I think we can clean up a few of those entries and make them easier shots at goal, but to have that many coming in is good signs going forward.”

There were also plenty of promising signs for Morrison’s own game, as the 21-year-old relished the opportunity to get back out and play.

The 2019 Rising Star nominee made her presence felt in the midfield, never shying away from any contest as she put her body on the line to win the ball and bring the pressure.

“It was awesome; it was good to get a proper run around,” Morrison said.

“I feel like I’ve been ready to go for a while, so it was nice to actually get out there and play.

“The body is (feeling) good – I started cramping up pretty badly late in the game, but it was good to have a proper hitout, and I’ll be good to go Round 1.”

Geelong takes on North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos at Arden Street on January 8.