The Cats have fallen two points short of reigning premier Brisbane after another gutsy effort at Maroochydore on Saturday.

The Cats had their work cut out from them against the relentless attacking force of Brisbane, but a strong defence kept them in the game until a fourth-quarter fightback got them within two points, losing 4.1 (25) to 3.9 (27).

The Cats defence, led by the brilliant and tireless efforts of Meghan McDonald and Maddy McMahon, absorbed forward foray after foray, intercepting, smothering and spoiling the Lions to deny the reigning champs scoring opportunities despite 38 forward 50 entries for the home team.

After the Lions scored the first goal of the final term to pull 13 points clear, the game threatened to get away from the Cats.

But with the sheer determination that has been their trademark in the opening month of the season, the Cats gritted their teeth and fought back.

Two final-quarter goals from Chloe Scheer – who finished with an equal career-best three goals for the match – saw the Cats get within a goal.

But as the rain began to fell heavily at Maroochydore Sports Complex, the Cats’ next scoring shot went to the right, and the clock eventually beat them as they made one last forward 50 entry.

00:33

Scheer Delight as Cats Recruit Kicks First Goal in Hoops

Chloe Scheer earned a free kick in front of goal and made no mistake to bring her side to within a kick

The Cats’ other goalscorer was another new face in Chantel Emonson who, like Scheer, kicked her first goal in the Hoops.

Emonson’s came in the opening quarter to give the Cats the ideal start on enemy territory.

The 28-year-old took a great mark 20m out from goal, off the back of a great run and bounce from Kate Darby who spotted the new Cat up perfectly.

From there, the Cats’ had to produce another brilliant defensive effort as Brisbane went on the offence.

Despite being down 20-6 in the inside 50 count at the main break, the Cats had held their lead until late in the second quarter, as McDonald, McMahon, Maddy Keryk, Georgie Rankin and Gabbi Featherston put on a brilliant defensive effort, cutting off attack after attack.

To half-time, the Cats had taken 25 intercepts, with McDonald (5), McMahon (4) and Keryk (4) leading the way. Third-gamer Featherston continued her strong form, with her relentless effort on show, including an important smother of a Jesse Wardlaw kick on the 50m arc.

The Cats again could only break through Brisbane’s defence for one forward 50 entry in the third term, but it was all Scheer needed to get her first goal in the Hoops.

The final term saw the Lions wane as the Cats refused to give up, but the Lions responded to the pressure and were able to hold on for a two-point win.

More to come

AFLW Round 4 Lions v Cats

BRISBANE      0.2     1.4    2.7     3.9     (27)
GEELONG       1.0     1.0     2.0     4.1    (25)

GOALS
Brisbane: Davidson, O'Dwyer, Bates
Geelong: Scheer 3, Emonson

BEST 
Brisbane: Bates, O'Dwyer, Bodey, Anderson, Grider
Geelong: Scheer, A. McDonald, Webster, Emonson, M. McDonald

INJURIES 
Brisbane: Collingwood (knee) 
Geelong: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Brisbane: Nil
Geelong: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 1,832 at Maroochydore Multi-Sports Complex