Geelong's undefeated start to the 2022 season came to an end against Southern Saints on Saturday.
In heavy rain at Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct, the Saints pulled away in the second half, kicking 3.3 to 0.1 to win 6.3 (39) to 3.1 (19).
In an evenly-contested first half, goals were difficult to come by in the rain, but neither side wasted an opportunity once they got within range, kicking a straight three goals apiece.
Mia Skinner opened the Cats' account in answer to Amelia Peck's goal for the Saints, and the sides went into the first break a goal apiece.
The Saints had the better of the early stages of the second term and were threatening to pull away with consecutive goals, but late goals to Melissa Bragg and Skinner levelled the scoreboard at half-time.
The Saints controlled the scoring from that point as the Cats struggled to break through their defence, with only one scoring shot coming midway through the final term.
Midfielder Tamara Smith's wonderful start to 2022 continued, with a game-high 33 disposals and 11 tackles, as well as five marks and four clearances.
Paige Sheppard was also solid with 20 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances, while ruck Rene Caris was particularly influential early in the game, and finished with 16 disposals and 23 hitouts - nine better than her Saints opponent Sarah Black.
Carly Remmos (14 disposals, 8 tackles) and Zali Friswell (12 disposals, 7 tackles) also brought the pressure.
The Cats will be looking to address their scoring struggles before they take on undefeated Casey at Deakin University this Saturday.
The Cats had one more inside-50 than the Saints, but five fewer scoring shots, and were beaten around the contest, with 20 fewer clearances than the Saints, despite a favourable hitout tally.
VFLW Round 4 - Geelong v Southern Saints
Geelong 1.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 (19)
Southern Saints 1.0 3.0 3.0 6.3 (39)
GOALS
Geelong Mia Skinner 2, Melissa Bragg 1
Southern Saints Renee Saulitis 3, Amelia Peck 2, Gabriella De Angelis
BEST
Geelong Tamara Smith, Paige Sheppard, Carly Remmos, Rene Caris
Southern Saints Hannah Stuart, Alana Woodward, Renee Saulitis, Rebecca Neaves
