Geelong’s VFL Womens side has been beaten in a thriller with the St Kilda Sharks, going down 4.8 (32) to 4.0 (24) at Deakin University on Sunday.
The Cats trailed all afternoon and were down by 11-points in the third quarter before clawing their way back to level the scores with 15-minutes to play.
St Kilda took the lead before a goal to Alisha Habib – a late inclusion in the side for Kate Darby (back) - squared things up again with eight minutes left on the clock.
Down by two-points with two minutes remaining, the Cats looked dangerous. But St Kilda’s relentless pressure eventually proved too strong, as Jess Gardner kicked the sealer for the Sharks following a brilliant contested mark.
The intense tacking pressure from both teams on the MCG-sized oval ensured it was one of the most physical matches of the year, and Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood said he was proud of his side’s effort.
“We obviously just found it difficult to score,” Hood said.
“We were fantastic in the back two thirds of the ground but just found it difficult to move the ball fluidly once we got it in the front half of the ground,” he said.
“That’ll come, we’re working on that, but you can’t question the commitment and the attitude of the girls.
Jamie Woollett was a standout showing great composure under pressure while Cassie Blakeway was also impressive, kicking the goal that sparked the Cats’ comeback.
“Jamie was terrific. She took the game on and broke some lines, and moved the ball well with her left leg.
“She’s worked really hard so it was good to see her get some reward today.
While Hood was positive after the match he admitted his side needed to improve how it absorbed opposition pressure.
“We work really hard on moving the ball at training but in the game you’re faced with a level of pressure that a lot of our girls haven’t seen before. Particularly our players that are new to football, and new to this level.
“We’re just working through that, and it’ll take a little bit of time, but there’s no question about everyone’s desire.
Richelle ‘Rocky’ Cranston made her debut for the Cats, after being sidelined with injury for the first half of the season, and looked promising.
“Rocky returned and she’ll get better and better as every game goes on.
“All the girls were rapt to have her back in the side. Her enthusiasm, and the way she plays with such passion, is great for everyone.
The Cats now have a six-day break before taking on Seaford next Saturday at 2pm.
“There’ll be a big focus on recovery and rehab over the next few days, and then sharpening up at training later in the week.
“Then it’ll be good to have a road trip together out to Seaford.”
St Kilda Sarks 4.8 (32) defeated Geelong Cats 4.0 (24)
Goals: Higgins, Blakeway, Fedele, Habib
Best: Woollett, Blakeway, Coventry, Mithen, Williams, Teague.
Injuries: nil.
@ Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct
