Two-time Geelong AFLW best and fairest Amy McDonald hopes Saturday’s practice match against Gold Coast is just a taste of what’s to come for the Cats in Season 7.

After struggling to get scores on the board at times last season, the Cats defied the conditions at Austworld Centre Oval to boot seven first-half goals, and denied the Suns the same freedom when the home team fought back in the second half.

“It was amazing to come away with the win – I think it really shows the growth that we’ve had over this pre-season, and what we’ve been working on,” McDonald said on Wednesday.

“I think last year we really battled to get scores on the board, so it was really exciting to get six or seven first-half goals, and then be able to hold off the opposition in the second half.

“It’s really pleasing to see, and I think we’re just excited to get into Round 1 now.”

Young forward/midfielder Darcy Moloney showed composure and class to complement her work ethic, finishing off good team plays to slot though four of the Cats’ first-half goals.

Mia Skinner, who was drafted to the Cats for a second chance at the AFLW this season, was also among the goalkickers, alongside Julia Crockett-Grills, Georgia Clarke and Chloe Scheer.

As well a making good use of their scoring opportunities – the Cats kicked 8.4 for the match – it was also the way the Cats moved the ball that was a highlight in the match.

“I think just creating space is a big (focus). Maybe in the past, we’ve been more territory-based, just wanting to get the ball forward and away from the opposition end, but I think this year we’ll be more attacking,” McDonald said.

“No matter what, we know we’re probably going to keep the opposition to low scores. That’s been a theme … but now it’s ourselves putting that scoreboard pressure on, so hopefully you’ll see some angles change in our attack, and hopefully (we’re) hitting the scoreboard.

“Darcy Moloney kicking four first-half goals is really exciting. She’s put so much work in in the off-season, and it’s really paid off.

“Then around the ball, having the likes of Nina Morrison back at full strength, it really just shows what she can do for our team and individually. I think it was actually a pretty even spread (in the practice match) – I think those two girls played well, but then I think everyone else just played their role, and that’s what they needed to do, and that’s what contributed to the overall result.”

After a promising Season 6 campaign that saw the Cats slash their average losing margin from 29 points in 2021 to just 10.5 points in Season 6 on the back of a strong, contested style of play, McDonald said Season 7 feels different again as the Cats look to build on their momentum.

“I think it does feel different – again, it is hard to know as it is a practice match, and come Round 1, you never really know what’s going to happen. But it did feel really different, and I feel like we have put in a lot of work over this pre-season and changed our game plan and things like that,” she said.

“I think it will translate to Round 1, but the proof will be in the pudding.”

McDonald, who has won the Cats’ past two club AFLW best and fairest awards, is eager to see how the midfield group steps up again in the new season.

The 24-year-old leads a group that is growing in confidence and cohesion, with the likes of Becky Webster, Nina Morrison and Georgie Prespakis working alongside her.

Young midfielder Zali Friswell showed good signs in her first season at the club, while Laura Gardiner had a brilliant VFLW season and will be looking to cement her spot in the starting 21 this season.

“Obviously, we’re quite a young midfield group – I think I’m probably the oldest at 24, and bring that average age up quite a bit,” McDonald said.

“I think every game we get together as a midfield unit, that connection and belief grows between us.

“So I think it’s really exciting that we got through one season together, and now heading into our second season as a midfield unit, we can really build on what we had, and that connection has grown. I think as a young midfield group, it’s really exciting, the direction that we’re heading in.”

The Cats’ midfield cohort also welcomed the likes of former West Coast Eagles midfield star Mikayla Bowen and young Richmond winger Ingrid Houtsma during the Sign & Trade period.

The Cats launch their Season 7 campaign against Richmond at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday, 28 August at 4.10pm. Get your tickets or sign up as a member and join the Cats as they continue their journey in Season 7.