Geelong is off to its best-ever start to an AFLW season with back-to-back wins, but will have its work cut out to keep that streak going when it faces a strong Collingwood side at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

The Djilang Match, as part of the AFLW Indigenous Round, is set to be a huge match-up, with both teams undefeated heading into the third round of the season.

The Details

Djilang Match
Geelong v Collingwood
Saturday, 10 September 2022 at 4.10pm AEST
GMHBA Stadium
Wadawurrung Country

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Tickets are available through Ticketmaster here.

Last Time They Met

Geelong 3.6 (24) def. by Collingwood 5.5 (35) at GMHBA Stadium, Round 3 Season 6

The Cats fought hard and challenged Collingwood right up until the final siren, but ultimately fell 11 points short at GMHBA Stadium in Season 6.

After leading at stages in a tight first half, the Cats slipped two goals behind the Magpies in the third term, before a goal to Darcy Moloney in the fourth quarter got them back within striking distance.

Chloe Molloy sealed the win for Collingwood with a goal, but the Cats could hold their heads high after another strong effort against a top team.

Amy McDonald led the way for the Cats with 12 tackles, as well as collecting 20 disposals and four clearances, while Maddy McMahon and Chantel Emonson were also among the Cats’ best.

Head-to-head, the Cats are 1-2 against the Magpies in home and away season matches.

Cats’ Eyes on Goals

After limited scoring opportunities in the opening Round, the Cats were able to create more chances in front of goals against the Dockers. While tricky conditions made the going tough – as a 3.9 scoreline will attest – the Cats would have been pleased to see the ball spending more time in their forward line, with more meaningful entries.

Although the game didn’t have the free-flowing movement of their practice match against the Gold Coast, it was a step up from the Round 1 clash against Richmond. The Cats will hope to keep building as they strive to make a bigger impact on the scoreboard in Season 7.

Shutting Down Magpies’ Attack

Collingwood has had multiple avenues to goal in their opening two rounds, with eight individual goalkickers to date.

Former Cat Olivia Barber booted two on debut against Sydney last week, while Jordan Membrey has kicked three goals across two games - and has kicked 14 goals straight in her career to date - and was named in the AFLW Team of the Week for Round 2.

The Cats’ midfield and defence have shown themselves to be strong on pressure so far this year, and they’ll need to produce their best again the keep the Magpies quiet.

Djilang Match

As the AFLW celebrates the start of Indigenous Round, the Cats will wear their Djilang guernsey, designed by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, on Saturday.

The Djilang match will showcase the artwork created by First Nations children and young people through the Djilang program, proudly supported by Barwon Water, with the artwork displayed on stadium LED and on the club’s website and social media platforms.

There will be a gift exchange between Geelong and Collingwood prior to the coin toss, as well as a Welcome to Country, and Djilang Program participants will take part in the guard of honour.

The Djilang Match is played each season across both the AFLW and AFL seasons, and is now in its 10th year.

Milestone Double 

The Cats will celebrate two milestones this weekend, with forward/ruck Kate Darby and new forward Jackie Parry both set to play their 25th AFLW match. 

Darby played two games with Carlton in 2017, with her remaining games all for Geelong since joining the club ahead of its inaugural season in 2019. 

Parry played the first 22 games of her AFLW career with Melbourne, before joining the Cats during the 2022 AFLW Sign & Trade Period. 

Key Points

1) Midfield strength grows
While still young, Geelong’s impressive midfield has gone up another level in Season 7.

Amy McDonald has continued on the brilliant form that has seen her claim the last two club Best and Fairest Awards. Likewise for Becky Webster, who finished runner-up last season, while Nina Morrison is going from strength to strength as she enjoys getting continuity back into her footy.

Morrison and Georgie Prespakis, who has also gone up a gear in the opening fortnight, have been fantastic with their attack on the footy, and the pressure they bring to a contest.

With ruck Liv Fuller in great form, and outside runners Mikayla Bowen and Zali Friswell making strong contributions as well, the Cats’ midfield is humming along beautifully as a unit.

2) Defence reigns supreme
The Cats were renowned for their pressure and defence in Season 6, but have taken it up a level in Season 7.

Led by the brilliance and determination of captain Meghan McDonald, the Cats have conceded just 12 points so far this season – including just one behind against Fremantle last Saturday.

The stingy defence has played a big role in seeing Geelong atop the ladder with a very healthy percentage of 350.

Well supported by pressure-minded midfielders, the Cats defenders have made scoring a nightmare for the opposition in the opening fortnight, with just one kick making it past the brick wall for a goal.

The Magpies’ attack will truly test the Cats’ defence, having kicked 11 goals over the opening two rounds.

How to Watch

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster here.

For those wanting to follow along at home, the game will be broadcast on Channel 7 and can be streamed through Kayo, womens.afl or the AFL Women’s and AFL Live Official Apps.

Follow @catswomens on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the game.