Geelong’s VFLW season came to an end on Saturday at DSV Stadium in Williamstown, with the Cats battling hard to secure a spot in the finals, but ultimately going down fighting. The Seagulls dominated with a flock of goals and claimed the win, 8.3 (51) to Geelong's 5.7 (37).
The Cats displayed a number of standout performances across the match. Hannah Burchell goaled with a snap in the first quarter, and in the fourth quarter Geelong picked up the pace with Charlotte Simpson kicking a goal and Liv Cicolini following with three in a row.
Geelong VFLW senior coach Elise Coventry said that she saw a huge improvement in the team’s determination across the match, however they missed some opportunities to score on the board.
“Our girls came in and looked like they wanted to compete right from the start which we did really well in the contest. We could’ve gone out in that last quarter quite low on confidence with the scoreline, but we had belief still that we could have an impact and I feel like all of us even with a minute to go felt like we could’ve won,” she said.
“For us today, though, I think we had to work really hard in the first three quarters to score and at times we didn’t take opportunities to kick a goal and we were getting behinds, whereas Williamstown seemed to get out quite even and score easily."
Abby Favell and Charlotte Simpson were among Geelong's best, defending well and leading everyone in the disposals with 24 apiece, while Bree Beckley, Sarah Perrott and Cicolini were also impressive.
“'Simmo' (Simpson) and Ab Fav (Favell) in the middle were hunting the footy, and they were able to get us forward a lot. Breanna Beckley was really good in the back line, and Sarah Perrott, when she moved into the ruck she was a super aggressive option for us and followed up her ruck taps,” Coventry said.
“Liv Cicolini obviously kicking a few in that last, it was good to see her come into the game across the ground. I felt like we were a little bit more consistent this week with everyone contributing when they needed to."
Coventry hopes to retain this group structure for next year’s VFLW season and build up an even more cohesive team.
“Half of our side were new this year, whereas i’d say if Williamstown were asked the same question there’d only be one or two that were new this year. If we’re able to go again with that group and get a little bit more of a connection and understanding of each other, work on our fundamentals and our game style to have another crack at it I think we’ll be better off next year,” she said.
VFLW Round 14 - Williamstown v Geelong
Williamstown 2.1 4.1 6.3 8.3 (51)
Geelong 1.0 1.5 1.6 5.7 (37)
GOALS
Williamstown: Sarah Cameron 3, Megan Williamson, Eliza Straford, Lori Stepnell, Maddie Edwards, Teagan Brett
Geelong: Liv Cicolini 3, Charlotte Simpson, Hannah Burchell
