The AFLW Cats have taken to the field for their first official hit-out ahead of the new season, taking on Collingwood in a match simulation at Victoria Park on Saturday.
The practice match consisted of four 20-minute quarters, with the Cats taking the opportunity in the second half to move the magnets around and experiment.
Despite the wintery conditions, Geelong proved too strong for the Magpies as they held on for a 14-point win to start new campaign in a positive fashion.
The Cats rolled out all four of their new recruits on Saturday with Kate Surman, Aishling Moloney, Anna-Rose Kennedy and Erin Hoare all playing strong minutes in their first outing.
Surman was one of the Cats' best on Saturday, getting involved right across the ground while showcasing her classy skills by foot.
Geelong’s dynamic midfield duo, Amy McDonald and Georgie Prespakis, were straight back into the thick of the action, helping the Cats dominate the clearance battle in the first half.
The midfield will benefit greatly from the addition of Erin Hoare to the Cats' ruck stocks, bringing elite tap work that was on full display against Collingwood.
The Cats pieced together a strong opening half to lead by three goals at the main break.
Cats’ livewire Darcy Moloney was prominent early with two goals in the opening quarter, one to watch up forward, while Kate Darby and Nina Morrison also hit the scoreboard, with the Cats' multitude of scoring options set to benefit when the new season kicks off in three weeks' time.
Several of Geelong’s bigger names sat out the second half, opening up opportunities for some of the Cats' younger talent to shine after the main break.
The heavens opened at Victoria Park after the break, turning the game into a contested slog with scoring opportunities hard to come by for both teams.
Darcy Moloney proved to be the difference once more, slotting her third goal late in the final quarter.
The Cats were able to hang on for a 14-point win, an impressive first outing in the 2023 season.
The Cats will travel to Adelaide next Saturday for one more practice match against the Crows before the season officially commences on September 2 at GMHBA Stadium against the Western Bulldogs.
