Following their most successful season in the AFLW competition, the Cats will look to build on their first finals appearance and become premiership contenders in the 2023 season according to Darcy Maloney.

Geelong will commence their season with a home game against the Western Bulldogs this Sunday, with the Cats entering 2023 with their strongest and most balanced list.

One key for Geelong this season will be the versatility of Darcy Moloney, who continues to develop as an on-baller alongside her abilities down forward.

Moloney has spent plenty of time in the midfield throughout the pre season, and said that she is eager for the season to get started this weekend.

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Darcy Moloney Press Conference | Round 1

Forward Darcy Moloney spoke to the media ahead of Geelong's opening game against the Dogs in Round 1. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

"We are just getting started and we are really excited about what this group can bring,” Moloney said. 

“We play a really exciting brand of football and we play well with a big crowd behind us, so if everyone can get out here and support us then we can put on a show. 

"We are really lucky to have a home game first up, so it is really exciting alongside the nerves of a new season. 

Geelong v Western Bulldogs: Tickets on Sale

"I can't wait to get out there on Sunday, I feel like it's been a long time coming since last season. 

"As a group we are really hungry to get going, so I am excited." 

The Cats took a major step in their development last season, winning seven games in the regular season and reaching finals for the first time in their history.

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Step Two Episode 1

Episode 1 of Step Two follows the beginning of Geelong's Season 7 campaign, and the heartbreak and new endeavour that fuelled an early spark. Proudly Presented by Deakin University.

Behind captain Meghan McDonald and some of the most talented players in the competition, Moloney said the team is poised to get even better this year.

"We have worked really hard this pre season on the cohesion between the group, especially in the forward line learning how to work together,” Moloney said. 

“Having more football under our belt, our personnel hasn't changed too much so we are learning how to play better together. 

Last year we were ranked the fourth best defence in the competition, so we are really solid down back. 

"I personally think we have one of the best midfields in the competition as well, and last year we proved that we are able to score heavily.

"I think you will see us score a lot more this year too, we are making huge improvements as a group." 

Geelong take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, 2 September. First bounce is at 5.05pm.