Match Preview

Geelong will host North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium in round three, as two of the competition's undefeated teams go head to head in a Friday night blockbuster. 

The Cats will look to make it three consecutive wins to open a season for the first time in their AFLW history, following strong wins against the Bulldogs and Swans to open the 2023 season. Geelong have booted 10 goals in both their matches so far, with a desire to score more heavily a big part of their game plan this year. 

The Kangaroos currently sit on top of the AFLW ladder, following two big wins to kick off their campaign. Last year’s Preliminary Finalist is widely tipped to be one of the strongest contenders in 2023, providing an exciting challenge for the Cats this weekend. 

The Cats have outscored North Melbourne across the opening two rounds of the season, but the Kangaroos have conceded the least points of any team in the competition. 

Last Time They Met

Geelong’s most recent encounter with the Kangaroos came in last season’s elimination final, with the Cats falling just two points short at GMHBA Stadium as their 2022 campaign came to a close. 

Amy McDonald starred for the Cats with a game high 23 disposals, while Chantel Emonson dominated down back with 21 possessions and five marks. 

Geelong dominated general play amassing 41 inside 50 entries to North Melbourne’s 18, but were unable to find the match winning goal late in the game. 

Players to Watch

1. Claudia Gunjaca 

The Geelong key defender will have her hands full this weekend, potentially coming up against North Melbourne spearhead Tahlia Randall. 

Gunjaca has been an underrated asset down back in Geelong’s opening two wins, but Randall presents a new challenge having booted six goals in the Kangaroos first two games.

Keeping the North Melbourne forward quiet will go a long way toward a positive Geelong result.

 2. Georgie Prespakis & Amy McDonald

The Cats superstar duo will be need to be at their best once again against North Melbourne, facing another of the league’s top on-ball pairings in Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner.  
Prespakis dominated the opening quarter last weekend, before the Swans put a heavy tag on the elite midfielder after quarter time. The 20 year old still had a big impact on the game, laying a game high 12 tackles and picking up four clearances. 

McDonald has continued her dominant ways to start the 2023 season, averaging 24 disposals, eight clearances and nine tackles per game while also pushing forward to hit the scoreboard in both matches. 

The Cats pair will have to contend with North Melbourne’s strong duo, who have combined for 130 disposals and 30 clearances to help steer the Kangaroos to two wins early in the season. 

3. Kate Surman

Brought to Geelong to be the link between the midfield and forward line, Surman proved her worth immediately with a dominant display in the opening round against the Bulldogs. 
Collecting 17 disposals, numerous score involvements, and two goals of her own, the 31-year-old’s elite ball use and decision-making has been a key factor in the Cats increased scoring prowess. 

With the Cats struggling to score against North Melbourne last season despite plenty of forward 50 entries, this feels like the type of game Surman was brought to Geelong for. 
 
From the Coach

"It's going to be fun to watch. 

"The group at North have played together for a really long time and they have gelled really well, learning how to play instinctively together. 

"There is a bit of fire in the belly for the girls to play well, to see what we have done over the pre season in full effect.

"It's just a matter of how we take our chances on the night. It's not about redemption, it's more about seeing how our system stacks up against North Melbourne which is exciting for us. 

"We saw some of our development over the opening two rounds, we'll keep growing in our system and the girls are switched on and ready to go." 

Quote of the Week

“I feel like there is a bit of a rivalry developing there. 

"Whenever we play them there is a real hunger in the group, and it makes a difference on the back of that final last year.

"I do feel that we have played some good footy against them and we have had some close games, where we feel like we can get this team if we play at our best. 

"It will take some real consistency this weekend and that maturity that we have seen, with a new look for us may present them a new challenge."

Georgie Rankin
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