Geelong are preparing to host Essendon in a blockbuster elimination final at GMHBA Stadium, seeking their first post season win in AFLW history this Sunday afternoon.
The Cats are entering the finals series in red hot form, following a pair of big wins over Richmond and Hawthorn in the final two weeks of the regular season.
One key factor in Geelong’s strong finish to the season was the rediscovery of their scoring prowess, amassing 34 scoring shot in the final two games for a combined winning margin of 78 points.
Essendon’s form was shaky to finish the year, losing two of their last three games to fall out of contention for a top four finish.
The two sides met in round six earlier this year out at Warrnambool, with the Bombers holding the Cats goalless after quarter time to claim a 10 point victory.
This weekend will be the Cats' third final in AFLW history, after joining the competition in 2019 and will present their best chance to claim their first finals win.
The Stat that Matters – Fast Starting, High Scoring Cats
Geelong has made it well known that increasing their scoring has been a main focus this year, looking to create numerous avenues to goal and remaining dangerous when they push forward.
The change paid off for the Cats, increasing from an average of 38 points per game in season seven to over 44 points per game in 2023, finishing as the sixth highest scoring team in the competition.
The Cats also averaged 60 points per game across their six wins during the regular season, proving just how dangerous they can be when the game is on their terms.
One catalyst behind the increased scoring this season has been Geelong’s impressive form at the start of games, consistently dominating the opening quarter in most games throughout 2023.
The Cats have outscored their opponents 22.15.147 to 2.13.25 combined in their ten opening quarters of the 2023 season.
Melbourne were the only team to have scored a goal in the first quarter against the Cats this year, meaning Geelong were able to hold nine of their ten opponents goalless to quarter time.
Starting quickly will be important once again for the Cats this week, in order to apply pressure on the Bombers early and to get the game on their terms.
Players to Watch
1. Chloe Scheer
The most experienced finals campaigner on the Cats list is their spearhead forward, Chloe Scheer who is preparing to play in her sixth AFLW final this weekend.
The 24 year old played in two finals series at Adelaide, becoming a premiership player in 2019 before crossing to Geelong last year ahead of the AFLW’s sixth season.
Scheer has been a barometer for Geelong in 2023, booting 16 of her 18 goals in the Cats six wins while being held goalless in three of their four losses.
The star forward kicked two majors in the round six clash against the Bombers, and her performance will be crucial once again this Sunday if the Cats are to advance to next week.
2. Renee Garing
With the Cats season on the line in the final two weeks of the season, Renee Garing has produced some of her best football to inspire her team to a second consecutive finals berth.
The tough Cat amassed 17 disposals and 11 tackles in the win over Hawthorn last week, adding brilliant pressure around contests across half forward and through the midfield.
Garing did not play in the round six loss to Essendon, potentially highlighting her importance in the starting line up ahead of the clash this weekend.
In what will be her last AFLW finals series after announcing her retirement, watch for Garing to continue her strong form and help to add a spark this Sunday against the Bombers.
