Kate Darby starred with a four-goal haul as a dominant Geelong VFL Women’s side 9.8 (62) defeated Seaford Tigerettes 2.3 (15) at R.F Miles Reserve in Seaford on Saturday.
Darby was awarded best on ground by both teams’ coaches after an impressive performance in both the ruck and forward line.
A beautiful kick, she booted one goal from 55-metres out in her best performance of the season.
The Cats kicked four-unanswered goals at the beginning of the match and showed no signs of slowing down before securing a 47-point victory over the Tigerettes.
Danielle Higgins kicked three-goals while debutant Cheryl de Groot was also impressive and slotted one.
Former-netballer Erin Hoare was also a standout while midfielder Lily Mithen spent majority of the match in the forward line.
Geelong VFL Women’s midfield coach David Morgan said it was great to return to the winners’ list and secure a 4-4 record for the season so far.
“It was fantastic for the girls to get rewarded today,” Morgan said.
“We’ve had a tough month and they put in a really good four quarter performance. By the end of the game I think we really outran them,” he said.
Morgan credited his midfielders for sharing the load in the most impressive performance he’s seen from the side.
“We were able to get five or six girls pushed through the midfield today, whereas earlier in the season we were probably only getting four in there.
“Now that we’re getting a nice depth of talent through there, some can push out to the wing. They’re all having a big impact when they’re in there.
“Richelle Cranston also came in and had a real impact today. Having her in the midfield for the first time this year was really good.”
Geelong VFL Women’s defence coach Nat Wood said it was pleasing to see the backline successfully put together some things they’d been trying in recent matches.
“The smaller ground allowed us to cover space a lot easier today and link up with some better forward handpassing which we hadn’t been doing in previous weeks,” Wood said.
“We haven’t had that many forward 50 entries in recent weeks, so to get some today and allow the forwards to do their job was really good,” she said.
“To see the girls galvanise their teamwork and organisation as a back six has been fantastic.
“When the opposition are bringing the ball in quick and long, our girls’ ability to shut down that space, come in and make some spoils, and make it a contested ball has been fantastic.”
Geelong VFL Women’s forward coach Oscar Owens said the day was a really valuable teambuilding experience.
“To all jump on the bus and come up to Seaford, and then actually get a result, is really good for the development of the girls as a team,” Owens said.
“It just brings a good feel to the club as well,” he said.
“It was really pleasing to see the girls in the forward line get some rewards for their efforts today.
“Particularly for Kate Darby and Cassie Higgins to kick multiple goals, which is something they’ve aspired to all season.
“This week is the first time we’ve been able to get multiple goals from one or two players, and going forward its really good for their confidence and development.”
Next week the Cats play Cranbourne at 12pm on Sunday at Osbourne Park in North Geelong.
Geelong Cats 9.8 (62) defeated Seaford Tigerettes 2.3 (15)
Goals: Darby 4, Higgins 3, de Groot, Cranston
Best: Darby, Higgins, Blakeway, Cranston, Hoare, Garing
Injuries: nil
@ R.F Miles Reserve, Seaford
