Geelong have fallen to an experienced GWS Giants outfit at Tom Wills Oval, in extremely windy conditions on Saturday afternoon.

Caitlin Reid put together a terrific game for the Cats, picking up 10 disposals and 31 hitouts while also laying seven tackles, in a great sign for Geelong moving forward. 

Youngster Bryde O’Rourke showed plenty of her potential throughout the game, using her pace to break away from packs on numerous occasions. 

Mia Fuller ended the match with a game high nine tackles, finishing off her courageous first half with another great all-round performance.

With a strong wind heavily favouring the Giants end of the ground to begin the game, Geelong were forced to withstand a wave of orange guernsey's right from the opening bounce.

With the ball trapped inside their defensive 50 for much of the quarter, the Cats conceded three goals in the opening ten minutes as the wind wreaked havoc early in the game. 

CATS v GIANTS - Full Match Coverage and Stats

Geelong managed to restrict GWS for the remainder of the quarter but the Giants snuck through one more goal on the siren, bringing their tally to four goals by the first break. 

The Cats controlled the play early in the second term but were unable to capitalise going forward, before GWS regained the momentum and extended their lead further with three more goals. 

It was a positive quarter for Geelong despite the scoreboard, as there were able to accumulate more inside 50’s and apply plenty of pressure to the Giants backline. 

More successful against the wind in the third term, Geelong were able to control more aspects of the game.

Chantal Mason was able to snap truly and put through a goal for the Cats, bringing her total to four goals for the season.

With plenty of experience on the park, the Giants were able to put through three goals in the third quarter and four more in the final term, to run away with the 85 point win. 

The key to the Giants success was their ability to possess the footy and use the ball wisely, finishing ahead in disposals (+168), which put Geelong behind the eight ball all day. 

Geelong will return to Victoria next Saturday, facing North Melbourne at Arden Street Oval with the opening bounce from 11:00am. 

VFLW Round 5

GEELONG          0.0     0.2     1.3       1.3      (9)
GWS GIANTS    4.7     7.8     10.9    14.10    (94)
 
GOALS: C Mason 1

DISPOSALS: M Walton, C Reid, M Fuller 10, O'Rourke, Jordan, Burchell 8

@ Tom Wills Oval, Sydney