Geelong’s VFL Women’s side has returned to the winners list by defeating Box Hill Hawks 4.5 (29) to 2.3 (15) at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
The Cats were jumped by the Hawks at the start of the match and kept scoreless in the first quarter.
But they quickly overcame the slow start, booting three goals with the wind in the second term, including one from Madisen Maguire after the siren following a free kick for a high tackle.
The Hawks were kept goalless after the first break as the Cats recorded a 14-point victory, which is their second win over the side this season.
Maddie Boyd and Richelle Cranston were impressive once again while former umpire Emma Delaney made her VFL Women’s debut.
Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood was pleased with the team’s collective performance.
“It was really good to have a hard fought contest where the girls had to think their way through it and I thought they executed our plans throughout the day really well,” Hood said.
“The way we bounced back from Box Hill’s start (was pleasing), they really came out of the blocks, full credit to them with those two goals they scored early and really attacked the game quickly,” he said.
“We made sure we adjusted and were on red alert for their players spreading to the outside and spreading forward.
“We did that and sort of from the 15 minute mark of the first quarter onwards they didn’t kick another goal, so credit to our girls for really getting the ground, setting up the right way and executing our plans very well.
Hood said Bec Goring’s leadership stood out in what was her best match of the season.
“Bec Goring down in defence really marshalled the team well.
“It was probably Bec’s strongest performance herself with intercept marks and things, but the way she led and made sure we set up behind the ball was outstanding as well.
Hood also credited regular contributors Maddie Boyd and Lily Mithen.
“Maddie Boyd was huge I thought, playing as a forward and then as the back up ruck. The amount of marks she was able to take to steady us behind the ball and then give us a target to kick to after that was great, a terrific game from her.
“Lily Mithen was everywhere today, she worked really hard, she played as an inside mid and then spent some time behind the ball helping us out and some time as a winger in the last quarter.
Hood noted the depth of the Cats VFL Women’s squad as several players making their debut over recent weeks.
“We’ve lost a few players, which is sad, but the girls that are getting a new opportunity are stepping up.
“They’ve got a real passion to continue and improve and you know.
Next week the Cats take on VU Western Spurs at St Mary’s Oval at 11.45am.
“The position we’re in, we’ve got to try and win every week, but we’ll have the Western Spurs down at Kardinia Park on a big day of footy in Geelong so it should be fantastic a great occasion.”
VFL Women’s Round 11
Geelong Cats 4.5 (29) defeated Box Hill Hawks 2.3 (15)
Goals: Burchell, Boyd, Maguire, Fedele
Best: Boyd, Mithen, Cranston, Blakeway, Goring, Burchell
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
@ Box Hill City Oval
