Geelong has recorded a 10-point loss against Essendon in a practice match at Windy Hill on Saturday.

The Bombers had the ascendancy early, winning the territory battle and Bonnie Toogood capitalised with an opportunistic goal to open proceedings.

The ball spent the majority of the first quarter in Essendon’s attacking half, but Geelong’s backline stood up well, led by skipper Meghan McDonald with eight disposals.

The Bombers taking a 10-point lead into quarter time.

Aishling Moloney looked ominous forward of centre for the Cats taking a couple of strong marks in the opening quarter, and it was the Irish forward who got Geelong on the board in the opening minutes of the second term with a miraculous check side set shot from the boundary.

Amy McDonald was the one that found Moloney inside 50, continue her prolific start to the game after recording a game-high 10 disposals in the first quarter.

Just as you could feel the momentum starting to swing, up stepped Sophie Alexander with an instant reply.

The remainder of the quarter was evenly contested with the Bombers taking a 13-point lead into the main break.

McDonald continued her excellent afternoon, this time in attack, capitalising on a hit-out from Jackie Parry into her path to get the Cats back within seven points of the lead.

Geelong’s tackling pressure was a feature of the third term with Rachel Kearns and Kate Surman setting up scoring opportunities for their teammates, but both resulted in minor scores, bringing the Cats within five points with a quarter to go.

Kate Kenny got the Cats off to the perfect start to the final quarter with a big pack mark at the top of the square, crucially giving the Cats a one-point lead, their first of the afternoon.

The Bombers responded with back-to-back goals to regain an 11-point lead.

The Cats had a couple of tough chances late to eat into their deficit, but the Bombers were able to hang on to record a 10-point victory.

Geelong will open their AFLW season against Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday 31 August.

AFLW Practice Match Result

ESSENDON   1.4  2.7   2.8  4.9 (33)
GEELONG   0.0  1.0  2.3  3.5 (23)