One of the most memorable and entertaining games in AFLW history took place late last year, when Geelong faced the reigning premiers Melbourne in the 2023 Semi-Final.

The Cats were coming off the first finals win in their AFLW history, when they defeated Essendon in an elimination final a week earlier.

Melbourne on the other hand were looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Kangaroos, setting up an intriguing clash at IKON Park.

Amy McDonald got the Cats off to a flying start, kicking the opening two goals of the game as Geelong bounced out a 14 point lead at the first break.

07:59

Time Cat-Sule | Round 1, Cats Edge Reigning Premiers In Thriller

With a massive Round 1 clash coming up, go back to the last time we played the Dees, in one of the great AFLW finals we've seen!

With all the momentum and applying elite pressure, Geelong continued to extend the margin with quick goals to Kate Darby and Jackie Parry early in the second term.

The Cats were controlling all facets of the game and most importantly the scoreboard, with Melbourne’s first goal not coming until just after the half time siren.

Holding a 19 point lead at the main break, again Geelong ramped up the pressure in the third term with Julia Crockett-Grills and Shelley Scott both kicking majors shortly after half time.

Continuing to hold the Demons to just one goal for the contest, the Cats lead was out to 30 points at three quarter time and a Preliminary Final berth was almost secured.

00:24

AFLW Team Song | Semi Final

Watch the Cats celebrate their round ten win

But the reigning premiers weren’t going to go out quietly, piling on five of the next six goals to close the margin to just six points late in the final term.

Melbourne had one last chance to level the scores with 15 seconds on the clock, but Lauren Pearce’s snap sailed just wide, and the Cats held on for the one of the greatest wins in their AFLW history.

2023 - SECOND SEMI-FINAL 
Melbourne v Geelong @ IKON Park

Melbourne     0.2     1.4     1.7     6.9    (45)
Geelong         2.4     4.5     6.7     7.8    (50)

GOALS: McDonald 2, Scott, Parry, Moloney, Darby, Crockett-Grills 1

BEST: Morrison, Webster, A.McDonald, M.McDonald, Parry, Darby

DISPOSALS: Morrison 29, McDonald 21, Webster 19, Prespakis 18

CROWD: 5,057 @ IKON Park

GEELONG STARTING TEAM
1. Mikayla Bowen
3. Amy McDonald
4. Darcy Moloney
5. Jackie Parry
6. Julia Crockett-Grills
7. Kate Surman
8. Kate Darby
9. Nina Morrison
10. Georgie Rankin
11. Meghan McDonald
12. Renee Garing
15. Shelley Scott
16. Chantel Emonson
20. Zali Friswell
21. Becky Webster
22. Rachel Kearns
26. Claudia Gunjaca
32. Gabbi Featherston
41. Georgie Prespakis
45. Aishling Moloney
46. Erin Hoare