Saturday's clash marks an important weekend for Mikayla Bowen in more ways than one, with Geelong set to take on Richmond in the AFLW's Pride Round.
Off the back of a crucial victory over Sydney last Sunday, the Cats will be looking to string together back-to-back wins while moving a step closer to the top eight.
The task ahead however will not be a simple one, with Richmond in strong form having won five of their seven matches so far in 2024.
Bowen said that while the Cats are certainly aware of the challenge awaiting them, the team will back in their own style to produce results on Saturday afternoon.
"You have to respect Richmond, you have to respect every team that we play but the likes of Mon Conti and Katie Brennan, they are massive threats," Bowen said.
"Again it all comes back to us and what we can control, and the fact that we feel like we have massive threats through our team as well.
"I think we have learned a lot from prior weeks. Sydney kicked a couple late but we were able to hold on in the dying moments, and come away with the four points.
"As i have mentioned, it is about going back to our brand and how we best play football. Off the back of that, regardless of what the outcome is we will know that what we have done is what we have tried to control."
Along with being a star footballer for the Cats, Bowen is also Geelong's inclusion and diversity co-ordinator.
Bowen was involved in the design of the Cats Pride guernsey which the team will wear against Richmond, featuring the colours of the Pride Progress Flag and a rainbow Geelong Cats logo, intertwined with the Cats' iconic blue and white Hoops.
As the AFLW's Pride Round continues to develop, Bowen said the competition is setting the standard for inclusion and Pride throughout sport's worldwide.
"Evolving is definitely the best way to put it, it has grown in that space," Bowen said.
"I just spoke about my own comfort within the space, I think that is growing as well.
"Whether there is members throughout the Pride community or allies of the Pride community, people are taking a stance on what is and what isn't acceptable in the space.
"I think Pride round for the AFLW is not a protest, it is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a celebration of what makes our competition so incredible, I think it sets the standard of what inclusion and Pride should be throughout sport worldwide.
"I feel very proud and fortunate not only to be a part of the Geelong Football Club in this space, but the AFLW as well is definitely leading the way."
Follow the link below to purchase your own Geelong Cats Pride Guernsey from the Cats Shop.
