Geelong are set for a 2023 Preliminary Final rematch on Sunday afternoon, as they welcome the Brisbane Lions to GMHBA Stadium in Week 8.
The Cats are coming off a heartbreaking seven-point loss in an enthralling contest against Richmond last week, sitting in 13th position on the ladder with three games remaining in the home and away season.
Their opposition this week are putting together another impressive season, Brisbane winning seven of their eight games to this point of the season to sit in third position on the AFLW ladder.
Brisbane were pushed all the way by Gold Coast last Saturday, eventually closing out a 16-point win on the back of a strong performance from Ally Anderson (31 disposals, eight tackles).
2024 Ladder
Geelong: 13th (2-5-1)
Brisbane: 3rd (7-1)
Points For
Geelong: 348
Brisbane: 428
Points Against
Geelong: 345
Brisbane: 237
The Midfield Battle
Brisbane boast one of the competition's strongest midfield units, led by Ally Anderson who has been impressive right throughout 2024.
Anderson ranks in the AFLW's top 10 players for disposals (fourth), clearances (third), contested possessions (fourth) and inside 50 entries (ninth).
She is well supported by Isabel Dawes who ranks inside the competition's top 25 for disposals, clearances, inside 50's and score involvements.
Sophie Conway also adds a dynamic element on the wing, sitting second in the league for inside 50's and 10th for score involvements in 2024.
The Key Forwards
One of the Lions biggest strengths is their firepower forward of the football, spearheaded by Taylor Smith who is currently the leading goal-kicker in the AFLW just ahead of Geelong's Aishling Moloney.
Smith and Dakota Davidson have built a strong partnership in the forward half, both ranked inside the competition's top 10 for marks inside 50 and contested marks in the 2024 season.
Geelong have leaked an average of 53 points per game to their last four opponents, so they will need to be stronger defensively to stop Brisbane this weekend.
Handling the Forward Pressure
Geelong's brand of football sees them move the ball quickly through the middle of the ground, led by the likes of Becky Webster who drives that ball movement off the half back line.
Something they will have to be aware of on Sunday is Brisbane's pressure forwards, including Courtney Hodder and Cathy Svarc who rank equal third in the AFLW for tackles inside 50 this year.
Sophie Conway and Ruby Svarc also rank equal 12th in this category, the Lions excel at locking the ball inside their forward half off the back of this intense pressure.
