The VFLW Cats have been defeated in the opening round of the 2025 VFLW season, falling to Box Hill Hawks by 58 points in a high-pressure contest on Saturday.

It was a new look Geelong outfit that took the field in round one, the team showing a lot of promise and potential against an experienced Hawks side.

There were plenty of great performances including last year’s best and fairest winner, Lily Jordan who collected 13 disposals along with Abby Favell who laid nine tackles to add plenty of backline pressure, while new recruit Jemima Woods scored the first goal for the Cats.

Geelong’s newly appointed captain, Melanie Staunton put together a scintillating performance collecting 20 touches, nine tackles and three clearances showcasing her impressive leadership and ability to perform in tough matches.

The Cats were greeted by some early pressure from Box Hill, but Staunton slowed their efforts by laying four tackles, while Simone Nalder assisted with three intercepts to counter the Hawks forward prowess.

Last year's best and fairest runner-up, Breanna Pratt led the offensive charge with two score involvements to set her team up, while Lily Jordan and Sophie Mahar kept control on the wings.

The Hawks capitalised on their strong start around the ground with three goals, leaving the Cats 16 points adrift at the end of the first quarter.

Geelong started sprightly in the second term as Jemima Woods booted the first goal from 40 metres out, giving the team plenty of momentum. 

Brooke Bailey and Zoe Cowan worked hard through the midfield, with the ball finding its way into the hands of Stephanie O’Kane who slotted Geelong’s second major, but the Cats still trailed by 23 points at half time. 

The two teams went goal for goal early in the second half, Hayley Peck and Poppy Schaap both hitting the scoreboard for Geelong, but a pair of majors late in the term to the Hawks extended their lead to 34 points at the final break. 

Entering the last term, the Cats defence challenged the Box Hill attack as Lucy Marescuk and Mekah Morrissy shared six intercept possessions each to momentarily halt Box Hill’s momentum.

The quarter was full of stoppages as the pressure ramped up, but the Hawks were able to breakaway late kicking four unanswered goals in the last stanza, Geelong eventually falling by 58 points in their season opener. 

The Cats fought with intensity, leading the tackle count (+22) by the end of the match with plenty of positives for new coach, Taylah Hassett to takeaway from the contest. 

Geelong will now turn their attention to next Saturday, as they look to secure their first win of the year against Carlton in round two at Deakin University. 

2025 VFLW Season - Round One

GEELONG     0.3      2.4       4.6       4.6      (30) 
BOX HILL      3.1      6.3       10.4     14.4      (88)
 
GOALS 
Geelong: Woods, Schaap, O'Kane, Peck 1
Box Hill: Martin 3, Zielinski, Stilve, Stevenson, Fogarty 2, Murdoch, Collingwood, Embelton 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong: Staunton 20, Morrissy 19, Marescuk 16, Jordan 14, Mahar, Cowan 13
Box Hill: Baldwin 17, Stevenson 16, Collingwood, Cattle 14, Torpey, Exon 13

@ Deakin University, Waurn Ponds