Geelong showed impressive signs ahead of their highly anticipated AFLW debut after recording a two-point practice match win against Carlton in Ikon Park on Saturday.

The Blues had the ascendency early, kicking the opening two goals of the game to head into the quarter-time break with an 11-point lead.

Geelong took charge of the contest from that point onwards, with key forward Phoebe McWilliams leading the way with four goals to help power the Cats to a thrilling 7.4.46 to 7.2.44 victory.

Coach Paul Hood was ‘delighted to get so much out of the game’.

“We are really pleased we got tested so well by Carlton,” said Hood. 

“We took the strategy coming into the game that we wouldn’t play any players that had their pre-seasons compromised, so we were a little bit short towards the end of the game but to hang on and still compete really hard to the end was really pleasing.”

After trailing at the quarter time break, Hood was pleased with the character demonstrated by the group to overcome an early deficit and get back on top of the game.

“The message was to stay in the game, to continue to believe and to show a bit of resilience because Carlton had two shots on goal from the goal square that went in, we had plenty of entries but unfortunately, we didn’t score but a lot of everything else was going quite well.”

After being outplayed by Carlton early, the Cats forward-line led from the front in the second quarter with their defensive intent a highlight.

“From quarter time onwards the forwards really re-set, they hunted the ball and opposition, then got the ball off the back of that and finished their goals really well.”

“Phoebe (McWilliams) has had a day out and it was fantastic to see Darbs (Kate Darby) and Jordi (Ivey) kick some really nice goals.

With only 14 days until the Cats run out for their season opener against Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday 2 February, the excitement is starting to build.

“There are two weeks from today to get ready for round one so for the next 48 hours we just rest and recover, try and switch off a bit mentally and then get ready to train and prepare with real precision towards round one.”

“Those 14 days are going to go really fast and we are going to try and make every minute count.”

“It was a great advertisement for women’s football today and I look forward to seeing more of it at GMHBA Stadium in a few weeks’ time.”