Geelong’s VFL Women’s side has opened their 2018 season perfectly by defeating Melbourne University 7.10 (52) to 2.1 (13) at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday.
Melbourne University scored the first goal of the game in perfect conditions in Geelong, but the Cats managed to keep them goalless in the second and third quarters to quickly take control.
Danielle Orr kicked three goals in an impressive performance, while Elise Coventry starred across half-back to restrict Melbourne University’s scoring.
Geelong VFL Women’s Coach Paul Hood was full of praise with his team’s effort despite a nerve-racking start.
“I was a little bit nervous 10 seconds in when they kicked the first goal, but our ability to respond to that, get the game back on our terms and then really close them down for the rest of the day was really pleasing,” Hood said.
“It was an excellent defensive effort from our team. The forwards, midfielders and defenders all supported each other really well,” he said.
Hood was also impressed with the standout performances from players across the ground.
“We thought Elise Coventry was terrific across half-back. She really played with great composure and used the ball well as well as winning turnovers for us. She just had a tremendous game,” Hood said.
“The usuals in the midfield were terrific with Richelle Cranston, Renee Garing and Hayley Trevean having great games.”
“Bec Goring down back did a great job, and Danielle Orr up forward kicked three out of our seven goals which was a tremendous effort”.
Former Melbourne AFLW player Mia-Rae Clifford also impressed in her debut match for the Cats.
“She was excellent in the wing role which was new to her in her first game for the club,” said Hood.
Hood admitted that he expected the opening round to be slightly unknown, but is confident that his side can continue to strengthen their performances each week.
“I think every new team is a work in progress, and round one is always fairly messy,” Hood said.
“We’re just looking to continue to improve our composure with the ball. Our ability to want to get around the contest and support each other defensively are terrific and it’s just now being a little more efficient when we have the ball,” he said.
“But it was a really pleasing result and I’m looking forward to round two.”
Next week the Cats take on Collingwood at Olympic Park Oval on Sunday at 4:45pm.
VFL Women’s Round One
Geelong Cats 7.10 (52) defeated Melbourne University 2.1 (13)
Goals: Orr 3, Habib 2, Darby, Janssen
Best: Coventry, Cranston, Orr, Garing, Trevean, Clifford, Burchell, Goring
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
@ GMHBA Stadium
