Geelong’s VFLW side remains undefeated after surviving a late charge from Cranbourne Eagles and winning 3.5 (23) to 2.4 (16) in tough conditions at Frenken Homes Oval on Sunday.
The Cats defence had been rock solid all day but conceded two goals within a minute in the last quarter, reducing the margin to just five-points with four minutes to play.
But Geelong, led by acting-captain Maddie Boyd, responded well and controlled the final minutes of the match before securing a seven-point victory at Casey Fields.
The Cats scored two goals early in the first term that proved crucial before conditions worsened, with strong winds and heavy rain preventing either side from kicking a goal in the second and third quarters.
Vice-captain Lily Mithen was impressive yet again while Kate Darby was brilliant in the ruck. Jamie Woollett and Cassie Blakeway were also great contributors in trying conditions.
Brooke Surgeon was sidelined for the second-half with a quad injury, while Maddison Janssen played out the match despite being checked for concussion after the ball was kicked into her face.
Emily Ramsay made her Geelong Cats debut, as did speedster Michelle Fedele who looked dangerous despite conditions not being to her advantage.
Cassandra Hynes and Madisen Maguire were late inclusions in the side, replacing Erin Hoare and Hayley Trevean who pulled up sore from training on Friday.
Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood said the players would take a lot of pride out of the “gutsy” win.
“It was a bit of a slog. For our girls to score two goals early in the game when it was pretty hot, and the conditions were a bit dryer, was a real bonus,” Hood said.
“It was a bit like a soccer match after that, two - nil for the next 45 minutes.
“It was great to get that last goal and finish it after Cranbourne had come back and put us under pressure.
“You’re always nervous when the games not beyond doubt, but we were also pretty confident that our players would grind it out. Physically, they’re really well prepared and mentally, they’re pretty strong too.
Hood heaped praise on his defenders admitting they’re very good at covering the ground.
“Our defenders did a great job supporting as a unit. We were really pleased with the whole back-six.
“We were probably a little bit undersized today without (captain) Bec Goring, but our defenders did so well at getting back to outnumber,” Hood said.
The Cats take on undefeated rival Diamond Creek in a top-of-the-table clash next Sunday 2pm at Plenty War Memorial Park and Hood’s expecting a tough match.
“Diamond Creek have been in great form, they’re really fast and use the ball well.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge but if we want to get to where we want to be, we have to beat teams like that.”
Best: Mithen, Williams, Blakeway, Woollett, Darby, Strachan
Goals: Blakeway, Higgins, Burchell
Injuries: Surgeon (quad)
@ Frenken Homes Oval
