Geelong’s VFL Women’s side has lost its final match of the season going down 4.3 (27) to Eastern Devils 8.7 (55) at Mulgrave Reserve on Sunday.

The Cats were the stronger side in the first half but failed to capitalise, before the Devils kicked eight of the last nine goals to cruise home by 28-points.

Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood said it was a disappointing end to an outstanding season.

“It would’ve been nice to come away with a win but credit where credit’s due, the Devils were fantastic today,” Hood said.

“We just didn’t handle the conditions after half time,” he said.

“With the ground being so heavy it was foreign to a lot of our players, and the Devils really showed their class and experience around the ball.”

The Cats were without key midfielder Lily Mithen, while Maddie Janssen returned for her first match since injuring her ankle in round six.

Cassie Blakeway was terrific around the contest, while Hannah Mangan and Elise Coventry were also standouts.

“Cassie was our best player today, for all four quarters, but early in the game she was immense,” Hood said.

“Elise Coventry did a great job in defence, she was really solid,” he said.

It was a fiery, physical contest all afternoon with the umpires having to separate the two teams at three-quarter time.

“It was everyone’s last chance to put everything on the line so I can understand why both teams were fired up,” Hood said.

“I think the game was played in the right spirit, there were just a lot of competitors out there and from time to time it gets a little bit feisty but that’s okay,” he said.

The Cats will narrowly miss out on finals after finishing fifth on the ladder.

“We’re obviously pleased with the season, it was a great year,” Hood said.

“The support we’ve got from everyone around Geelong has been terrific, and we look forward to the future now. We’ve got a really good base to build on,” he said.

“There have been a few highlights but that win in the first game against Box Hill was outstanding. The way we’ve been able to play in the last month of the season has been really good, too.

Hood said the way the players have supported each other has been incredible.

“It’s really obvious that they’re a very united group.

“The same thing happens with a men’s team but with quiet conversations in corners or guys looking after each other out of hours, whereas it’s very much something you see with the girls.

“They’re really open with their support and it’s a great thing to embrace.” 

VFL Women’s Round 14

Geelong Cats 4.3 (27) defeated by Eastern Devils 8.7 (55)

Goals: Darby, Fedele, Garing, Habib

Best: Blakeway, Coventry, Mangan, Cranston, Trevean, Woodroffe

Injuries: Nil

Reports: Nil

@ Mulgrave Reserve