Despite a second half surge, Geelong’s VFL Women’s side has suffered its third consecutive loss, with Melbourne University 8.8 (56) defeating the Cats 3.2 (20) at St Mary’s Oval on Sunday.
While the Cats failed to score in the opening quarter, Melbourne University were unable to capitalise on a strong breeze, slotting just one major against a resolute Geelong defence.
The premiership-favourite Muggers led by 25-points before the game opened up in the third term and momentum shifted in favour of the Cats.
Goals to Habib and Darby in the opening minutes of the final quarter saw the margin reduced to 12-points in front of around 1000 people, many of whom were on their way to Simonds Stadium to watch the Geelong versus Fremantle AFL game.
The crowd was vocal, willing the home side to victory, but the polished Melbourne University outfit regained composure kicking four unanswered goals - including one on the siren - to win the match by 36-points.
It was a quality, high-intensity contest – the most impressive standard of the year - characterised by great tackling pressure and generally sharp skills.
Both sides enjoyed some brilliant passages of play but last year’s runners up - boasting 17 AFL Women’s players - proved too strong for the Cats.
Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood credited his side’s belief, and admitted you leave yourself open to being scored against when chasing the scoreboard.
“When you play the good sides, the mistakes you make get magnified,” Hood said.
“Hats off to Melbourne Uni, they’re obviously a quality side and, in the end, they just used the ball a bit better than us in the conditions,” he said.
“But we wont shy away from the fact we were right in the game, against a great team, with 15 minutes to go.
Midfielder Elise Strachan was a standout and booted the Cats first goal, while Maddie Boyd took some brilliant marks in her best performance of the season.
“Maddie Boyd was the best tall player on the ground for mine today, she had a great game and is really important to our team.
Lara Williams was impressive in defence, while regular contributors Lily Mithen and Cassie Blakeway had great games again.
“Lara did a great job tackling and competing, and taking some intercept marks.
“Interestingly, Melbourne Uni hardly scored when they had the wind for their two quarters so, when the backline was tested, they did a really good job.
Hayley Trevean also returned to the side after missing several games due to injury.
In a big loss for the Cats, Maddie Janssen was carried off the ground after injuring her ankle in the first quarter. She failed to take further part in the match and is in doubt for next week’s game.
Hood praised his side’s performances against the top three sides in the competition over recent weeks.
“It’s a bit of a reality check, playing the best sides, but we’re fighting and competing well.
“For us it’s just about understanding that we’re capable of really good passages of play. It’s just about a bit more experience, a bit more practice on our skills and stringing them together for longer parts of the game.
Hood also noted the success of the match as a curtain raiser to the Cats’ AFL match.
“The atmosphere was really good, it felt great when Kate Darby snapped a goal in the last quarter and people were cheering from around the fence.
“Hopefully we can do more (curtain raisers) in the future, I know there’s one planned for later in the year.
The Cats play St Kilda next Sunday at 1pm at Deakin University.
Melbourne Uni 8.8 (56) defeated Geelong Cats 3.2 (20)
Goals: Strachan, Darby, Habib
Best: Strachan, Boyd, Blakeway, Mithen, Williams, Garing
Injuries: Janssen (ankle)
@ St Mary’s Oval
