AFLW 2020 R2
Geelong v Brisbane
Sunday February 16, 1.10pm
GMHBA Stadium
Last time we met:
Geelong Cats 5.5 (35) b Brisbane Lions 1.2 (8)
Round 5, 2019 at Moreton Bay
The Cats’ 27-point victory over the Brisbane Lions in Round 5 last year was arguably the team’s best game of the season.
Rocky Cranston had 22 disposals and forward Kate Darby kicked three goals.
Olivia Purcell had a break-out game with 20 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal earning her a Rising Star nomination for the round.
The lowdown:
Brisbane had a surprise victory over reigning premiers Adelaide by 13 points last week in wet and scrappy conditions.
The Lions had a quick start kicking the first three goals of the game whilst keeping the Crows scoreless.
Brisbane’s oldest player Lauren Arnell was the side’s only multiple goal scorer with two goals, whilst Kate Lutkins stood up for the Lions in defence with 17 disposals and eight marks.
Geelong travelled west in Round 1 to play Fremantle, where they unfortunately went down to the home side by 16 points.
Scores were level at three-quarter time, however the Cats were held scoreless final term whilst the Dockers added two further goals to their tally.
Purcell had the most disposals for the Cats with 27 with Julia Crockett-Grills not far behind with 22.
Opposition focus
Brisbane lost a number of their key players from last season to expansion clubs.
Last year’s captain Leah Kaslar and fellow defender Sam Virgo headed to the Gold Coast, whilst small forward Kate McCarthy and Nat Exon made the move to St Kilda.
Despite this the Lions showed last week that there is plenty of young talent coming through Queensland’s football pathways.
Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw presented well across centre half forward and the Lions’ first round draft pick Lily Postlethwiate looked right at home at the highest level.
Combine Brisbane’s young talent with their experienced players (Emily Bates, Emma Zilke, Ally Anderson, Kate Lutkins and Lauren Arnell) and they are a dangerous side.
Player to watch:
Rocky Cranston brought the x-factor to the Cats’ opening game of the season.
An end-to-end goal of the year contender showed that Cranston is one of the most explosive and skilful players in the competition.
Cranston has started this season playing forward, bringing strength and pace to Geelong’s new look forward line.
Playing at home this week, Cranston would love to show the home crowd some of her tricks.
