Geelong were gallant all game but Brisbane proved too strong, claiming a 19-point victory at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Here is a closer look at some of the key moments from the match.
A tale of two halves
Geelong was commanding for much of the first half and restricted Brisbane to just one goal, kicked by Jesse Wardlaw in the opening minutes of the match. Olivia Purcell kicked two impressive goals from stoppages to get the Cats firing, while Danielle Higgins also added her name to the scorecard early. The tides turned in the second half however, as the Lions kicked five unanswered goals and Geelong struggled to find forward entries, managing just 14 for the match compared to Brisbane’s 39.
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Purcell continues impressive form
Olivia Purcell was dominant yet again, amassing 16 disposals and two goals to be named among Geelong’s best players in consecutive weeks. The 19-year-old finished runner-up in last year’s club AFLW Best and Fairest and third in the 2019 NAB AFLW Rising award, and has established herself as a key member of Geelong’s midfield.
Young talent time
Six teenagers were in Geelong’s lineup against the Lions and played an integral role in the team. Nina Morrison and Millie Brown were the Cats’ leading disposal getters with 18, and also managed four tackles each. Rebecca Webster took six marks to continue her strong form, while 22-year-old Amy McDonald gave a confident performance in just her second AFLW match.
Injury concerns for Taylor
Denby Taylor was assisted from the ground late in the first quarter after suffering an ankle injury in a tackle and took no further part in the match. The twenty-year-old will have scans in the coming week to determine the extent of the injury.
Next up: Adelaide
Geelong face reigning premier Adelaide next Sunday in a twilight match at GMHBA Stadium. The Crows defeated the Cats in last year’s Preliminary Final before winning the premiership, and sit in fourth place on the Conference A ladder. Geelong will be looking to win its first game of the season in front of a big home crowd.
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