GEELONG has fallen just short in it's attempt to exact revenge on the side that ended its 2019 campaign, going down in a gripping 11-point contest against Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.
Jess Ponter (four goals) and Ebony Marinoff (25 disposals) did the heavy lifting as the Crows held off a spirited second-half effort from the Cats to win 8.1 (49) to 6.2 (38).
A thrilling snap from ‘Rocky’ Cranston put Geelong within five points with less than three minutes to play before the Crows peppered their goals.
With the ball bouncing towards Adelaide's goal with 60 seconds on the clock, Cats defender Maddy McMahon conceded a behind, only to be called for a deliberate rushed behind.
The resulting free kick gifted Ponter her fourth major from the top of the goal square, clinching the Crows' second win of the season.
Despite kicking the highest score in their two-year history, the Cats' loss against their Conference A rivals leaves their season on the ropes at 0-3 with five matches to play.
Adelaide’s ferocious tackling pressure caught the young Geelong side off-guard in the first-half, as the reigning premiers took a 12-point lead into the main break.
After two poor second-half efforts to start the season, the Cats came out all guns blazing in the third term, but could only bridge the margin to five points at the final break.
Ponter's speed in the front half forced three match-up changes between Geelong defenders Millie Brown, the returning Meg McDonald and captain Mel Hickey.
Exciting Cats teenager Olivia Purcell (18 disposals) and fellow midfielder Danielle Higgins (19 disposals) gave their side a chance late.
GEELONG 2.0 3.0 5.2 6.2 (38)
ADELAIDE 3.0 5.0 6.1 8.1 (49)
GOALS
Geelong: Higgins 2, McWilliams, Boyd, Purcell, Cranston
Adelaide: Ponter 4, Biddell 2, Gore, Jones
BEST
Geelong: Higgins, McMahon, Purcell, Ivey, A.McDonald, M.McDonald
Adelaide: Marinoff, Ponter, Hatchard, N.Allen, A.Foley, J.Foley
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 3195 at GMHBA Stadium
