Geelong was locked in a thrilling contest against Adelaide in their clash at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday evening, but it was the reigning premiers who claimed an 11-point victory against the brave Cats. Here is a look at some of the key moments from the match.

Cats fight in four quarter effort

There was no denying Geelong’s effort all day, with the home side remaining within just five points of the Crows until the final minute of the match. Adelaide’s 12-point lead at half-time was their biggest margin, as the Cats played gallantly in the highly contested and quality affair. The intensity apparent in the second-half in particular was noticeably different than the first two matches of the season, where the Cats had struggled to find consistency.

The final minute

The match wasn’t without controversy, with a brilliant snap from Rocky Cranston in the final three minutes putting the Cats within just five points of the Crows. Fast-forward to the last minute, where Maddy McMahon conceded a behind, only for it to be called deliberate and Adelaide’s Danielle Ponter kicking her fourth goal and the match sealer.

Geelong coach Paul Hood addressed the umpire’s decision in his post-match press conference, praising McMahon’s effort throughout the game.

“I’m not sure whether it was the right call or not,” Hood said.

“We’ve just got to get on with it, but I thought Maddy had a great game and that’s what she should focus on.”

Reward on the scoreboard

The Cats and the Crows went goal for goal for much of the game, locked in a tight battle. While it was Adelaide who claimed the victory, the Cats showed a vast improvement on their second-half scoring woes from their first two matches of the season, finding more forward entries and keeping the ball locked in. The final score of 6.2 (38) is Geelong’s biggest in its AFLW history.

Higgins shines for Geelong

Danielle Higgins starred for the Cats, kicking the opening goal of the game and another important major early in the second quarter. The lively forward provided a spark for Geelong throughout the match, recording 19 disposals, five tackles and four marks to go alongside her two goals.

Other valuable contributors for the Cats included Olivia Purcell (19 disposals), Amy McDonald (15 disposals) and Jordan Ivey (seven tackles), while Meghan McDonald impressed in her first game of the season after recovering from a broken finger.

Next up: Richmond

Geelong face Richmond next Saturday as both sides look to record their first win of the season. The Cats will travel to Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on the Tigers.

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