Geelong has claimed an impressive 20-point victory against the Gold Coast Suns in humid conditions at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Friday night.
Phoebe McWilliams booted two goals for the Cats in her 25th AFLW game, as Geelong recorded the 5.8 (38) to 2.6 (18) win.
McWilliams got the Cats off to the perfect start, taking a strong mark in front of goals and converting perfectly. Geelong held Gold Coast goalless in a fast-paced opening quarter, going into the first break with a narrow five-point lead.
The Suns kept the Cats defenders under siege for much of the second quarter, as Jacqui Yorston and Jamie Stanton kicked consecutive goals for the home side as Gold Coast established a one goal lead in the hotly contested opening half.
Nina Morrison was at her best, as the young gun notched a team-high 11 disposals and six tackles by half time, while Olivia Purcell and Meghan McDonald were also influential with nine first half disposals each.
Momentum swung back Geelong’s way in the third term, as McWilliams kicked her second goal for the evening. Georgia Clarke executed a set shot on goal perfectly shortly afterwards, putting the Cats back in front in a tight affair.
A thrilling goal from Rocky Cranston on the three-quarter time siren further extended Geelong’s lead, with the Cats going into the final break with a 12-point buffer and high in confidence.
The Cats dominated the play in the final term, as Cranston’s exciting snap on goal in the opening few minutes narrowly grazed the post for a behind. Geelong was soon rewarded for effort however, as Millie Brown showed impressive composure to set up Anna Teague’s first major of the evening and sealing the Cats’ win.
Geelong held the Suns goalless for three quarters in the commanding 20-point victory and second win of the season.
Nina Morrison finished the match with 23 disposals and eight tackles in her best game for the year. Olivia Purcell was again a standout for Geelong, amassing 21 disposals and three tackles while Rocky Cranston was also important in the midfield with 18 disposals.
The Cats return home next week and will look to continue their winning streak as they take on North Melbourne on Friday night at GMHBA Stadium.
GOLD COAST 0.3 2.4 2.6 2.6 (18)
GEELONG 1.2 1.4 4.6 5.8 (38)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Stanton, Yorston
Geelong: 2 McWilliams, Clarke, Cranston, Teague
BEST
Gold Coast: Howarth, Stanton, Prejelj, Yorston, Perry
Geelong: Morrison, Purcell, Cranston, M.McDonald, Crockett-Grills
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Geelong: Nil
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 2788 at Great Barrier Reef Arena (Mackay)
