Geelong’s VFL Women’s side has kept its finals hopes alive by defeating VU Western Spurs 6.5 (41) to 1.3 (9) at Anthony Costa Oval on Saturday.
Neither team kicked a goal in the opening half as strong winds made for tough conditions.
But a five-goal haul in the third term saw the Cats take control of the match and secure a 32-point victory.
Kate Darby kicked three goals in an impressive performance, while Michelle Fedele snapped a remarkable goal from deep in the pocket during the third quarter.
Teresa Telford made her long-awaited debut in the hoops after struggling with injuries earlier in the year.
Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood said he was delighted his players got reward for effort against a strong side.
“The players have put a lot of work into playing to a plan and to see it click like that for a quarter of footy today was outstanding,” Hood said.
“But it clicked because of the hard work they did in the lead up. Our players were really switched on around the contest and did a great job,” he said.
The Cats were defeated by the Spurs by 27-points earlier this season and Hood said his side learnt a lot from the loss.
“We were pretty clear about how they like to play - with them moving the ball to the outside - so we did a really good job to stop that, I thought,” Hood said.
“Our ball movement in the third quarter was outstanding,” he said.
“At training we’ve worked really hard on making sure we can actually move the ball with a bit of precision but you need to be brave to pull it off in a game.
“We asked the girls to be adventurous today with the way they moved the ball and to see it click like that for that 15-minute period was fantastic.
Lily Mithen was fearless around the contest while Maddie Boyd took some great contested marks in another impressive performance.
“I’ve got lots of favourite children today! In different periods of the game, different players dominated.
“Lily Mithen was probably the most outstanding four-quarter contributor but w had a lot of contributors which was great.
The Cats have lost several key personnel to injuries throughout the season but Hood said his side’s depth has shone through.
“We’ve missed out on Alisha Habib, Maddie Janssen, Elise Strachan, Jamie Woollett and Jordi Ivey - so big losses - but it’s created opportunities for other girls,” he said.
Hundreds of spectators lined the fence of Anthony Costa Oval at Kardinia Park, many of them on their way to the AFL match at Simonds Stadium.
“It was pretty exciting to see all the young girls making a guard of honour for our team after half time,” Hood said.
Next week the Cats take on the Eastern Devils at Deakin University on Sunday at 2pm.
VFL Women’s Round 12
Geelong Cats 6.5 (41) defeated VU Western Spurs 1.3 (9)
Goals: Darby 3, Boyd, Fedele, Higgins
Best: Mithen, Boyd, Williams, Cranston, Burchell, Hoare
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
@ Anthony Costa Oval
