Geelong’s VFLW side has suffered its first loss, going down to an impressive Diamond Creek outfit, 11.11 (77) to 2.3 (15) in a top-of-the-table clash at Plenty War Memorial Park on Sunday.

The Cats had boasted one of the most resolute defences in the competition during the previous weeks, but it came unstuck against Diamond Creek’s attack, which kicked four unanswered goals in the first quarter.

The undefeated Creekers boasted 13 AFL Women’s players in their side, and they kept the Cats goalless for three quarters, before Kate Darby and Maddie Boyd converted majors in the last term.

Despite the 62-point margin, it was a relatively even contest around the ball, but Diamond Creek was more effective, consistently hitting targets and taking some very impressive pack-marks.

Nevertheless, Kate Darby was excellent in the ruck for the Cats, while Elise Strachan and acting-captain Lily Mithen were also great contributors.

Emily Crawford was a standout on debut, and required stitches post-game after copping an elbow to the eye in the third quarter.

Helen Florance, Riley Shapter and Abbey Bertram also played their first games in the hoops.

Geelong VFL Women’s coach Paul Hood said his side learned where it needed to improve, individually and collectively, in the loss against a “very, very good” team.

“The experience of the Diamond Creek players stood out today. They were just much faster to react to any loose balls, and quicker to predict play,” Hood said.

“Our fitness, and our ability to continue to compete, was terrific.

“The girls got better, and more into the game as it went on, it’s just unfortunate that Diamond Creek blew us away early.

“Credit to our players, they never gave in - they never do give in - and kept applying themselves, so it was good to see us get a couple of goals in the last quarter.”

The Cats have a bye next week and then will return to take on VU Western Spurs on Sunday 18th June 2pm at Henry Turner Memorial Reserve.

“We’ve had two really physical games in a row, so we’ll get the players rested and refreshed,” Hood said.

“Then we’ll keep working on our game, particularly improving on our ball use, and improving our ability to read the play.”

Diamond Creek 11.11 (77) defeated Geelong 2.3 (15)

Goals: Darby, Boyd.

Best: Garing, Mithen, Strachan, Burchell, Crawford, Boyd.

Injuries: Crawford (eye)

@Plenty War Memorial Park