It’s been a tough season for the Cats Women’s team, but the bonds among the playing group are as strong as ever as they look to end the season on a high, according to midfielder Amy McDonald.

The Cats are striving for a breakthrough win against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday, and will be hoping they can carry their good form from last week over.

McDonald said although the Cats didn’t get the win against Greater Western Sydney last week, the way they played “leaves a bit of a pathway for us to head into the week on a really positive note”.

“We’ve had quite a bit of a tough season – in parts we’ve played how we wanted to play, but then we’ve dropped off,” she said.

“(Heading into last week) a lot of the players reflected on an individual base how they could contribute and how they can have their impact on the game.

“Really focusing on individually what you can control, and not worrying about whether we win or lose, but just bringing it in that moment really helped.”

McDonald said it was the type of performance the Cats knew they were capable of after a promising pre-season, but just hadn’t been able to produce consistently across four quarters this season.

“I think we have known that we have been capable of this because we had a really good pre-season and trained really well, but we just haven’t been able to put together that four-quarter effort,” the 23-year-old said.

“I think against GWS, that was the most consistent four quarters we’ve put together.

“We’ve shown each other we can do it now, so now we’ve just got to go out and do it again and hopefully it’s a positive (performance).”

Although the wins haven’t been forthcoming for the Cats in the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s season, the strength of the friendships among the playing list has kept the list buoyed.

Speaking on the resilience of the players, McDonald said the Cats team was like a family.

“I’ve created so many amazing friendships that I’ll cherish for life,” she said.

“Although it has been quite an emotional ride this year, coming to training each week and seeing those familiar faces and smiles on the girls what makes you come back each week and makes it easy and so enjoyable.

“It’s literally like a family – it’s like a little community within the wider Geelong community, and it’s pretty special.”

The season has not been devoid of positives on the field, however, as the next generation of Cats players have taken the step up.

The Cats have debuted six players – including all five from the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft – and their second and third year players have shown promising signs.

McDonald and Becky Webster have had great seasons, and at 23 and 20 respectively, they are building the foundations for an impressive midfield for years to come.

It is only McDonald’s second year in the AFL Women’s competition, but her big leap forward hasn’t been lost on the fans, as she has been named the Cats’ AFLW Fan MVP, presented by Viva Energy, in four out of eight rounds to date.

“I’ve been really proud of how I’ve been able to play,” McDonald said.

“I think there’s so much I want to work on and continue to grow and learn, but I’ve been really happy with what I have learnt over the preseason and how I’ve implemented it this year.

“I’m just looking forward to continuing that growth and learning.

“I would’ve expected to improve from last year, btu I didn’t expect to have such a drastic improvement.

“I come in here with no expectations. I (just) wanted to play well and play my role for the team, do my bit.”

And for the team as a whole, that special family, McDonald said the cohesion they’ve been building this year will hold them in good stead.

“I think cohesion has been pretty important,” she said.

“I think we’re starting to create a really special connection both on field and off field. I think the more that we play alongside each other, the more that is going to continue to grow and the better we’ll build as a unit.”

The Cats take on the Gold Coast Suns at 4.10pm (5.10pm AEDT) on Saturday 27 March at Metricon Stadium.