The VFLW Bendigo Bank Cats have recorded their highest-ever score and biggest-ever margin in an 85-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Deakin University on Saturday afternoon.
Geelong kicked eleven consecutive goals in the 15.9 (99) to 2.2 (14) victory, to make it five wins in a row.
Annabel Johnson starred on the wing to be named Geelong’s best player, while Georgia Clarke kicked a game-high four goals.
We record our highest score and biggest ever win in the VFLW as we make it five in a row #GeelongStrong @bendigobank pic.twitter.com/dRvzijbO1h
— Geelong Cats Womens (@catswomens) May 1, 2021
The Cats led all afternoon as Rocky Cranston managed two first quarter goals, while Paige Sheppard and Georgia Clarke also booted majors to establish a 24-point lead at the first break.
Geelong came out firing in the second term as Annabel Johnson kicked a goal in the opening minutes of the quarter. Steph Williams showed her liveliness in the forward line and Clarke continued her dominant performance, with both players kicking two back-to-back goals apiece to extend the Cats’ lead to 58-points at half-time.
The Cats continued to work hard in the third quarter, as Tamara Smith added her name to the goalkickers list and Cranston kicked her third for the afternoon late in the term. The Western Bulldogs managed their first goal for the day after the three-quarter time siren.
Four final quarter goals cemented Geelong’s record-breaking win, as Jaime Woollett and Darcy Moloney kicked their first majors while Smith and Clarke both added to their tally.
The victory ensures that the Cats remain a game clear in third position on the ladder.
Geelong VFLW Coach Andrew Bruce was thrilled with his side’s performance.
“Really thrilled, our first half was fantastic and I just loved the way the girls are bringing into the game what we’re practising at training. How united they were as a group was just fantastic,” Bruce said.
That winning feeling! #GeelongStrong @bendigobank
— Geelong Cats Womens (@catswomens) May 1, 2021
?? @Arjys_Eye pic.twitter.com/Rw8P0o8IhA
Bruce praised the adaptability and consistency of the team, with different players rotating through the side each week.
“It’s really hard to manage at different times with different players coming in, but what we’re loving from the girls who are coming in is that they just buy straight into what we’re doing and try to be really good teammates,” Bruce said.
“That really showed today with the way that we played our football.”
There were players who impressed across the ground for Geelong.
“Annabel Johnson was outstanding on a wing, she’s been on the wing now for a couple of weeks and has just gotten better and better,” Bruce said.
“Maddy Keryk down back set us up really well. I would have thought in the first half she probably would have had about five intercept marks and was outstanding, and her ball usage was really good as well.
“Claudia Gunjaca again down back just plays an absolute great role for us, so it was really pleasing.
“We thought that Rocky in that first half was really dynamic and looked really dangerous and she got some great reward for that, and GC (Georgia Clarke) plugged away all day and she took her opportunities when they came.”
Geelong will meet Essendon next Saturday at Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct in Round 10.
VFL Women’s Round 9
Geelong Cats 15.9 (99) def Western Bulldogs 2.2 (14)
Goals: Clarke 4, Cranston 3, Williams 2, Smith 2, Woollett, Moloney, Johnson, Sheppard
Best: Johnson, Keryk, Gunjaca, Clarke, McDonald, Smith
Injuries: Nil
At Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct