Geelong’s VFL Women’s side remains undefeated after six rounds, following a commanding win over Darebin on Saturday.

Impressive defensive pressure across the ground by the Cats kept Darebin goalless until the last quarter, with the final scores being 4.7 (31) to 2.4 (16).

Madeline Keryk put her AFLW experience on display in her debut match in the blue and white hoops, kicking the first goal of the game to ensure that the Cats were always in front.

The wet conditions failed to deter the Cats, as Maighan Fogas booted a goal within the first minute of the second quarter to maintain the side’s momentum.

Mia-Rae Clifford also kicked a second quarter goal to open the margin up to 20 points at the main break.

Clifford secured her best on ground performance for the Cats in the third quarter after taking a contested mark in front of goals to give her side a game-high 29 point lead.

Darebin managed two final quarter goals to narrow the final margin, but it was a four-quarter team effort from the Cats that secured the victory.

Geelong VFLW coach Paul Hood was impressed with his side’s performance following last week’s bye.

“Our girls looked like they missed footy. They were just really happy to be in a contest, they tackled so well and were very physical and hard to play against,” Hood said.

“Their efforts really showed against Darebin, keeping them unable to impact the scoreboard in the first three quarters.”

Hood was also pleased with the team’s ability to implement pressure across the ground.

“It’s always a focus, to be hard to play against, and we’ve got a team of great competitors,” he said.

“We were missing Renee (Garing) today who always applies defensive pressure so well. It meant the whole team was determined to try and carry the slack and they did a great job.”

“We always try and bring that pressure and it just really stood out today, with the wet and slippery conditions providing more opportunities to tackle.”

Mia-Rae Clifford was instrumental in front of goals in another dominant display for the Cats.

“Two goals in a tight scoring contest was really good, and Mia was fantastic around the ball as well as showing great leadership,” Hood said.

Inaugural Geelong AFLW player Anna Teague played a crucial role in defence in her first VFLW game of 2018.

“Anna did a great job all day of getting the ball out of our backline,” Hood said.

“She had a tough match-up on (Darebin’s) Hannah Mouncey and did a terrific job.”

According to Hood it was consistent performances by his players across the ground that secured the win.

“Maighan Fogas once again lead from the middle, and she’s becoming a really important player for us,” Hood said.

“Lara Williams did a great job defensively in her role and is just so tough to get away from.”

Hood was also impressed with his side’s versatility in attack, despite missing key forward Kate Darby.

“Maddy McMahon and Erin Hoare both gave us nice targets in the forward line,” Hood said.

“And then Maddy Keryk kicked our first goal and set us alive in her debut match, in what was a really terrific day.”

The Cats face another bye next week, and will enjoy the chance to refresh ahead of a busy month.

“We’ll take the opportunity to rest and for the players to get a bit of time off to focus on their busy lives outside of football,” Hood said.

“When we return we’ve got a game in Ballarat, then travel to Darwin and after that have a tough match-up against the Southern Saints, so we’ll freshen up now and then come back ready to finish the season off.”

The Cats will play the Western Bulldogs at 2:00pm on Sunday 1st July at Mars Stadium in their next match.

VFL Women’s Round Six
Geelong Cats 4.7 (31) defeated Darebin Falcons 2.4 (16)
Goals: Clifford 2, Fogas, Keryk
Best: Clifford, Teague, Fogas, Williams, Cranston, Coventry
Injuries: Burchell (Concussion)
Reports: Nil
@ GMHBA Stadium