Geelong has surged back into the top six in the VFLW after a comprehensive 35-point win over Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

The Cats' 8.9 (57) to 3.4 (22) win saw them launch back into fourth place on the ladder, with six rounds still to play in the home and away season.

In the replay of last year’s would-be grand finalists, the Cats always looked threatening, but has been the case in recent weeks, could not capitalise on their opportunities early.

They trailed the Magpies by three points at quarter-time – despite a lopsided inside 50 count in their favour – but regained the lead in the second term, and took an eight-point lead into half-time.

The Pies threatened early in the third, drawing within two points after a goal to Matilda Zander, but it was to be the Pies’ last score of the day, with the Cats finding their composure to pull away to a 14-point lead at three-quarter-time, before kicking away with three goals to nil in the last.

Rene Caris’ strong form in the ruck continued, with a game-high 29 hitouts, equal-game high five marks, 14 disposals and two tackles for the clash.

Laura Gardiner continued to rack up the numbers with another 30-plus disposal game, this week collecting an incredible 37 possessions, with 10 clearances, as well as laying six tackles.

Paige Sheppard was again influential with 29 disposals and six clearances, and Tamara Smith again brought the pressure with 13 tackles and 18 disposals.

First Quarter

The Cats trapped the ball in their forward half for much of the first quarter, but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, kicking 1.4. Emily Ramsay was the sole goalkicker, registering her first VFLW goal.

Collingwood, conversely, made the most of their limited inside 50s to lead by three points at the first break.

Second Quarter

The Cats fought hard to regain control of the scoreboard in the second quarter, with a sharp soccer from Chloe Scheer giving the Cats back the lead, followed a few minutes later by a Melissa Bragg goal to give the Cats a then game-high 14-point lead.

After a tough month, the Cats looked to be regaining their mojo, with their hard work paying off across the ground.

Third Quarter

The Pies got within two points after Matilda Zander’s second goal for the afternoon, but the Cats responded through Mia Skinner, and never looked back from there.

When Sachi DeGiacomi a goal minutes later, the Cats got out to a 14-point lead – the biggest of the game to that point.

The Cats found their rhythm, and made their scoring opportunities count with 2.1 for the term. The defence lifted another gear, denying Collingwood any further chances to score.

Fourth Quarter

When Chloe Scheer spotted up Melissa Bragg in the goal square for the first goal of the final term, the Cats’ lead looked unassailable. After a close first half, the Cats had bounded away to double Collingwood’s score (44-22) and showed no sign of letting up their defensive pressure.

Goals to Higgins and Ramsay later in the term ensured it would be a handy percentage-booster to the Cats, while the midfield continued to set the tone.

Key Points

Cats get one back
After going down in their three clashes last year by two points, 19 points and six points respectively, the Cats were finally able to get one back over the Magpies with Saturday’s win.

Last year’s battles were enthralling between the two teams that would eventually make the grand final, and while there has been significant changes to their respective line-ups, Saturday proved once again to be a great battle between the teams, with a spot in the top six on the line.

Duo delight on debut

The Cats welcomed two VFLW debutants into the mix on Saturday, with AFLW-listed Cat Chloe Scheer playing her first game, as well as GWV Rebels player Paige Scott.

Scheer kicked a goal and her classy skills were on display at a ground she has become very familiar with this year. The 22-year-old was influential with her midfield minutes, and was influential up forward as well.

Scott looked very comfortable in senior football, collecting 10 disposals, four marks and laying three tackles and bringing a strong presence to the forward line.

Back into fourth

Saturday’s win was a crucial one for the Cats, who were sitting just outside the top six on percentage.

With the Southern Saints and Darebin losing their matches to Hawthorn and North Melbourne respectively, the Cats were able to leapfrog both teams – as well as Collingwood – to climb back into fourth spot.

The Cats will have to work hard to hold onto the spot, however, with a big clash against the still undefeated Casey Demons at Casey Fields looming in two weeks’ time, when VFLW resumes after the Easter Break.

More to come.

VFLW Round 8

GEELONG              1.4   3.5   5.6   8.9 (57)
COLLINGWOOD   2.1   2.3   3.4   3.4 (22)

GOALS
Geelong: Emily Ramsay 2, Melissa Bragg 2, Sachi DeGiacomi, Danielle Higgins, Chloe Scheer, Mia Skinner
Collingwood: Matilda Zander 2, Nyakoat Dojiok

BEST

Geelong: Rene Caris, Paige Sheppard, Laura Gardiner, Chloe Scheer
Collingwood: Nicole Hales, Caitlin Bunker, Joanna Lin, Olivia Meagher

At GMHBA Stadium, Saturday, 9 April 2022.