Geelong showed plenty of positive signs in their practice match against Adelaide on the weekend, pushing the perennial contender right to the final bell in a competitive final hit-out.

The Cats are entering the final phase of their preparation ahead of the 2023 AFLW season, as they close in on a round one clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Showing promising signs in the forward half, the Cats managed six individual goal kickers throughout the game as they develop more scoring avenues ahead of the 2023 season.

AFLW Coach, Dan Lowther said that an impressive second half proved that Geelong’s best can match it with anyone.

"In the second half we found more composure around the stoppage, our second phase running improved and so did our ball movement, composure and tempo,” Lowther told Cats Media. 

04:44

Dan Lowther Press Conference | Practice Match

Dan Lowther spoke to Cats Media after a strong performance against Adelaide in the practice match. Proudly Presented by Viva Energy.

“I was happy with the way we hit the scoreboard after half time after a bit of a slow start, but it was a really good opening practice match against a strong team.

Today I thought we were a bit more balanced, taking the ball in different directions and changing angles. 

Our ball movement was better, last week was a bit stagnant due to the conditions but it certainly showed that if we can get our balance right, then we can play some pretty good footy. 

02:29

Kate Darby Post Game | Practice Match

Kate Darby spoke to Cats Media after a strong performance in the practice match against Adelaide. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

I thought we were just okay today, and that got us within a kick of Adelaide who are a really strong team. We will right the ship and get better." 

Kicking three out of the final four goals of the contest, the Cats closed the margin to six points with a minute left before the clock dashed their last quarter charge. 

Lowther said it was a valuable experience for his side, putting into practice some of the new plans they have developed for situations similar to the one against Adelaide. 

"It was a great learning experience for us,” Lowther said. 

“We practice late game scenarios so to be only four points down with 50 seconds to go, it was great to see the girls implement a few of things we have trained for over the last few months. 

We had plenty of chances going forward, but it's just one of those things we can improve on going forward."