The VFLW Cats returned home on Saturday and put up a strong fight against the top of the table Sandringham Zebras, fading late and eventually falling by 49 points at Deakin University. 

Geelong applied immense pressure throughout the match and found plenty of success in the third quarter, but ultimately it came too late to mount a comeback after the Zebras strong start. 

Cats vice-captain, Abby Favell (23 disposals, eight clearances) put together another scintillating performance, as did Mekah Morrissy (20 disposals, six clearances) with both midfielders also laying nine tackles each to put the pressure on Sandringham.

Madi Sexton was dominant in the Cats backline collecting 13 disposals, 10 intercepts and 10 contested possessions to halt numerous Sandringham attacks.

The Cats opened the first quarter strongly as Abby Favell helped maintain possession inside the forward 50, but they were unable to capitalise.

Hayley Peck and Zoe Cowan stemmed the Zebras forward attempts through the corridor, but two late goals left Geelong 12 points adrift at the end of the first term.

Geelong remained aggressive against Sandringham’s attacking efforts, with captain Mel Staunton and Mekah Morrissy laying a combined 11 tackles throughout the first half to disrupt the momentum.

Favell led the disposal and clearance count across both teams with 15 and five respectively, giving the Cats some opportunities to clear the centre line in a hard fought contest.

Geelong were unable to impact the scoreboard in the second quarter while the Zebras kicked another two majors, leaving the Cats trailing by 28 points at the main break.

The third term saw the Cats continue to build pressure as they looked to close the gap, Poppy Schaap and Lily Jordan worked hard to bring the ball forward following two early majors from Sandringham.

Their efforts were rewarded though as Jemima Woods snapped a beautiful first goal for Geelong, quickly followed up by Chloe Bryant to excite the crowd, before the Zebras countered late to leave the Cats 30-points behind heading into the final quarter.

Geelong fought hard to maintain possession in the fourth, both sides going coast-to-coast with limited entries inside forward 50.

Madi Sexton and Faith Qoon stifled many attacks from Sandringham, finishing the game with a total of 18 interceptions combined, both performing strongly in the backline.

The Zebras managed to nab three majors in the final term, with the Cats eventually falling by 49 points as the final siren sounded.

2025 VFLW Season - Round Four

GEELONG CATS       0.1      0.1       2.5        2.5      (17) 
SANDRINGHAM      2.1       4.5       7.5      10.6      (66)
 
GOALS
Geelong Cats: Woods, Bryant 1
Sandringham: Stobie, Shepherd, Saultry 2, Evans, Clarke, Barbakos, Bailey 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong Cats: Favell 24, Morrissy 20, Cowan 19, Bryant 17
Sandringham: Laing 24, Tregellis, Fowler, Evans 20

@ Deakin University, Waurn Ponds