The VFLW Cats put together a strong performance against Darebin on Saturday afternoon but faded late in the game, ultimately falling by 25 points to the Falcons at Genis Steel Oval.
Geelong showed plenty of promising signs throughout the match and will carry some momentum into the second half of the season, but their strong effort was matched by a solid performance from the Falcons in the second half.
Abby Favell continued her strong run of form, collecting a game high 22 disposals along with 11 tackles and seven clearances, performing strongly in all facets of the game.
Hayley Peck (37 hit-outs, three clearances) continues to assert her dominance in the ruck winning a majority of stoppages for the Cats, while Jemima Woods (15 disposals, one goal) and Mel Staunton (10 tackles, three inside 50’s) performed well in Geelong’s forward line.
Geelong opened the game strongly, hitting the scoreboard first through Mekah Morrissy who slotted the opening goal of the match, before Darebin gained ascendancy and kicked three majors, leaving the Cats trailing by 12 points at quarter time.
Chloe Bryant was damaging through the middle, finding plenty of targets up forward to help the Cats retain possession, putting a late stop to the Falcons offensive flow.
Geelong ramped up the pressure in the second term restricting Darebin to just one goal, which was quickly matched by an outstanding goal from Jemima Woods who snapped one through to keep the Cats within 14 points at the main break.
Abby Favell finished the half with 12 disposals and five tackles in a dominant midfield display, while Lily Jordan utilised the wide expanses of the wing and played a crucial part in many plays for the Cats.
The third quarter saw Geelong continue to dominate possession as they kept Darebin scoreless, but the Falcons defensive strategy left limited chances for the Cats to gain ascendancy, only narrowing the margin to 13 points at the last break.
Captain Mel Staunton worked hard in her forward role, laying nine tackles by the end of the third term and creating stoppages inside 50 to help lock the ball in, giving the Cats repeat scoring opportunities.
Breanna Pratt hit the scoreboard and delivered the Cats their third major late in the fourth term, but Darebin were able to kick away to a 25 lead by the time the final siren sounded.
Molly Walton and Madi Sexton played an important role in Geelong’s backline during the match, combining for five interceptions throughout the game and holding strong positions on the Cats last line of defence.
2025 VFLW Season – Round 7
GEELONG 1.1 2.1 2.2 3.3 (21)
DAREBIN 3.1 4.3 4.3 7.4 (46)
GOALS
Geelong: Woods, Pratt, Morrissy 1
Darebin: De Matteo 5, Du Parquet, Callinan 1
DISPOSALS
Geelong: Favell 22, Woods 15, Bryant 12, Jordan 11, White, Staunton, Cook 10
Darebin: Bunker 22, Mifsud, Gogos 18, Beatty 13, Daddo 10
@ Genis Steel Oval, Preston
