The VFLW Cats have secured a drought-breaking victory in a hard fought contest against Carlton on Sunday, kicking away in a dominant performance to finish with a 42-point win over the Blues.
The win is Geelong's first in the 2025 VFLW season and their first since Round 6 last year, set up by a strong defensive display as the Cats held Carlton to just two goals, breaking the game open with four majors of their own in the third term.
Mekah Morrissy (24 disposals, six tackles, 13 clearances) and Abby Favell (22 disposals, four clearances, one goal) were an influential pairing in the midfield, assisting heavily around stoppages and sending the ball forward on numerous occasions.
Geelong captain, Mel Staunton displayed excellent leadership and was strong around the contest laying a game high nine tackles, while also collecting 14 disposals and booting two goals to contribute in the Cats successful outing.
Geelong conceded the opening goal of the game but through relentless pressure, they wrestled back the ascendancy and found two majors through Mel Staunton and Zoe Larkins, putting Geelong six points ahead to end the first quarter.
Lily Jordan was influential through the middle, picking up ground balls and thrusting Geelong into attack with seven disposals, creating plenty of scoring opportunities for her teammates.
The second term saw the Cats continue their momentum as Stephanie O’Kane slotted another goal, while their pressure around the contest kept the Blues scoreless which helped Geelong extend their lead to 13 points at half time.
Geelong were bold with their ball movement as they continually attacked the corridor, Mekah Morrissy and Chloe Bryant finding success with their run-and-carry through the middle.
Inspired by their efforts in the first half, the Cats continued their momentum after the main break booting four more goals in a tremendous third quarter, increasing the margin to 31 points by three quarter time.
Poppy Schaap continued to throw herself into contests collecting nine disposals and six tackles in the front half for the Cats, while Madi Sexton picked off seven interceptions through three quarters which helped to thwart multiple Carlton attacks.
Geelong entered the final term with confidence and determination, locking the ball deep in their forward line for large portions of the quarter with Breanna Pratt landing the final blow, closing out an important and dominant 42 point victory for the Geelong.
The VFLW Cats will aim to carry their winning form into next week, where they will return home to Deakin University as they take on the Western Bulldogs.
2025 VFLW Season – Round 9
CARLTON 1.1 1.1 2.2 2.2 (14)
GEELONG 2.1 3.2 7.3 8.8 (56)
GOALS
Carlton: Matser, Burke 1
Geelong: Staunton, Pratt, O’Kane 2, Larkins, Favell 1
DISPOSALS
Carlton: Scott 26, Trindade 25, von Bertouch 21, McCarthy, Horne 16, Di Donato 15
Geelong: Morrissy 24, Favell 22, Bryant 19, Jordan 18, Mahar 16, Staunton 14
@ IKON Park, Melbourne
