The VFLW Cats returned home to Deakin University in winning form, bringing their relentless pressure throughout an intense match against the Western Bulldogs, finishing with a 23-point victory on Saturday afternoon.

With their first win of the 2025 season now under their belt, the young Cats outfit displayed plenty of confidence and composure in their clash with the Bulldogs - responding effectively in every measure of the match in a strong 8.9 (57) to 5.4 (34) win - which they will be looking to carry through for the remainder of the season.

Abby Favell (28 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) played a tough game, breaking through packs and charging the ball toward Geelong’s forwards, as did Mekah Morrissy (23 disposals, eight tackles, 10 clearances), who shined on Saturday with her excellent run-and-carry and ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates.

Hayley Peck (23 disposals, 21 hitouts, eight intercepts) played a crucial role, winning stoppages from the centre and picking off marks from the opposition, while Mel Staunton (two goals, 15 disposals, six clearances) was Geelong’s only multiple goalkicker and inspired her group with her physical prowess.

Fresh off a breakthrough win last week, Geelong was energetic in the opening term as Poppy Schaap snapped through an early goal that ignited her team, followed up skilfully by Favell and Jemima Woods, who pushed the lead out to 14 points at the first break.

Staunton brought plenty of physical pressure from the centre to keep possession for the Cats, while Morrissy displayed excellent vision, hitting targets up forward in a dominant first quarter for the Cats.

After a late goal in the opening term, the Bulldogs kicked their second to push back Geelong’s relentless attacking pressure, but Lily Jordan slotted through her first major to keep the momentum in the Cats' favour.

Favell continued her show of dominance with some tough play down the corridor, tallying 16 disposals and three score involvements in a solid first half, as did Peck, who was instrumental in all facets of the game with 12 disposals and four intercepts.

Geelong remained determined throughout the second quarter, facing limited entries from the Bulldogs' defensive set-up, but the run-and-carry play style from the Cats' midfield set up Staunton for a goal after the siren, extending their lead to 24 points at half-time.

The Bulldogs came out strong after the main break, kicking the first two goals of the third term, but the Cats locked the ball inside their forward 50 from there, peppering through minor scores before Stephanie O’Kane found their answer late with her first goal to hold an 18-point margin to end the third term.

Geelong was defensively sound for the majority of the quarter, with the backline duo of Molly Walton and Faith Qoon combining for nine intercept possessions in the match to that point, stifling many of the Bulldogs efforts.

The fourth term continued the see-sawing action of the match as the Bulldogs kicked the first major, until Seisia White responded with a brilliant goal after marking the ball in a heavy contest, then Staunton later struck the final blow at the siren to give Geelong a 23-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

2025 VFLW Season – Round 10

GEELONG CATS             3.2   5.3   6.8   8.9   (57)
WESTERN BULLDOGS   1.0   2.2   4.2   5.4   (34)

GOALS
Geelong Cats: Staunton 2, Woods, White, Schaap, O’Kane, Jordan, Favell
Western Bulldogs: McFarlane 3, Saulitis, McDermott 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong Cats: Favell 28, Peck, Morrissy 23, Jordan 19, Schaap 16, Staunton, Bryant 15
Western Bulldogs: Hamilton 22, Tabb 20, Livingstone 15, Mcleod, Davies 13, Swain 11

@ Deakin University, Geelong