The VFLW Cats have fallen short in their quest for a third consecutive victory, struggling to overcome an early deficit which ultimately resulted in a 26-point defeat to the Casey Demons on Sunday.
After registering back to back wins over the past fortnight, the Cats carried plenty of confidence into today’s match but the Demons had all the answers, kicking away late with the final two goals of the contest.
Abby Favell (27 disposals, five tackles, six clearances) stood out with another scintillating performance through the midfield, as did Mekah Morrissy (20 disposals, eight tackles, eight clearances) who was dominant around stoppages all afternoon.
Hayley Peck was instrumental with her work in the ruck winning 37 hit-outs, 13 disposals and seven tackles as she continues her impressive run this season.
Geelong controlled possession early in the opening term with Sophie Mahar and Favell working the ball towards their forward 50, but the Cats struggled to capitalise on goal-scoring opportunities and Casey were able to counter with two consecutive goals, leaving Geelong trailing by 13 points at quarter time.
Mel Staunton looked to momentum Geelong's way in the second quarter, slotting a quick goal as the Cats fought for ascendancy but Casey responded yet again with back-to-back majors to kick away.
Zoe Larkins booted Geelong’s second goal to bring the margin back to 13 points once more, keeping the Cats within striking distance as they headed into half time.
Geelong led the disposal count, the clearance battle (+8) and the hit-outs (+2) in an intense first half, Lily Jordan was an important player across the ground for the Cats picking up nine disposals and laying nine tackles.
Casey kicked the opening two goals of the second half to extend their lead, but Geelong found success through Steph O’Kane and Brooke Bailey with two goals of their own which kept Geelong within a manageable 15 points at the final break.
Looking to mount a comeback, the Cats were looking capable with Hayley Peck dominating stoppages and Elise Cook intercepting across half back, but Casey eventually were able to break through and kick the final two goals of the game, Geelong slipping to a 26 point defeat.
The VFLW Cats will head to Trevor Barker Beach Oval next Saturday afternoon to take on the Sandringham Zebras at 2.05pm.
2025 VFLW Season – Round 11
CASEY DEMONS 2.3 4.4 6.6 8.7 (55)
GEELONG CATS 0.2 2.3 4.3 4.5 (29)
GOALS
Casey Demons: Madigan 4, Robinson 2, Mitchell, Banjavcic-Mills 1
Geelong Cats: Staunton, O’Kane, Larkins, Bailey 1
DISPOSALS
Casey Demons: Mitchell 17, Morris, Macdonald 16, Williams 14, Kirkwood, Burn 13
Geelong Cats: Favell 27, Morrissy 20, Woods 19, Schaap 17, Mahar, Cook 15
@ Casey Fields, Melbourne
