The VFLW Cats took up the challenge to a strong Collingwood team on Saturday afternoon, but faded late in the final term resulting in a 3.3 (21) to 9.2 (56) loss at Deakin University.
An excellent third quarter saw Geelong roar back into the contest despite tricky conditions, pulling within four points at the final break but the Pies managed to kick away again with a five goal last quarter, the Cats slipping to a third consecutive defeat.
Geelong captain, Mel Staunton lead her team strongly applying plenty of pressure across the field, laying a game high 10 tackles to go with 11 disposals and a goal.
Molly Walton played an instrumental role as one of the Cats best defenders, picking off a season high 11 intercept possessions and 12 disposals while today's debutants in Addison Baars, Ally and Meg Lappin and Alana Mulvahil all performed strongly.
Strong winds had an influence on the early stages of the match, Geelong still managed to gain forward territory with some great early clearances but struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard, Collingwood kicking two goals in transition to leave the Cats 12 points behind in a hard fought first quarter.
It was Geelong’s pressure game that helped to restrict the Magpies, with Addison Baars and Ally Lappin combining for eight tackles early while Molly Walton assisted heavily down back picking off four crucial intercept possessions.
Geelong flipped the momentum early in the second term as Faith Qoon kicked the Cats first major, but Collingwood later responded with a goal of their own to keep them in front by 11 points heading into half time.
Hayley Peck impressed in the ruck tallying 12 hit outs and four clearances in the first half, alongside Mekah Morrissy who collected nine disposals and four clearances, each player contributing to Geelong’s lead in the clearance battle (+6).
Geelong came back from the main break full of confidence, responding to an early goal from Collingwood with two of their own, Mel Staunton igniting her team by converting off a quick transition play.
Poppy Schaap put together an excellent passage of play soon after, finding Qoon in front of goals for her second major of the day, narrowing the margin to just four points to set up an exciting final quarter.
Staunton’s goal was the cherry on top of a brilliant third term, laying eight tackles as she lead by example with her intense pressure, while Chloe Bryant was influential on the wing for Geelong with 14 disposals and three score involvements.
Geelong were looking to continue their momentum in the final term but Collingwood had all the answers, piling on five unanswered goals to kick away with the Cats ultimately falling by 35 points.
The VFLW Cats will prepare for their final match of the season next Sunday, as they take on Darebin at KFC Oval from 1.05pm AEST.
2025 VFLW Season – Round 13
GEELONG CATS 0.0 1.2 3.3 3.3 (21)
COLLINGWOOD 2.0 3.1 4.1 9.2 (56)
GOALS
Geelong Cats: Qoon 2, Staunton 1
Collingwood: Williamson, Peck, Lang, Jones, Fellows, Ellin, Christensen, Carbone, Brewer 1
DISPOSALS
Geelong Cats: Morrissy 17, Favell 15, Bryant 14, Peck, M Lappin 13, Walton, Cook 12
Collingwood: Sanger 21, Carbone 19, Williamson 16, Szigeti, Jones, Brewer 14, Ivey 13
@ Deakin University, Geelong
