The AFLW Cats enjoyed a strong first hit-out to kick off their 2025 campaign, cruising to a 30-point victory in a match simulation over St Kilda at RSEA Park. 

There were plenty of positive signs for Geelong such as Kate Darby and Aishling Moloney dominating up forward, with the forward duo combining for four goals against the Saints. 

Star on-ballers, Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison picked up where they left, putting on a clinic through the middle of the ground and splitting open St Kilda's defence with their run and carry. 

But perhaps the most pleasing aspect was some of the Cats emerging stars standing tall including Bryde O'Rourke, who found plenty of footy on the wing and kicked her first goal in the Hoops. 

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Bryde O'Rourke Interview | AFLW Practice Match

Bryde O'Rourke spoke to Cats Media after a successful first hitout for herself and Geelong at RSEA Park. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

"It felt really good just to play some footy," O'Rourke told Cats Media after the game. 

"It has been a while, eight months I think so it is good to put into practice what we have done over the past eight weeks.

"It is really good, we have had a hard pre-season with injuries and things like that.

"To see some of our best players come out and play the way they did, we are very happy with their performance which is good."

O'Rourke's first season with the Cats was unfortunately cut short, after sustaining a collarbone injury early in her AFLW debut. 

But with a strong pre-season under her belt, the young talent is hoping to build some solid form heading into the home and away season, looking to solidify a spot on the wing. 

"Yeah definitely, I really enjoy the wing," O'Rourke said. 

"Being able to work the defensive and offensive transition, it is pretty good and predominantly in season I will be playing on the wing. I trained there in the pre-season as well, so I will be looking forward to that.

"I have been trying to soak up the experience from these practice matches, trying to get as much game experience and game time as I can.

"Over the pre-season I have worked on my contested game, my physical pressure and trying to be present with my physicality."

Geelong will head to the Gold Coast for a practice match next Saturday night, before returning home for a Round 1 clash with North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.