Geelong's AFLW team will venture North this weekend for their final pre-season game, taking on the Gold Coast Suns in a practice match on Saturday night at People First Stadium.
The Cats had a solid first hit-out last weekend against St Kilda, with a number of key players and fresh faces impressing as they cruised to a 30-point win at RSEA Park.
This weekend will be a chance for Geelong to continue to fine tune their game before attention turns to the start of the home and away season, with the Cats set to take on the Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium in Round 1.
Check out everything you need to know about Geelong’s upcoming practice match against Gold Coast on Saturday night.
KEY DETAILS
2025 NAB AFLW Season | Practice Match
Gold Coast Suns v Geelong Cats
People First Stadium, Gold Coast
Saturday 2 August, 8.00pm (local time)
TEAM SELECTION
|
Back |
30. Lexi Gregor | 26. Claudia Gunjaca | |
|
Half Back |
10. Georgie Rankin | 21. Becky Webster | 27. Emma Kilpatrick |
|
Centre |
12. Kate Kenny | 6. Julia Crockett-Grills | 23. Bryde O’Rourke |
|
Half Forward |
1. Mikayla Bowen | 45. Aishling Moloney | 7. Kate Surman |
|
Full Forward |
17. Erica Fowler | 8. Kate Darby | |
| Ruck | 38. Piper Dunlop | 9. Nina Morrison | 41. Georgie Prespakis |
| Interchange | 11. Meghan McDonald | 2. Bella Smith | 25. Caitlin Thorne |
| 3. Amy McDonald | 24. Chantal Mason | 44. Melissa Bragg | |
| 20. Zali Friswell | 22. Rachel Kearns | ||
| Emergencies | 5. Jackie Parry | 15. Shelley Scott |
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bryde O’Rourke
There were plenty of promising signs from the Cats AFLW squad last weekend, but a significant highlight was seeing Bryde O’Rourke thrive in her role as a winger.
After an early injury during her AFLW debut against Fremantle last year cut her season short, O'Rourke has put together a strong pre-season and is already showing terrific form, utilising her speed and agility to help transition the play from half back to the forward line.
It will be exciting to see how the young Cat develops in her second season at the club, starting with another great opportunity against the Suns on Saturday night.
LAST TIME WE MET – Geelong v Gold Coast
Geelong's last trek to the Gold Coast came in Round 4 of the 2024 AFLW season, with the Cats marching to an emphatic 69-point win in glorious conditions at People First Stadium.
Aishling Moloney, Shelley Scott and Jackie Parry did the damage up forward as they combined for 10 goals, Nina Morrison (26 disposals, seven clearances) and Mikayla Bowen (25 disposals, 10 score involvements) both running amok right across the ground.
Although there will not be four points on the line this weekend, there is still plenty Geelong will be able to take away from another strong showing against the Suns.
WHERE TO WATCH
Saturday’s practice match between Geelong and Gold Coast will be live streamed through the Cats website.
Follow the link here from 7.30pm AEST on Saturday to watch all the action.
2025 AFLW MEMBERSHIP
Geelong Cats AFLW memberships are now on sale for 2025. Secure your spot today and do not miss a minute of the action, with an exciting campaign awaiting the Cats. Follow the link here to see a full breakdown of Geelong's membership options.
If you are currently a Geelong Cats AFL member, you can purchase an AFLW Supporter Membership for $25. Tickets for the 2025 AFLW Season are also on sale now through Ticketmaster.
