Following a intense contest on Sunday afternoon, the VFLW Cats have prevailed in its final game of the season securing a 3.10 (28) to 3.8 (26) win over the Darebin Falcons at KFC Oval.

A back-and-forth opening quarter saw both sides battling hard in the last match of the 2025 Rebel VFLW Season, before a brilliant second term led Geelong to a gain a tight lead, with the final half coming down to minor scores favouring the Cats.

Geelong opened with plenty of intensity during the first quarter, throwing themselves into contests in a frenetic back-and-forth action, eventually finding Faith Qoon who slotted through the first goal of the match with an impressive running goal.

The opposition’s pressure continued to mount, as Darebin later answered with a major of their own that put the Cats behind by two points heading into the first break.

Jemima Woods had an impactful opening term, hitting two inside 50 targets, contributing heavily to Geelong’s repeat entries, while Poppy Schaap had a large presence inside the Cats' forward 50 with two score involvements.

Geelong dominated territory in the second quarter, holding a majority of the play in their forward half with their tackling pressure (+18) and successful clearances (+8), leading to two important goals from Mekah Morrissy and Abby Favell that gained them a seven point lead.

It was Favell that led the charge with 18 disposals, eight tackles, and four clearances in an instrumental first half for the Cats, as did Hayley Peck who tallied 14 hitouts in the ruck to go with 11 disposals and three interceptions that helped limit Darebin to just one goal in the second term.

Geelong were pushed back early in a momentous swing from the Falcons, keeping possession in the Cats back half as they peppered through some minor scores, but the Cats found quality build-ups holding onto a four point lead to set up an exciting last quarter.

Both Zoe Cowan and Morrissy played a key role in the midfield, moving the ball forward with a combined 29 disposals and 11 clearances, displaying excellent skill around stoppages.

In a passionate last outing for the Cats, they were faced with an early goal from Darebin in the opening few minutes, but Geelong’s determination couldn’t be settled, as their tackle pressure allowed them to regain territory and level the score once again.

The game would be decided by minor scores from both Woods and Mel Staunton who put Geelong in front by two points in an inspiring final term, rewarding their team with a thrilling victory to cap off a solid season for the VFLW Cats.

Abby Favell shined again, collecting a season high 36 disposals, along with 15 tackles, six clearances and a goal to finish a strong season while Hayley Peck, won 28 hitouts to go with her 29 disposals and eight intercepts.

Jemima Woods was threatening at centre-half forward, winning plenty of crucial marking contests, andfinishing with 18 disposals at 78% efficiency, and six inside 50’s, while Mekah Morrissy brought a lot of pressure in the midfield, tallying 24 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal.

2025 VFLW Season – Round 14

GEELONG CATS   1.2   3.5   3.7   3.10   (28)

DAREBIN FALCONS   1.4   2.4   2.8   3.8   (26)

GOALS

Geelong Cats: Qoon, Morrissy, Favell 1

Darebin Falcons: Mifsud 2, De Matteo 1

DISPOSALS

Geelong Cats: Favell 36, Peck 29, Morrissy 24, Woods 18, Staunton 16, Cook 15

Darebin Falcons: Bunker 24, Mifsud 18, Daddo 16, De Matteo 14, Kearny, Christgoergl 11

@ KFC Oval – Queens Park, Highton