After taking up the challenge to some of the competition's best teams, it was only a matter of time before Geelong found themselves on the winner's list in 2025. 

The breakthrough came in emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, as the Cats pieced together a dominant four-quarter performance to take down the previously undefeated Bombers, leading from wire to wire and recording their maiden victory of the season. 

One of the more pleasing aspects for Dan Lowther and his team was Geelong's ability to control proceedings, outscoring Essendon in every quarter and never letting them gather momentum, something they had struggled with in the opening three weeks. 

A big piece of the puzzle was the performance of star midfielder Amy McDonald, who said it was a pleasing outing on Sunday afternoon. 

"I think we knew that we had it within us, but for whatever reason we haven't ridden the ebbs and flows of the game," McDonald said. 

"There was a bit of a focus that if the game did go in Essendon's favour at any point in the contest, that we ride that out.

"It is normal that they are going to kick goals and it is going to go back and forth, so getting better at riding the momentum of the game.

"I felt like we were in control for most of it, there was a few small patches where it felt like they got on top but we wrestled it back pretty quickly which was nice."

There were standout performers across every line for the Cats including Georgie Prespakis (33 disposals, two goals), Jackie Parry (19 disposals, three goals) and Rachel Kearns (15 disposals, 11 intercepts), all helping to combat the difficult conditions at Windy Hill. 

McDonald played a significant role herself, amassing 24 disposals which was her highest total since Round 2 of the 2024 season, while also collecting six clearances and five score involvements. 

The star on-baller said it was a strong performance across all lines, with each player able to capitalise when opportunities came their way. 

"I know we have been building the connection in divisions, and then between the lines as well," McDonald said. 

"I think there was a real sense of calmness all across the board.

"The defenders were set up and demanding what they wanted of each other. In the midfield we felt really strong with our contest principles, the forwards were getting a lot of the ball and hitting the scoreboard.

"It is just really exciting that what we have been practicing is starting to pay off."

With win number one on the board, attention now turns to another important clash against a winless Richmond in Round 5, as the Cats look to build momentum heading into the middle of the season. 

McDonald said it is a nice platform to build from, but sticking to the plan will be the key to continuing this form over the next few weeks. 

"I think we just practice what we preach," McDonald said. 

"Our principles, we have different ones across all the lines but remaining really strong at the contest. Trying to be consistent throughout the four quarters, because I think we have shown in patches that our best footy is good enough to challenge absolutely anyone in the comp.

"It is in our control to do that consistently now, so we go out there with the same mindset.

"We want to hit the contest hard, attack the scoreboard when we have got the ball in our forward half. Hopefully the momentum takes us through as well."