Geelong showed strong fight and pressure throughout Saturday afternoon’s VFLW clash with Williamstown, but were unable to convert their opportunities in a tough defeat at Deakin University.
The Cats brought intensity from the outset, applying strong tackling pressure and moving the ball quickly through the corridor to match the Seagulls in an even opening contest.
Stephanie O’Kane got Geelong on the board early before Nikita Harris added another major as the Cats looked dangerous in transition.
Despite relatively even inside 50 entries across the opening stages, Geelong remained competitive through strong pressure and clean ball movement around the contest.
Brooke Borchard battled hard through the midfield with 11 disposals and three clearances, while Isabella Davies continued to find the football with 15 disposals and three clearances.
The defensive unit remained a standout despite the result, with Annie Lee producing an outstanding performance across half-back. Lee finished with 17 disposals, 14 kicks and six marks, consistently intercepting Williamstown attacks and providing composure with the ball in hand to be firmly among Geelong's best.
Hayley Peck competed strongly in the ruck with 14 disposals, 16 hit-outs and a clearance, helping the Cats remain in the contest.
Geelong continued to compete well across the contest, with the Cats’ marking ability and intercept work helping limit Williamstown’s forward momentum throughout the second half.
Elise Cook worked tirelessly around the ground to finish with 15 disposals, while Bindi Crabtree provided important drive with 16 disposals. Zali Gallagher also battled hard through the middle with 11 disposals and a clearance as the Cats searched for a way back into the game.
Tyler Crabtree provided a highlight in the third quarter, converting a major after an energetic passage of play. Crabtree also added six disposals and a clearance in a determined performance.
Strong centre clearance work created multiple opportunities inside forward 50 for Geelong late in the contest as the Cats searched for a final-quarter response.
While the scoreboard didn’t fall Geelong’s way, the Cats maintained strong pressure throughout the afternoon and competed fiercely across the contest against a polished Williamstown outfit.
2026 VFLW Season - Round 1
GEELONG CATS 1.0 2.2 3.2 3.2 (20)
WILLIAMSTOWN 3.0 7.2 9.3 12.3 (75)
GOALS
Geelong Cats: O'Kane, Harris, Crabtree 1
Williamstown: Zielinski 4, Brett 2, Williamson, Williams, Rothfield, Howes, Eaves, Blue 1
