The Geelong Cats VFLW side showed plenty of fight against Box Hill on Saturday, taking the contest right up to the Hawks across four hard-fought quarters but they ultimately fell by 22 points.
The Cats started brightly, winning the first centre clearance of the afternoon and applying strong pressure around the ball from the opening bounce.
Annie Lee made an immediate impact with five first-quarter disposals, while Nikita Harris was rewarded for Geelong’s attacking efforts with a goal.
Geelong continued to compete strongly throughout the second term, maintaining its pressure around the contest and laying several important tackles.
Zali Gallagher worked tirelessly through the midfield to collect eight disposals by half-time, while the Cats' handball game and work in the ruck helped keep them in the contest.
Despite Box Hill gaining momentum during the second half, Geelong's midfield group continued to battle hard. Lucy Marescuk was one of the Cats' best performers, finishing with 21 disposals and four clearances, while Isabella Davies put together another strong performance with 16 disposals and two clearances.
Mekah Morrissy found plenty of the football with 16 disposals and two clearances, while Bindi Crabtree added 15 disposals and two clearances.
Annie Lee was influential throughout the afternoon, finishing with 17 disposals and four marks and 10 kicks, while Jenna Hurring used the ball effectively from defence and through the midfield, recording 14 disposals, including 12 kicks.
The Cats refused to fade in the final quarter, lifting their pressure and continuing to challenge until the final siren.
Consecutive goals from Nikita Harris and Melanie Staunton provided a late spark, highlighting Geelong’s determination to keep pushing forward.
Although the result didn't fall Geelong's way, the Cats produced plenty of encouraging signs with their pressure, contest work and contributions across the ground providing positives to build on heading into next week's clash.
2026 VFLW Season - Round 3
GEELONG 1.0 1.3 1.4 3.7 (25)
BOX HILL 2.4 2.4 6.5 7.5 (47)
GOALS
Geelong: Harris 2, Staunton 1
Box Hill: Embelton 3, Thorne, Neaves, Matin, Connolly 1
