Geelong's VFLW team headed up the highway to meet Sandringham on Saturday, opening a double-header for the Cats with the VFL team to follow but they ultimately fell short, defeated by 22 points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Cats started strong and trailed by just four points at half time, but as the rain started to fall they struggled to keep pace with a strong Sandringham outfit in the second half.
Geelong started strong kicking the first goal of the game within the first three minutes. Sandringham controlled the inside 50 count early (11-4) but the Cats' backline was strong, only allowing one goal late on the back of a free kick.
Axel Oswald was dominant taking a numerous big marks to nullify the Zebras' attack. By the end of the first quarter there was nothing separating the sides, with scores level.
Geelong started the second quarter strong once again, Cavalle Boxer kicking the first goal with a clean crumb and snap around the corner. Sandringham were able to answer quickly, kicking two straight goals which pushed them in front for the first time in the game.
Geelong kept the ball in their 50 at the end of the term but could not capitalise on the scoreboard, with a few missed opportunities and Sandringham held a four point lead at half time.
Mel Staunton was strong leading Geelong with 11 disposals and a goal, along with Brooke Borchard, who locked down the middle of the ground with 10 disposals and four clearances.
To start the second half, neither team could get any free flowing footy. After 10 minutes of tight contests and high tackle pressure, Sandringham were able to break from half back and turned it into a goal.
It proved to be a big moment and broke the game open for Sandringham, who kicked another major soon after to apply some scoreboard pressure.
Geelong struggled to match the Zebras as the rain started to fall and clean possession become difficult. The Cats stayed in the fight, finishing the game strong and stopping Sandringham’s momentum, but they battled to impact the scoreboard and ultimately fell by 22 points.
Despite the result, Lucy Marescuk and Bindi Crabtree were strong with 20 and 15 disposals respectively. Marescuk's pressure was unmatched applying five tackles, while Crabtree also added three marks and a clearance.
2026 VFLW Season - Round 4
SANDRINGHAM 1.1 3.1 5.2 6.5 (41)
GEELONG CATS 1.1 2.3 2.4 2.7 (19)
GOALS
Sandringham: Aughtie 3, Saultry, Lin, Gellar 1
Geelong Cats: Staunton, Boxer 1
