Geelong made the trip to Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday to take on one of the competition's strongest sides, North Melbourne Werribee, in Round 8. Facing a significant challenge against the ladder leaders, the Cats showed plenty of fight throughout the afternoon but were ultimately overpowered, falling 15.5 (95) to 3.3 (21).
The Cats made an encouraging start, gaining the ascendancy through the midfield by winning the opening four clearances and controlling territory with the first three inside 50s of the game. However, North Melbourne Werribee made the most of its first forward entry, converting its only early opportunity into the opening goal before adding another three majors in quick succession.
Despite the early scoreboard pressure, Geelong remained composed. Nikita Harris produced the Cats' first goal with a clever crumbing effort and composed finish, but the Kangaroos responded with two late goals to take a 22-point advantage into the first break.
To Geelong's credit, the Cats continued to compete strongly throughout the second quarter. Their defensive pressure forced North Melbourne Werribee to work hard for its opportunities, restricting the home side to just one goal for the term despite much of the play occurring in the Kangaroos' forward half. While Geelong was unable to generate scoreboard pressure of its own, the defensive effort remained resolute.
Annie Lee was outstanding across half-back in the opening half, collecting 15 disposals, three marks and four intercept possessions, while Lucy Maresuck also impressed with 11 disposals, two marks and a tackle.
The second half belonged to North Melbourne Werribee, with the Kangaroos kicking 12 goals to two as they capitalised on sustained forward-half dominance.
Despite the scoreboard, the Cats continued to produce moments of quality. Steph O'Kane provided one of the highlights of the afternoon late in the third quarter, gathering possession in the defensive half before taking three bounces and finishing off a brilliant coast-to-coast goal. Charlotte Canavan also added a major late in the contest, but North's relentless pressure saw the margin continue to grow as the Kangaroos ran out 74-point winners.
There were still plenty of positives for Geelong, with several players producing strong individual performances.
Lee was exceptional in defence, finishing with a game-high 29 disposals, six marks and 10 intercept possessions in a standout display. Hayley Peck battled hard throughout the afternoon, recording 14 disposals, 11 hit-outs and five intercept possessions, while Harris combined her goal with six tackles to underline her relentless work rate and pressure around the contest.
2026 VFLW Season - Round 8
NORTH MELBOURNE 5.0 6.4 10.6 14.11 (95)
GEELONG CATS 1.2 1.2 2.2 3.3 (21)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Dojiok 4, Sheridan, Ryan, Meier 2, Savarirayan, Jatczak, Di Cosmo, Barba 1
Geelong Cats: O'Kane, Harris, Canavan 1
