Geelong has completed their final pre-season hit-out with a valuable learning experience on Saturday afternoon, falling to Brisbane in a practice match at Brighton Homes Arena, but they will take plenty of positives with the opening round of the 2026 season just a fortnight away. 

With Georgie Prespakis missing the contest, Mikayla Bowen was injected into the midfield and will be perhaps the most pleasing aspect for new coach Mick Stinear, as she collected a game-high 40 disposals, seven score involvements and seven intercept possessions. 

The Cats made a bright start kicking three goals in the opening 10 minutes of the game, but struggled to find avenues to the big sticks after quarter time as fatigue set in with the Queensland heat. They were also able to experiment, with players like Sienna Tallariti and Rachel Kearns spending time inside 50. 

With their official practice match now completed, all eyes turn to Geelong's Round 1 clash in two weeks' time, as they prepare to take on the reigning premiers, North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.  

The Cats took a while to hit their straps in the most recent match simulation, but they certainly took no time getting rolling on Saturday as they kicked three quick goals in the opening term. 

Both teams had periods of ascendancy throughout the first quarter, but Geelong's efficiency inside forward 50 separated them from their opponents and helped to build an early buffer. 

The second term will provide plenty of learnings for Mick Stinear and his side, as Brisbane gathered momentum and quickly erased the deficit on the scoreboard, a late Aishling Moloney goal keeping the Cats five points ahead at half time. 

A move into the midfield for Mikayla Bowen proved to be the key takeaway for Geelong in the opening half, as she collected a whopping 22 disposals, five score involvements and four intercept possessions by the main break. 

Scoring continued to be hard to come by in the third term, with Geelong held goalless as the Lions continued to look damaging in front of the big sticks, the margin extending to 14 points at the final change.  

The Cats closed the gap and stayed within striking distance in the last quarter, but ultimately fell three points short in an entertaining battle. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A New Role for Mikayla Bowen

As previously mentioned, Bowen was thrust into a full-time midfield role on Saturday and was simply incredible, working hard all afternoon and finishing with a game-high 40 disposals, seven score involvements and seven intercept possessions. 

Her first quarter was electric, collecting 13 disposals and four score involvements in the opening term alone, but there was no signs of slowing down right throughout the contest. 

Bowen's impact was particularly noticeable in the absence of Georgie Prespakis, but it could be a move that can provide Geelong with some X-Factor through the middle of the ground as the season unfolds. 

Co-Captains Ready to Lead from the Front

In their first official game at the helm, Geelong's new co-captains Nina Morrison and Becky Webster were both outstanding, showing that they are ready to lead the club into the 2026 campaign. 

Morrison was at her brilliant best through the middle of the ground, finishing the contest with 25 disposals, four score involvements and five intercept possessions. 

Resuming her role off half back, Webster was equally impressive with 21 disposals and seven intercept possessions, looking like she is set to provide Geelong with some valuable run and carry out of defence once again this year. 

The Next Step for Piper Dunlop

The ruck conundrum has been something Geelong have struggled to find an answer to in recent years, but the opportunity is there for Piper Dunlop to take the mantle as the Cats number one ruck in 2026. 

The young talent impressed throughout Saturday's contest, finishing the afternoon with 12 disposals, 11 hit-outs and four clearances. 

Dunlop also had some nice moments in the final term, including a clean hit-out to advantage, a contested mark and a goal, potentially one to watch in 2026 to help give the Cats a different look around stoppages. 

2026 AFLW Season - Practice Match

BRISBANE   1.3   4.5   7.8   8.9   (57)  
GEELONG    4.1   5.4   5.6   8.6   (54) 

GOALS
Brisbane: R.Svarc, Davidson 2, C.Svarc, O'Dwyer, Hartill, Crozier 1
Geelong: Crockett-Grills 2, Surman, O'Rourke, Moloney, Friswell, Murray, Dunlop 1

DISPOSALS
Brisbane: Dawes 29, Koenen, Grider, Conway 17, Ellenger 16
Geelong: Bowen 40, Morrison 25, Webster 21, McDonald 19, Moloney 18