Geelong has received a steep learning curve in their AFLW season opener at the hands of the back-to-back premiers, falling to North Melbourne by 73 points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

A strong start put the Cats in front at quarter time and they looked well and truly up for the challenge early, but the reigning champions flexed their muscles and kicked 10 goals to Geelong's one across the second and third terms to seal the result. 

In her first game as Cats co-captain, Becky Webster fought hard all afternoon in an attempt to inspire her side, generating plenty of Geelong's ball movement out of defence and finding plenty of the footy as the game unfolded. 

Geelong can also take positives from the number of new faces who pulled on the Hoops for the first time, particularly Evie Cowcher who worked hard in defence and picked off a number of intercept possessions. 

Geelong started with intent and were not deterred by an early deficit in the first quarter, Amy McDonald sparking the season to life with a brilliant opening goal to get the Cats on the board as they took up the challenge to the back-to-back premiers. 

Bryde O'Rourke launched home her first AFLW goal from outside 50 and combined with a strong effort around the ground, the Cats took the lead into the first break. 

The superstar duo of Georgie Prespakis and Becky Webster were instrumental early, collecting 15 disposals between them in a hot start. 

But there was a reason that North Melbourne had gone undefeated over two full seasons, and the reigning champions flexed their muscles in a dominant second quarter of football. 

The Cats continued to show plenty of fight around the football, but the home side reeled off four unanswered goals to take control of the contest, leaving Geelong 22 points adrift at half time. 

In her first game as co-captain, Webster continued to fight hard and led all Geelong players with 14 disposals, while Rachel Kearns had an impact in her role up forward and registered the most score involvements of any Cat in the opening half. 

The onslaught continued into the third quarter and despite a nice mark and goal from Jackie Parry, the gap on the scoreboard continued to grow as the Kangaroos piled on another six goals, the margin extending to 52 points by the final break. 

The Kangaroos continued to kick away in the final term, Geelong ultimately falling by 73 points in their season opener. 

The Cats will return home next week for another double-header, set to take on St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium. 

2026 AFLW Season - Round 1

NORTH MELBOURNE    2.1   6.2   12.5    15.10   (100)  
GEELONG CATS             2.2   2.4    3.7      3.9     (27) 

GOALS
North Melbourne: Bogue, Randall 3, O'Loughlin, Craven 2, Wall, Tripodi, Shierlaw, Garner, Eddey 1
Geelong Cats: Parry, O'Rourke, McDonald 1

BEST
North Melbourne: Garner, Riddell, Craven, O'Shea, Randall, Mahony
Geelong: Prespakis, McDonald, Webster, Bowen, O'Rourke

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Geelong: Nil

LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne: Nil
Geelong: Nicola Stevens (knee soreness), replaced in selected side by Lexi Gregor

Crowd: 14,573 at Marvel Stadium

Crowd: TBC at the Marvel Stadium