A year full of learning and growth has come to a close for the VFLW Cats, as they clinched a thrilling four point victory in their final game of the home-and-away season on Saturday afternoon against Port Melbourne. 

Geelong finish the season on a five-game winning streak and a final tally of eight wins for the season, more than they had achieved in the last two years combined. 

Their record will see the Cats finish the regular season in seventh position on the ladder, narrowly missing out on a place in the VFLW Finals, but there will be an abundance of positives to take from the campaign. 

Renee Morgan was outstanding throughout the afternoon, Mel Staunton led from the front, while Nikita Harris kicked two pivotal goals to steer Geelong home. 

The Cats signalled their intent early with a hot start, Lucy Marescuk kicking the opening goal of the game, but Port Melbourne were able to get the game back on their terms and it left Geelong trailing by six points at quarter time. 

The second quarter played out in a similar fashion to the first, Geelong hitting the scoreboard first before the visitors struck back, the Cats managing to narrow the gap to just two points at the main break. 

Renee Morgan was a standout in the opening half, collecting a game-high 20 disposals which was more than double the next best Geelong player, also laying five tackles and winning seven clearances. 

The Cats took control of the match with a dominant third term, kicking two goals to flip the script and take a four point lead into the final break. 

The tight tussle continued into the last quarter and the Cats briefly fell behind, but Nikita Harris kicked a clutch goal late to secure the victory for Geelong. 

2026 VFLW Season - Round 16

GEELONG CATS         1.2   2.6   4.7   5.8   (38)  
PORT MELBOURNE   2.2   3.2   4.3   5.4   (34) 

GOALS
Geelong Cats: Harris 2, Qoon, O'Kane, Marescuk 1
Port Melbourne: Scally 2, Stutt, Jones, Harley 1