Geelong did not have it all their own way in their first interstate trip for the 2026 AFLW season, but they ultimately came away with the four points in a seven-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns at People First Stadium. 

Battling the heat, mounting injuries and a plucky Suns outfit, the Cats struggled to make inroads until a three goal burst in the third term, before staving off another challenge late from the home side. 

Engaged in a fascinating contest through the middle of the ground, Georgie Prespakis shone for Geelong and continued her incredible form, collecting 33 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances and eight intercept possessions. 

Mikayla Bowen and Becky Webster were again among the leading ball-winners for the Cats, Chloe Scheer and Aishling Moloney provided a spark inside 50, while Chantel Emonson and Nicola Stevens were resolute in defence. 

A second consecutive victory has moved Geelong inside the top eight on the ladder for the first time this year, with the Cats set to return home to take on Essendon at GMHBA Stadium next Sunday. 

It took 13 minutes for either side to register a score in the opening term, with Aishling Moloney kicking a beauty to get the Cats on the board, as they trailed by just two points at quarter time. 

In her 75th AFLW game, Julia Crockett-Grills produced a crafty goal early in the second term to give the Cats the lead, before Rachel Kearns followed shortly after as it looked like Geelong might pull away. 

But the home side had other ideas, Gold Coast kicking two majors in quick succession as the lead changed hands once more, Geelong heading into the main break four points adrift. 

Georgie Prespakis was electric in the opening half, continuing her hot form with 22 disposals and four clearances, while Mikayla Bowen also found plenty of the footy. 

Geelong were looking for a spark after half time and it came in the third term, as they piled on three unanswered goals to make a decisive move and open up a 13-point lead at the final change. 

The intensity lifted in the last term as Gold Coast closed within a kick, but the Cats steadied through Nina Morrison and Chloe Scheer to ice the game, eventually closing out a seven point victory over the Suns. 

2026 AFLW Season - Round 3

GOLD COAST        1.2   3.5   3.8    8.9   (57)  
GEELONG CATS    1.0   3.1   6.3   10.4   (64) 

GOALS
Gold Coast: Harris 3, Usher, Welsh 2, Quigley 1
Geelong Cats: Scheer 3, Murray 2, O'Rourke, Morrison, Moloney, Kearns, Crockett-Grills 1