Geelong has continued its impressive start to the 2026 AFLW season, producing a dominant four-quarter performance to defeat Essendon in Round 4 at GMHBA Stadium.

The victory was made even more special as Jasmin Stewart, Renee Morgan and Annie Lee all made their AFLW debuts in the blue and white hoops, stepping onto the field for the first time in Geelong colours. 

The Cats were on the front foot early, applying strong attacking pressure and creating repeat opportunities inside 50. Alexis Gregor announced herself with a brilliant intercept before Georgie Prespakis spotted up Chantel Parry inside forward 50. Parry made no mistake, calmly lining up from a set shot and kicking Geelong's first goal through the middle. Rebecca Webster was influential around the contest with eight first-quarter disposals, while Gregor finished the term with six disposals, four marks and a clearance.

Geelong's defence continued to stand tall in the second quarter before the forwards took over. Parry produced one of the highlights of the day, clinging onto the football by her fingertips, before Kate Surman delivered a precise kick to Aishling Moloney, who marked strongly, played on and finished with a goal. Julia Crockett-Grills added a classy major of her own, while another Surman pass found Moloney for her second. Bryde O'Rourke joined the goal scorers before Moloney capped off a sensational quarter with her third.

The Cats maintained their momentum after halftime. Jackie Parry took the game on, going all the way for a brilliant running goal, before Chantel Emonson combined with Chloe Scheer for another major. Nina Morrison also hit the scoreboard as Geelong continued to control the game, winning the disposal count, kicking efficiently and leading the inside 50s 31–23. Surman's relentless pressure was rewarded with a crucial tackle to stop an Essendon attack.

Surman carried her strong performance into the final term with a deserved goal of her own as Geelong continued its attacking brand of football. Moloney turned provider with a clever goal assist to Chloe Scheer, before Parry's delivery inside 50 found Nina Morrison, who finished truly to cap off another impressive team display.

Mikayla Bowen starred with 40 disposals, eight marks and three clearances, while Georgie Prespakis was outstanding through the midfield, collecting 26 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances. Emma Murray also impressed with 19 disposals, 11 kicks and three marks as the Cats secured a commanding 83–51 Round 4 victory over Essendon. 

2026 AFLW Season - Round 4

GEELONG CATS    1.1   7.3   10.5   13.5   (83)  
ESSENDON           2.1   4.3   5.6   7.9   (51) 

GOALS
Geelong Cats: Moloney 4, Scheer, Parry, Morrison 2, Surman, O'Rourke, Crockett-Grills 1
Essendon: Gough 3, Johnstone, Gee, Brothwell, Belloni 1

BEST 
Geelong Cats: Morrison, G.Prespakis, Bowen, Moloney, Surman
Essendon: Busch, Toogood, M.Prespakis, Gee

INJURIES
Geelong Cats: Gunjaca (TBC)
Essendon: Brothwell (Ankle)

Crowd: 2,862 at GMHBA Stadium