After stumbling in their season opener, Geelong have conquered every challenge that has been thrown at them since in a remarkable 2026 season. 

The standout feature has been the Cats' ability to score, currently holding an average of 71.9 points per game, comfortably more than any other team in the competition. 

For reference, only one other team in AFLW history has averaged more than 70 points per game across an entire home-and-away season, and that was the Kangaroos last year who averaged 72.3 points per game. 

One only needs to look at the competition's goalkicking leaderboard to understand Geelong's dominance, with three players ranked inside the AFLW's top six for goals in 2026. 

Despite the incredible change this year, head coach Mick Stinear was quick to credit the playing group for their commitment to the process, and their dedication to improving each and every week. 

"Players can have all the credit for that," Stinear said. 

"As a coaching group, it is probably clarity around how we want to move the ball and how we want to play. It then allows players to play on instinct a little bit more, to create and connect together.

"There are a lot of players in the team that have played a lot of footy together, sharing some really strong connections off-field and then you get to see that on-field. A number of our forwards have been finishing really well.

"I would say from a coaching group, probably just getting out of the way and giving the players clarity on what we want to do. Then giving them the space to go out and do it.

"I think what is pleasing is that there have been long periods where we haven't been able to score, but players don't get frustrated or worried about that.

"They have been able to get back to our method and trust that those opportunities will come, if we can get our method right. 

A factor that has contributed strongly to Geelong's success so far this year has been the depth of their playing list, with a number of young players emerging as the season has unfolded. 

The likes of Bryde O'Rourke, Lexi Gregor and Evie Cowcher have all become staples of the Cats team, having a profound impact to drive the club forward. 

One who perhaps has not garnered the attention she deserves this year is Irishwoman Emma Murray, who has featured in every single game in her first season at Geelong. 

With Kate Kenny returning to the line-up this week, it will mean that Geelong will have four Irish players in the side on Saturday to take on Fremantle. 

Stinear credited Murray for her brilliant first season of AFLW, noting how impressive it has been to see her adapt to the new game so quickly. 

"I think that is a reflection of the playing group," Stinear said. 

"It shows how strong and connected they are, and the genuine care.

"There are a few teammates that can relate to Emma Murray, leaving home on the other side of the world and coming out here to give footy a crack. Some of her teammates have really embraced her, and created an environment where she can be herself and then get after it on the footy field.

"Her work rate is elite, she is very selfless as well, so she has transitioned in and hasn't missed a game yet.

"To have very little AFL experience and then to play Round 1, then be a key part of our team now is a credit to her."