Geelong threw everything they had at an experienced Melbourne outfit in Saturday's Qualifying Final, but it ultimately was not enough as the Cats fell four points short in a thriller at IKON Park. 

A dominant opening half saw the Cats build a game-high 28-point lead in the third term, but they were unable to hang on as the Demons came storming back, despite trailing for the first time in the match at the 18-minute mark of the last quarter. 

Georgie Prespakis was absolutely outstanding and showed that her remarkable form easily translates to Finals football, finishing with 34 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances. 

Aishling Moloney and Jackie Parry led the way up forward with two goals apiece, while Claudia Gunjaca worked hard in defence to collect an equal team-high eight intercept possessions. 

The action commenced prior to the teams entering the field of play on a wild Saturday afternoon in Melbourne, with lightning strikes forcing a delay to the match start time, before strong winds wreaked havoc as the game unfolded. 

For the first time in quite a while, Geelong found themselves on the back foot early as the Demons controlled general play in the opening portion of the match, the Cats conceding nine of the opening 12 inside 50 entries. 

But fortunately, Melbourne squandered chances as Geelong defended grimly in difficult conditions, before co-captain Becky Webster flipped the script with the opening goal of the game from outside 50. 

It would prove to be the lone major in the first term as the Cats took a narrow three-point lead into the opening break, Georgie Prespakis leading all players with 12 disposals in the quarter to continue her hot form. 

The Cats were again under pressure early in the second term, but an electric chain to slingshot the football from one end of the ground to the other saw Jackie Parry find space behind Melbourne's defence, converting on the run to extend the lead. 

It proved to be a significant moment in the match, as Geelong then capitalised on their momentum and kicked four goals to one in the quarter, Jackie Parry adding another after the half time siren to give the Cats a 22-point buffer at the main break. 

Prespakis was the main driver through the middle of the ground, collecting 21 disposals and four clearances in the first half, Claudia Gunjaca put the clamps on defensively with five intercept possessions, while Emma Murray also produced a number of nice moments on the wing.  

Melbourne kicked the opening goal of the second half to increase the tension around IKON Park, but Geelong were able to alleviate it just as quickly with an immediate response, kicking two goals in a hurry to reestablish their buffer. 

But in a third quarter full of twists and turns, Melbourne would respond once more as they finished the term with a flurry, trimming the Cats' lead to just 12 points at the final change. 

Nina Morrison worked her way into the contest with a gritty performance in the third term, Aishling Moloney's two goals proved vital, while Kate Surman also provided plenty of creativity inside forward 50. 

It took just 20 seconds for the Demons to hit the scoreboard in the final quarter, cutting the margin to one straight kick. 

Melbourne would again score midway through the term to bring the lead back to a solitary point, before another late major saw the Cats trail for the first time in the match. 

With time ticking down, Chloe Scheer found space at the top of the goal square and had one last chance to win the game, but pushed it wide right for a minor score. 

Geelong will now head home next weekend to host a Semi-Final at GMHBA Stadium, with their opponent to be determined by the rest of the results in Week 1 of the AFLW Finals Series. 

2026 AFLW Season - Qualifying Final

GEELONG CATS    1.1   5.2   8.2   8.4   (52)
MELBOURNE        0.4   1.4   5.8   8.8   (56)

GOALS 
Geelong Cats: Parry, Moloney, Scheer 2, Webster, Surman, McDonald 1
Melbourne: Bannan 2, Paxman, O'Hehir, McNamara, Hore, Heath-Barker, Hanks 1

BEST
Geelong: Prespakis, Webster, Morrison, McDonald, Bowen, Gunjaca
Melbourne: Purcell, Hanks, McNamara, Chaplin, Hore, Harris

INJURIES
Geelong: Dunlop (back)
Melbourne: Taylor (ankle)

Crowd: 4,743 at Ikon Park