There is a clear silver lining in the aftermath of Geelong's Qualifying Final defeat, with the Cats earning the right to have a double chance next week. 

Securing a top-four spot on the ladder means the the 2026 season will roll on, as the Cats return home next weekend to GMHBA Stadium, despite falling short in a heartbreaking loss to Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. 

Back on the familiar turf at Kardinia Park will be a welcome return for Geelong, who went undefeated at home throughout the entirety of the home-and-away-season. 

Co-captain Nina Morrison said the Cats will learn from Saturday's experience and use it to get better, quickly shifting the collective focus to next weekend and the chance to bounce back. 

"It is super hot, it is probably just those moments in games and how we capitalise on them," Morrison told Cats Media. 

"I feel like all throughout that match, we probably had little moments that we can refine and get better at.

"But then understanding the pressure of those moments as well. When it is necessary, take the ball forward, when we have the time to run and carry.

"We will look to refine those moments by communicating better with each other, instructing each other on what we want to see, just getting better at that."

The Cats certainly took up the challenge against an experienced Melbourne team, dominating the opening half and building a game-high 28-point lead midway through the third quarter. 

It was not meant to be, as the Demons stormed back into the contest and snatched victory late, but Morrison said the Cats will still take confidence from the contest. 

"I think we showed that when we play our way and play our method, that we are good enough to take up to any team," Morrison said. 

"But we just need to be able to do it for longer, and Melbourne are a good side. They kept chipping away and got us in the end.

"But there are some valuable lessons that we will review over the next week, then get after it and use the double chance."

Geelong will now await the winner of the Elimination Final between Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, set to host whichever team progresses at GMHBA Stadium next weekend. 

Despite heading up the highway to IKON Park, the Cats faithful were still out in full force supporting their team in the Qualifying Final, making plenty of noise and making a difference throughout the afternoon. 

Morrison called on all Cats fans to show up once again next weekend, to help urge their team over the line with a spot in a Preliminary Final on the line. 

"I feel like we played well enough throughout the year to earn that right, to have the double chance," Morrison said. 

"To go back home next week in front of our fans, is something that we relish. We will have some valuable lessons which will hold us in good stead for the next couple of weeks.

"We love our Cats community and Cats fans getting down to support us, so a massive shoutout to those that came down today.

"Hopefully we can get an even bigger crew down to GMHBA Stadium next week."