Stinear on facing Sydney

It was handy, they have played against some similar teams that we have come up against.

They travelled to Freo and then had the Western Bulldogs, who we have played in the last month. So there's been some good opportunities to draw some similarities from that.

They have had some challenging conditions too, so that has probably been a bit tricky to gauge their game style when they have played in the wet and the wind. It is good, it adds another dimension.

I guess it helps when you are having 12 home-and-away games and a Final, we feel like we have got enough of a sample size to get a read on how they like to play.

It is a different challenge, but as a team of coaches, we have done our homework and we feel like we are ready to go. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Mick Stinear, Senior Coach of the Cats addresses players during the 2026 AFLW Round 08 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at Ikon Park on October 2, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Stinear on Julia Crockett-Grills

We were hoping she would be all good to play.

It is probably been the last couple of weeks, she has just had a bit of heel pain. But it really flared up last week and we were confident we could get it to settle.

But then on Wednesday, it just wasn't at a point where she could feel like she could execute her role and get that acceleration and explosiveness. We made the decision to leave her out for this week, then Jas Stewart comes into the team.

If we are good enough to get the job done, that window would still be open for Croc next week, if things continue to progress. Unfortunate for her, but in her true nature as a great teammate, she knew it wasn't the right thing to try and play under a fair bit of pain.

We know Stewy will come in and play her role, fingers crossed we can keep the dream alive for Croc. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 07: Julia Crockett-Grills of the Cats kicks the ball during the AFLW Second Qualifying Match between Geelong Cats and Melbourne Demons at Ikon Park, on November 07, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Stinear on playing at GMHBA Stadium

We had main training on Wednesday and then back out there again today.

The crew out here and done a fantastic job at turning the ground around, comfortable that it is in good shape for the game tomorrow.

I know they will be putting another good 24 hours in to get it even better for tomorrow.

We love playing here, they have done a great job of turning it around and looking forward to tomorrow arvo. 

Stinear on the race for the McClelland Trophy

I think it is an external distraction, but it is a really good situation to be in.

It is not something we will use as leverage to try and get an outcome. I think the group has been very good at being process driven, but it is a great reward if we are able to execute and keep ourselves in that race.

For us off the back of last week, probably being caught up in the moment, it is going to be more about playing our way with our method. Then at the end of all of that, if we do that, you can get a reward or be in contention for a reward like that.

We will keep our minds on executing our game style, but it just hasn't been a conversation all season.

It is not something we started the season thinking about, but if we are in that position at the end of the game or the end of the Finals campaign, it is a great recognition for the club and how they value both programs.Â