Despite going down to the Western Bulldogs by 12-points in last weekend’s practice match, senior coach Paul Hood believes there were plenty of positives to take away from the hit out.

The Cats’ ability to hit the scoreboard was one of those positives with his team kicking seven goals across the four quarters.

Attack has been a major focus of the group over the summer following the club’s inaugural season where the Cats were the lowest scoring team in the competition averaging 22 points per game. 

In Saturday’s hit out the side kicked 47 points, more than double their average score last year.

“The practice match against the Bulldogs was full pressure, full opportunity to bring all parts of the game and test ourselves in attack and defence against a really well organised team,” said Hood.

“To kick seven goals was a great start to the season, maybe we could have kicked a couple more, but it was really good to see us get some value for that attack.”

The side had four separate goal scorers, led by new forward Renee Garing who kicked three majors.

This season Garing has made the move from the midfield to the forward line in an attempt to provide greater defensive pressure inside forward 50. 

“Renee was a pressure forward for probably the first time in a real game. 

“It was really exciting to see her impact in the front half of the ground, well all over the ground really, she worked really hard. 

“To see her kick three goals and get some reward for her effort was terrific.” 

Another positive for Hood was the opportunity to play against a side with a similar game-style to the Cats’ Round 1 opponents, Fremantle.

“We know that they’re (Fremantle) a quick side, they’re pretty physical and they like to move the ball fast when they actually get it in their hands.  

“The Bulldogs were a great practice for that, a great trial, they played with a similar style on the weekend. 

“We’ll be working really hard to make sure we slow them down and give them a tough day as they’ll try to do to us no doubt. 

“It’s going to be a great contest.”

Round 1 is just over a week away with Geelong’s opening game taking place on Sunday February 9 at 2.10pm (5.10pm AEST) at Fremantle Oval.

Practice match results

Western Bulldogs    2.2       2.5      4.10     8.11 (59)
Geelong                    2.3       3.4      5.4       7.5 (47)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: B. Toogood 3, K. McLeod 2, Moody, Morris-Dalton, Marshall
Geelong: R. Garing 3, P. McWilliams 2, R. Cranston, J. Ivey