Cats star Anna Teague has praised the efforts of her side’s new-look backline so far this season.
In Geelong’s first two matches the team’s defensive end has been under siege enduring 87 inside 50s across the two outings.
However, in a silver lining, their opponents have only scored 12 goals from their forward 50 entries.
“Last week they were fantastic in that backline,” said Teague.
“It was an absolute barrage from Freo going into our D-50.
Teague, who spent last year in defence, singled out the efforts of new defenders Maddy Keryk and youngster Millie Brown.
The 32-year-old believes the two have “stood up” in the absence of 2019 All-Australian defender Meghan McDonald who has been ruled out for four weeks with a broken finger.
“Maddy Keryk, she really stood up.
“She’s only short in stature but she can take some great contested marks.
“She reads the ball really well.”
Nineteen-year-old Brown played just her second game on Sunday having been drafted to the club in October with the Cats’ first ever father-daughter pick.
“Millie is another exciting one, as long as she’s not putting too much pressure on herself, let her just ease into AFLW footy, she’ll be great.”
Teague missed the first two matches of the year after injuring her leg at training in the week leading up to Round 1.
However, the former basketballer is hoping to be available for selection this weekend when Geelong takes on reigning premiers Adelaide.
“It was about a week and a half ago, just at training, I tweaked my quad somewhat, nothing major.
“I’ve been progressing really well, improving every day and hoping to be available next week.”
Teague conceded that the short length of the season meant missing matches through injury can be frustrating.
“After this weekend, it’s a quarter of the season done.
“There’s certainly an element of frustration there in terms of the length of the season, but it doesn’t do you any good to dwell on that.
“You’ve just got to really focus on what you can do each session and making sure you’re getting all the recovery and rehab in and hopefully I can get back as soon as I can.”
