GEELONG were gallant in defeat going down to the Giants by seven-points in their Round 8 AFLW clash at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Despite an eighth consecutive loss this season, Geelong displayed a number of encouraging signs worthy of a mention in this week’s Talking Points, presented by Villarosa Real Estate.

Gardiner Shows Promise

Making just her second AFLW appearance in her rookie season for the Cats, Laura Gardiner showed why Geelong rated her so highly in her draft year with a breakout performance against the Giants.

The 18-year-old Geelong Falcons product helped the Cats win the contested possession count with 17 disposals (10 contested) and an equal game-high 11 tackles.

Gardiner combined well with fellow midfielders Amy McDonald (21 disposals, 11 tackles) and Julia Crockett-Grills (17 disposals, 7 tackles). Add in Rebecca Webster and injured pair Nina Morrison and Olivia Purcell, and the Cats have an engine room with the potential to develop into one of the best in the competition in years to come.

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Highlights: Geelong v GWS

The Cats and Giants clash in round eight of the NAB AFL Women's competition

Quarter Back Crucial For Cats

Meg McDonald bounced back from an errant kick that gifted the Giants the opening goal of the game with a dominant display down back.

The Geelong skipper played the quarter back role to perfection, regularly positioning herself to intercept the Giants’ attacking forays while providing plenty of run off half back with 19 disposals and 302 metres gained.

McDonald had the most intercepts on the ground with nine, and when the Giants had the momentum for large parts of the first and third quarters the skipper helped keep the Cats in the contest.

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Paul Hood Post-Match

Watch Geelong's press conference after round eight's match against GWS

McMahon Stands Tall

McDonald’s partner in crime, Maddy McMahon was another who stood tall against the Giants.

Her first half was particularly outstanding with nine disposals and five marks seeing her receive praise from coach Paul Hood for helping keep the Giants’ attacking weapons at bay.

McMahon finished the game with an equal high nine intercepts and six tackles. She used the football well too, with her 13 disposals coming at 92.3% efficiency.