The VFLW Bendigo Bank Cats have continued their winning form in a hard-fought victory against the Casey Demons in wet and windy conditions at Casey Fields on Saturday.
Two final quarter goals to the Demons narrowed Geelong’s lead to two points, but the Cats remained composed to secure the 5.2 (32) to 4.6 (30) win.
Carly Remmos kicked the opening goal of the game to give Geelong the perfect start. The slippery conditions made for a physical contest, with scores level at quarter-time.
The rain picked up in the second term but the Cats continued to work hard, as Darcy Moloney and Georgia Clarke both kicked majors to establish a five-point lead at the main break.
Casey had the ball locked in their forward half at the start of the third quarter but couldn’t capitalise on opportunities. Geelong was rewarded for effort as Laura Gardiner and Madisen Maguire got on the end of strong passages of play to extend the Cats’ lead to 15 points at three-quarter time.
The Demons narrowed the margin to just two points with three minutes left on the clock, but a crucial tackle by Tahlia Tatlock in the dying seconds of the game secured Geelong’s fourth win of the season.
Geelong VFLW Coach Andrew Bruce credited his side’s effort in the difficult conditions against a quality opposition.
“Casey were a very good opposition, and with the rain starting probably 20 minutes before the game it made it really difficult for both sides,” Bruce said.
“I actually thought for three quarters we were probably clearly the better side and then to Casey’s credit they were probably more proactive with the footy and gave themselves opportunities to score in the last quarter.”
There were players who impressed across the ground for the Cats throughout the afternoon.
“I thought Liv Fuller in the ruck was extremely good right throughout the whole game, and her positioning was really good in getting over the top,” Bruce said.
“Darcy Moloney was also very good and through our backline Theresia Meissner was really impressive once again.
“I thought Breanna Pratt took some really great intercept marks and just gave us effort all day. There were different people who stood up right throughout the day.”
With the AFLW season completed for Geelong there were a number of AFLW-listed players who took the field, with each having an impact.
“All of those players that came into the group today had great moments for us, so it was really pleasing for them and everyone walked off with a smile on their face which was really good,” Bruce said.
Details for Geelong’s Round 7 clash will be confirmed in the coming week.
VFL Women’s Round 6
Geelong Cats 5.2 (32) def Casey Demons 4.6 (30)
Goals: Remmos, Moloney, Clarke, Gardiner, Maguire
Best: Meissner, Fuller, Moloney, Pratt, Tatlock, Gardiner
Injuries: Nil
At Casey Fields
