The VFLW Bendigo Bank Cats put on a dominant display to defeat the Darebin Falcons by 64-points at Bill Lawry Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The 11.9 (75) to 1.5 (11) victory is Geelong’s highest score and biggest win of the season, also making it four wins in a row.

Olivia Barber starred in the forward line, kicking three goals to be named best on ground for the Cats.

An even opening quarter saw the two sides locked in an arm-wrestle, before Annabel Johnson kicked a goal late in the term to give Geelong a six-point lead at the first break.

The Cats kept Darebin goalless to half-time as Darcy Moloney and Laura Gardiner extended the margin to 21-points.

Geelong came out firing in the third quarter, with Olivia Barber kicking two goals and Maddie Boyd booting one, as the duo provided a strong presence in the forward line throughout the afternoon. 

A five-goal final term sealed the impressive team display as Sophie Van De Heuvel and Georgia Clarke kicked their first goals of the game, while Laura Gardiner and Olivia Barber both finished with three goals apiece. 

Geelong VFLW Coach Andrew Bruce praised his side for their effort as a team throughout the afternoon.

“One of the big things was we wanted to play team football today and I think the girls did their very best to do that. It took us a while to break the game open a bit, but they certainly got that done for us,” Bruce said.

There were standout players across the ground for Geelong.

“I thought Liv Barber was really strong as a leading forward and key forward and then Claudia Gunjaca down back with Breanna Beckley were really good,” Bruce said.

“Georgie Rankin was outstanding on the wing and then as a mid, and Paige Sheppard and Darcy Moloney were fantastic as well.

“There were people who were unlucky not to be in our best players today which is a good way to be.”

Playing consistent football will be key in the second half of the season according to Bruce, with the Cats strengthening their grip on a top-four place.

“There’s no doubt that we want to play finals and we’ll be really proactive in trying to get ourselves there and we’ve given ourselves the best opportunity in the first half of the season,” Bruce said.

“We know we’re coming up against some really good sides so we just have to be really consistent with what we do and that will look after itself.”

Geelong will face the Western Bulldogs at Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct next Saturday in Round 9.

VFL Women’s Round 8

Geelong Cats 11.9 (75) def Darebin Falcons 1.5 (11)

Goals: Barber 3, Gardiner 3, Johnson, Moloney, Boyd, Van De Heuvel, Clarke

Best: Barber, Gunjaca, Rankin, Beckley, Sheppard, Moloney

Injuries: Rankin (hand)

At Bill Lawry Oval, Northcote