The VFL Cats have suffered a tough loss against GWS on Sunday, falling to the Giants by 32 points in a curtain-raiser at GMHBA Stadium.

Geelong fought hard against the top-of-the-ladder Giants applying some immense pressure throughout the game, but a seven goal second quarter for GWS proved to be too much for the Cats to overcome.

George Stevens (22 disposals, eight clearances, one goal) and Patrick Retschko (24 disposals, four inside 50’s, one goal) both displayed excellent ball skills through the middle, assisting in many of Geelong’s attacking efforts.

Charlie McCartin (16 disposals, 13 interceptions, eight marks) was dominant in the Cats back half, stemming many of the Giants forward pushes and allowing his team opportunities to counter.

Oli Wiltshire set the tone for the match with the opening goal in his return to the VFL Cats, triggering some tight goal-for-goal action against the undefeated Giants.

George Stevens looked fierce around the contest, picking up nine disposals and three clearances as the Cats searched for inside 50 entries, later finding Nathan Kreuger for his first major.

Geelong kept up the intensity to keep GWS on their toes, but a late goal put the Giants up by six points at the end of an exciting first quarter.

The Cats delivered similar pressure in the second term but GWS managed to break away with three unanswered goals, before Wiltshire found Patrick Retschko with a beautiful kick for his first major. 

The Giants forward entries were repelled by Charlie McCartin who grabbed six interceptions in the first half, while Marcus Herbert to collected 12 disposals at incredible efficiency.

Geelong looked threatening in the final minutes of the half with Tanner Lewis kicking the Cats fourth goal after breaking through a pack, but they still faced a 34 point deficit at the main break.

The second half saw a momentous shift as the Cats outscored the Giants three goals to one as they ramped up their attack, Tobyn Murray setting up a lot of opportunities by hitting four inside 50’s and kicking a major of his own.

Jay Rantall was instrumental in the third quarter, collecting 16 disposals to help move the ball through the corridor and away from GWS’ forward line, while also booting an impressive goal of his own to close the gap to just 21-points heading into the final term.

Jay Polkinghorne kicked two goals in the fourth term for the Cats, with both Murray and Krueger kicking their second majors for the match as the team attempted to tighten the margin.

Geelong were pushing hard offensively but GWS were able to answer with five goals of their own, kicking away to secure a 32-point win at GMHBA Stadium. 

2025 VFL Season - Round 7

GEELONG CATS     2.3       4.7        7.9        11.9        (75) 
GWS GIANTS         3.3       10.5      11.6       16.11      (107)
 
GOALS 
Geelong: Murray, Kreuger, Polkinghorne 2, Wiltshire, Stevens, Retschko, Rantall, Lewis 1
GWS: Gruzewski 4, Hebron 3, Hannaford 2, Sheather, Rowston, Montgomery, Keefe, Hughes, Gothard, Madden 1

DISPOSALS
Geelong: Retschko, Herbert 24, Stevens 22, Rantall 21, Wiltshire, McCartin 16
GWS: Leake 28, Sheather 26, Stone 23, Ough 21, Montgomery, Derksen, Angwin 20

@ GMHBA Stadium, Geelong