Cats set sights on clawing Pies

GEELONG’S AFLW side heads to Victoria Park this Sunday, October 22 for a crucial Round 8 clash against Collingwood.

Now sitting one game clear in the top eight, the Cats will be looking to lock in a spot in the AFLW finals with a strong win over the eighth-placed Magpies.

The Cats have not beaten the Pies since its first AFLW game in 2019 and will need to defy history if the team is to be victorious.

Geelong returned to the winners list this past week, defeating Walyalup (Fremantle Dockers) by 24 points at GMHBA Stadium.

Two goals from Cats leading goalkicker Chloe Sheer and a strong showing from Amy McDonald (30 disposals, eight clearances) and Georgie Prespakis (25 disposals, eight tackles) and Nina Morrison (21 disposals, four tackles) helped to break a run of consecutive losses.

Geelong AFLW coach Dan Lowther said it was terrific to secure the four points.

“It was a really good response after a tough fortnight where we didn’t perform to the level we expected.

We simplified a few things, but also put some players in different positions. Players like Nina Morrison who we threw to a wing, did really well.

“The win against Walyalup has solidified our belief in our preparation and showed what we’ve been doing at training to improve is working.

“Our confidence is high heading into the next game – we had a practice match against Collingwood at Victoria Park in the pre-season, and our performance then was promising, so we’re going in comfortable and confident about the challenge ahead.

“It’s always been a tough contest, so I think the next stage for us in our growth is to make that step to win. It will be an interesting game.”

Defender Claudia Gunjaca said the players continuing to be flexible to play in different positions would be crucial in finishing the season on a strong note.

“We speak about it a lot within the group and even our non-playing group are ready to go if they are called upon.

“We definitely have that flexibility across our list, which definitely helps us going forward.”

The Cats will be taking a healthy list into tomorrow’s match, with all players getting through Round 7 unscathed.

Sunday’s match kicks off at 1.05pm.Geelong Cats AFLW coach Dan Lowther was pleased his side were able to get back on the winners list in Round 7.