Cats primed for 2023 home opener

AFLW Season 8 kicks off this weekend with the Geelong Cats rejuvenated and raring to go ahead of its season opener this weekend against the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium.

The Cats and the Bulldogs start their contest at 5pm tomorrow (Saturday, September 2) with reigning club best and fairest Amy McDonald citing the team’s eagerness to return back to field.

“It’s pretty crazy to think pre-season is done, it’s been a long 14 weeks, everyone’s just really hyped the season is finally here and we can get out on the track and show everyone what we’ve been working on,” McDonald said.

“All the girls, the coaching group, and the club as a whole are really excited, it’s a nice feeling.”

The Cats invited its faithful supporters to an open training session on Tuesday afternoon to get a glimpse of the side before its Round 1 clash.

Geelong finished the 2022 season with its best ever finish in Season 7, finishing fifth on the ladder with seven wins and three losses.

The Cats then bowed out in the first week of finals after a two-point defeat at the hands of North Melbourne.

The Geelong Cats’ men’s side concluded its season last weekend after it failed to make the Finals, but Cats’ forward Darcy Moloney said Saturday’s AFLW clash provides the perfect opportunity for Geelong fans to get their footy fix.

“The boys are done, but footy in Geelong isn’t over,” Moloney said.

“We’re just getting started and we’re really excited by what this group brings.

“I think we play a really exciting brand of football, so I feel like if everyone gets out here and supports us, we play well with a big crowd and we’re going to put on a show.”

To purchase tickets to the Cats’ game (starting from $10, children go free), head to ticketmaster.com.au