Cats season hangs in the balance

GEELONG’S AFLW season is hanging by a thread, but confidence is rising following the club’s narrow win over Sydney last weekend.

The Cats defeated the Swans by three points but will now shift its focus to another must-win affair away from home, taking on Richmond today (Saturday, October 12).

Geelong sits just six points out of the top eight with four games remaining, but the Monique Conti-led Tigers have similar finals aspirations, dropping only two of its seven games.

Following last week’s performance and captain Meg McDonald’s 50th career game, head coach Dan Lowther said it was good to see some positive results after several close losses.

“I think for us it was about regaining the way we play our game, to a level that is required to win games.

“We have been in games up to our necks, but just haven’t got across the line.

“The aim for today was to win and we move onto Richmond next week, that will be the same aim.

“Whatever happens off the back of that is out of our control, but that is what we want to get from the rest of the season and that is to improve our footy.”

The Cats have had to adapt during the season’s 2-1-4 start, following a string of injuries to star players such as Chloe Scheer and Amy McDonald.

“We have got a bit of a different mix up front too with Chloe Scheer being out, so it is a little bit different than what we are used to,” Lowther said.

“But the fact that players like Shelley Scott can compete from the start, Jackie Parry had a super game and we threw her in defence to support when the heat was on late in the game; she stood up for us.

“We are getting looks, Kate Kenny is getting some looks, Aishling Moloney continues to get looks up front so it is really positive that we are getting that.

“If we can score a goal every now and again, that might help everyone’s heart rates.”

If Geelong is able to pull off an upset against the Tigers, it will put them in good stead ahead of a crucial matchup with second-placed Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium.

Today’s clash between Geelong and Richmond at Swinburne Centre begins at 3.05pm.