AFLW Cats still searching for first win

GETTING its season off the ground with a win this weekend is imperative for the Geelong Cats AFLW side after a sluggish start to the 2024 season.

The Cats, who sit in 15th on the ladder after three rounds with a draw and two losses, head to People First Stadium today (Saturday, September 21) to meet Gold Coast.

Geelong failed to kick any goals in last week’s four-goal loss to Carlton, a major sore spot for Dan Lowther’s side considering it kicked more than five goals in each of their matchups before last weekend.

Lowther spoke post-game against the Blues about the side’s performance and its need to capitalise on its opportunities.

“Everything went wrong for us, that’s not to discount Carlton, because they came out and smacked us between the eyes with their intent from the start, their contest method, and how clean they were with the ball,” Lowther said.

“After our two-point loss to Melbourne and the draw with North Melbourne, we thought our form was stepping in the right direction, but clearly if you don’t bring the right intent to get possession first and how to use it, Carlton really showed us how important that is.”

Cats midfielder Amy McDonald continues to be a force to be reckoned with, averaging 24.7 disposals, 17 effective disposals and five inside 50s per game.

Nina Morrison’s 20.7 disposals per game and Becky Webster’s 20.3 have also been bright spots for Geelong.

Georgie Prespakis is expected to return to the side this week after being left out of the squad against Carlton.

“We’ve got to turn it around quickly, only one game has been added to the season, so with an honourable loss, a draw and a loss, so we need to make sure we’re priming for a win,” Lowther said.

“I don’t think we need to go reaching or searching for a win, we just need to make sure we go back to what the fundamentals of the game is and that’s getting the footy.”

The Cats and Suns begin play from 12.05pm before taking on Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday, September 26.