Cats hope for favourable results as finals loom

GEELONG’S slim chance of making the AFLW finals remains alive for another week, but a trip to Perth today (Saturday, October 26) again puts the Cats’ season on the line.

The Cats stunned top four contender and reigning premiers Brisbane with a 10-point win over the Lions last weekend at GMHBA Stadium.

In Round 9, Geelong will face West Coast at Mineral Resources Park, with the Eagles sitting in a similar position to the Cats in 11th on the ladder and coached by former Geelong AFL assistant coach Daisy Pearce.

Cats head coach Dan Lowther said his side took a big step in the right direction after staving off Brisbane’s comeback, an aspect of the game the team has struggled with in recent weeks.

Nina Morrison (24 disposals, one goal) was the match’s standout performer, providing lethal production for the Cats in both the midfield and forward 50.

Anna-Rose Kennedy (18 disposals, 581m gained) was invaluable for the Cats in defence and had a career-best game in the process.

It was also a successful debut game for rookie Chantal Mason.

A win is imperative for the Cats, but Lowther’s side will also need to cross its fingers for favourable results elsewhere.

The Cats (14 points) are hopeful 10th placed St Kilda falls to Western Bulldogs, 9th placed Melbourne go down to top of the table Hawthorn and Essendon or Port Adelaide (both on 20 points) lose their respective fixtures with Richmond and Gold Coast.

“We want to play more games, and we said this last year,” Lowther said.

“We spoke about this pre-game, if we win, we go onto the next and then the next, we need a few things to go right above us with other teams losing and whatnot.

“We have West Coast, who are in really good form this season, that’s our next challenge, a travel game too, which we’re all excited for, but that brings its own challenges.

“So let’s get through the week, let’s get through the game against West Coast, then we’ll have a clearer picture on what we’ll be able to achieve.”

Following tonight’s game against the Eagles, the Cats’ home and away season concludes on Friday, November 1 against Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.