Cats snatch victory against Eagles

By Sarah Burt February 4, 2022 -- 9.27pm

GEELONG 4.3 (27) d WEST COAST 3.6 (24)

Geelong edged out West Coast by three points under lights at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night, their first home-ground win in almost a year and first victory this season.

West Coast hit the front for the first time with less than two minutes to go, thanks to a goal from Aimee Schmidt, but from the centre bounce Geelong raced forward for Darcy Moloney to win the game with only her second AFLW goal.

The Cats celebrate as the final siren sounds against West Coast.Credit:AFL Photos

"We've put the pressure on each other all year to become better and we've improved every week, so we're excited to get this win," Moloney said after the game.

The Cats were angling for their first victory of the season after coming within two points last week, while their opponents have had a tough road, living in a hub away from home since round two, remaining winless and missing two scheduled games due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

However, the Eagles had their first big win against Geelong last season and their determination was clear from the outset.

They had multiple changes, understandably, having not played for two weeks and many of their side having been affected by COVID. Skipper Emma Swanson returned from suspension, while winger Niamh Kelly, forward Ashlee Atkins and key defender Tayla Bresland returned.

Geelong's Kate Darby and Sarah Lakay of the Eagles vie for possession.Credit:AFL Photos

The Cats kicked with a strong breeze in the first, managing to keep control of the ball mainly thanks to centre clearances.

West Coast's dominant midfielder, Aisling McCarthy, went off early with an injured left arm, failing to return and being sent for precautionary checks.

Geelong's Becky Webster made the most of a clear run off the back of a kick from Nina Morrison, who returned for the Cats this week after a calf complaint.

The Cats' most experienced player, Phoebe McWilliams, celebrated her 40th game with another major for the home side.

Teammate Georgie Prespakis had seven disposals and three tackles in the first term, setting her up for a characteristically busy performance.

It was a 13-point margin at the first break as West Coast remained scoreless.

The Eagles found their first major from the Kelly sisters, older sister Grace assisting Niamh, and McWilliams found her second goal for the night shortly after for Geelong.

The Cats were more efficient with the ball. They had six inside 50s to the Eagles' 10, and four marks inside 50 to West Coast's one, to lead by 10 points at the main break.

Mikayla Bowen capitalised on the Eagles' first inside 50 in the third, booting a goal to narrow the deficit to four points before a high-pressure but scoreless remainder of the quarter.

Swanson led disposals for the Eagles while clearances and contested possessions remained almost equal as the final term began.

Morrison had two near misses on the back of repeat forward entries as the Cats threatened to take a hold of the contest, but the arm wrestle continued.

GEELONG 2.1 3.1 3.1 4.3 (27)
WEST COAST 0.0 1.3 2.5 3.6 (24)

GOALS
Geelong: McWilliams 2, Webster, Moloney.
West Coast: N Kelly, Bowen, Schmidt.
BEST
Geelong: Johnson, McDonald, Moloney, Prespakis, Webster, McWilliams.
West Coast: Collier, Hooker, Lewis, Swanson, N Kelly, G Kelly.
VENUE: GMHBA Stadium.

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