GEELONG has had a dream finals run, knocking off the formidable Northern Territory (NT) Thunder and minor premiers, Collingwood. The Pies could not combat the Cats’ ferocity at Stannards Stadium on Sunday, and ultimately fell short. Geelong now goes through to the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s Grand Final against Hawthorn on Sunday.

Collingwood 4.4 (28) defeated by Geelong 5.12 (42)

Geelong came out of the blocks firing, but could not capitalise on the scoreboard, matching their intense tackling pressure with just 1.5. This was largely affected by an injury to Magpies star, Chloe Molloy, who sat out three quarters of the match on crutches. Collingwood evened up the scoring in the second term, with both teams kicking one goal a piece. But in the third quarter, the Pies really felt the absence of Molloy while the Cats put the foot down, kicking two goals in the dying minutes to set up a convincing victory. Despite the Pies owning the fourth term with three junk goals, it was the Cats who prevailed by 14 points.

Maddie Boyd was pivotal for the Cats, as she was the only multiple goal kicker on the day. She kicked two majors and clunked plenty of contested marks, ending up with seven marks for the day. Madeline Keryk dominated in the midfield, gathering 24 disposals to go along with her four tackles. She was complemented by Geelong Falcons premiership player, Olivia Purcell, who laid a whopping 14 tackles to go along with her 15 disposals. Maddy McMahon was also a key player for the Cats, with a good all-round game. She racked up 16 disposals, five marks and four tackles.

For the Pies, it was Jaimee Lambert who was the shining light. Lambert kicked a goal to go along with her 23 disposals and 11 tackles. Emma Grant also played her role across the back line, with 19 disposals, two marks and eight tackles. AFL Women’s teammate, Sarah D’Arcy was also solid with 17 touches, four marks and three tackles. She was complemented by captain, Jess Edwards, who kicked a goal to go along with her 12 disposals, two marks and three tackles.