The Geelong Cats showcased a strong defensive effort on Saturday but ultimately succumbed to Port Melbourne, who secured a 47-point victory at Deakin University. Despite their resilience, the Cats couldn’t translate their defensive work into scoreboard pressure, allowing Port Melbourne to pull away with four late goals.
Abby Favell was a standout for Geelong, collecting 29 disposals. Teammates Lily Jordan, who racked up 18 disposals and 15 tackles, and Johanna Sunderland, also with 18 disposals, put in commendable performances. The Cats applied significant pressure in the first quarter, holding Port Melbourne to two goals from 12 inside 50s and trailing by just nine points at the first break.
Poppy Schaap’s forward pressure earned her a holding-the-ball free kick, which she converted to get Geelong on the scoreboard early. The defensive unit held firm in the second quarter, conceding only one goal and keeping the deficit to 21 points by halftime. Favell’s 13 disposals in the first half and Jordan’s eight tackles were pivotal in maintaining Geelong’s defensive stance.
The third quarter saw Geelong shut down Port Melbourne’s scoring, but they were unable to make a dent on the scoreboard themselves, leaving the margin unchanged at 21 points heading into the final term. The Cats continued their defensive efforts throughout most of the last quarter, only to see Port Melbourne score four goals in the final ten minutes, sealing a decisive victory.
Looking ahead, Geelong will travel to Windy Hill next weekend to face Essendon in the final game of the VFLW regular season, hoping to end their campaign on a high note.
VFLW Round 13 Results
Geelong Cats: 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
Port Melbourne: 2.4 3.10 3.10 7.12 (54)
Goals: Schaap 1
Disposals: Favell 29, Sunderland 18, Jordan 18, Walton 14
The match took place at Deakin University, Geelong.
