The Cats are back on the winners’ list after putting up their strongest performance of the season to claim a 23-point win over Richmond.
A four-goal burst in the second quarter at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday afternoon helped Geelong overcome its scoring woes, as the Cats claimed the 5.3 (33) to 1.4 (10) win.
It was the second win of the season for the Cats, who had looked competitive in most games this season but struggled to kick a winning score.
Coach Dan Lowther said it was pleasing to get the win.
“It was a long time coming [following] our first win,” he said.
“After watching the Tigers last week [who were] electric against the Eagles, we knew this week was going to be a tricky contest for us.
“Revisiting over the during the week, and probably the last fortnight, what works for us … showed what strengths the team possesses [and] that was enough to start the game the right way.
“Then to hold on for a half, which was pretty scrappy, was really positive.”
Lowther said the focus throughout the week was to have a strong second and third quarter.
“Every week is a new learning experience for us,” he said.
“[Over] the last four or five games our second and third quarters have been pretty poor [but] the bookends of the game have been ok.
“So we made a real point this week to make sure our second and third quarters were our strongest.
“I’m glad the players took their opportunities.”
The second quarter was one of Geelong’s strongest periods all season, with the Cats forwards kicking four goals in quick succession.
Kate Darby, Becky Webster, Phoebe McWilliams and Madisen Maguire all hit the scoreboard in that surge, adding to McWilliams’ goal in the first quarter to take the lead out to 28 points, before Katie Brennan broke the momentum with the Tigers’ sole goal before half time.
With the Tigers coming out of the half time break with a renewed fire, it was again the Cats defence that stood up.
The Cats defenders, led by captain Meg McDonald, kept the Tigers to just two behinds after half time, but could only add three behinds of their own.
Reigning best and fairest Amy McDonald, who had 26 disposals, eight clearances and seven tackles, and Webster (20 disposals and six tackles) were again the standouts for the Cats in the midfield.
The Cats will now head to RSEA Park in Moorabbin on Saturday to take on St Kilda, who has just one win for the season.
Although unable to make finals with just two games remaining, Lowther said he was expecting the team to finish the season strongly.
“I’ve said all along that we want to win every game that we play,” he said.
“We knew the first half of the season was going to be a bit tricky for us in terms of the opposition we played against with their experience and talents.
“We’re building to that space … [the plan] is win next week and hopefully win the week after that.”
