THE sheer jubilation and excitement on the players’ faces as the siren sounded at GMHBA Stadium showcased just how much Geelong’s one-point victory over Collingwood meant to all involved.
The 18,429 fans were treated to a thrilling contest, with a behind from No.1 draft pick Nina Morrison with three minutes remaining enough to seal the Cats’ maiden AFLW victory, 3.6 (24) to 3.5 (23).
“(It was) very exciting to look back at the crowd and see those scenes,” Hood said of the post-match euphoria.
“I know a lot of people on the outside are pretty excited; you see the male players here and know they’re excited.
“(Assistant coach) Tommy Stewart jumping up and down in the coaches box all night, you can just tell that it’s a pretty important thing (for Geelong).”
“To be honest, I was pretty blown away.”
Geelong overcame a tense start, with Hood declaring even the coaches were “nervous early”, but the impressive efforts of Meghan McDonald in defence helped steady the ship.
“She stood up mightily for us,” he said.
“I thought she was amazing in that first quarter, especially for someone that’s just come back to AFL after being out for a whole season”.
Geelong’s young and inexperienced team flourished as the game went on, coming from behind and putting pressure on their opposition with strong tackling and numbers around the ball.
“They were a really united team, and they worked together,” Hood said.
“They had a terrific belief they would be able to run the game out, and they did that really well.
“We’re pretty happy to get away with the win, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be better for the run.”
But it was Morrison who was the standout for the Cats, picking up 22 possessions and laying nine tackles in what was an explosive performance.
“To go out and play the way we did and get the win was pretty exciting” she said.
“It’s a pretty historic moment, but it still hasn’t really sunk in”.
Twitter: @laurathistle9
