GEELONG will get another indication of where it sits in the VFLW pecking order when it faces the unbeaten Casey Demons at Deakin Uni on Saturday.
The third-placed Cats are coming off a 20-point loss to the Southern Saints last week, and coach Andrew Bruce said several areas where his team needs to improve had been identified.
“Making better decisions with the football, and we’re constantly working on our skills,” he said.
“And having a bit more intensity around the football.
“We think we got pushed off the ball a little against the Saints, and they gave us a bit of a smacking in the clearances.
A loss to the Demons, and an Essendon win over the Saints, could see Geelong fall two games behind the top-two.
However, Bruce isn’t too worried about ladder positions only a third of the way through the season.
“We’re just really aware they’re a very good side, and it’s going to be a great opportunity for us to get back to playing some good footy,” he said.
“I don’t concern myself too much with the ladder at the moment.
“But, certainly, winning is better than losing, and it gives us the ability to stay in touch with those higher on the ladder teams.
“We see it as a very important game for us in how we’re going to progress through our season.”
Geelong has made six changes for the match.
Claudia Gunjaca returns after being dropped and is joined by fellow AFLW-listed player Gabbi Featherston among the inclusions.
Of the VFLW contingent, Sophie Dineen, Annie Haigh and Brooke Wells have been recalled, while Laura Ryan will make her first appearance of the season.
Vice-captain Chloe Leonard will miss due to health and safety protocols, Breanna Pratt and Maddie Boyd are injured, Danni Higgins and Stephanie Williams are being rested, and Taylah Nelson has been omitted.
Twitter: @tom_king79
VFLW ROUND 5
GEELONG (3rd) vs. CASEY DEMONS (2nd)
Deakin Uni Elite Sports Precinct
Saturday, March 12, 12:00pm
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