GEELONG coach Paul Hood says last week’s win over Richmond is the benchmark for the way his team needs to perform going forward.
The Cats enter a Friday night clash with AFLW newcomer Gold Coast full of confidence after overcoming a third quarter challenge from the Tigers to record its first win over the 2020 season.
“It was a terrific performance by the team, but our aim is to get better every week,” Hood said.
“If we have a good game, we want to improve on it the next week, regardless.
“It was great to get some reward for effort, and some belief and understanding that our best footy can be really impressive.”
Geelong sits fifth for points for after four rounds, averaging 38 per game.
However, only the Tigers have conceded more points, with the Cats giving up an average of 44 points.
Hood admits tightening up defensively will be a focus in the second half of the season.
“We knew that when you focus on one part of the game the other part of the game, you need to compensate for it a little bit,” he said.
“Our defence is leading to a lot of the attacking opportunities we’re getting; so we’re turning the ball over from the opposition in good spots, and then scoring off the back of it.
“We’re not disappointed with our defence or our defenders, it’s just probably an indication that the rest of the AFLW is improving as well, and defence is getting harder as all teams attack with more efficiency.”
At least one change will have to be made at selection by Geelong with Jordy Ivey to serve a one-week suspension for an incident with Richmond captain Katie Brennan.
The Cats have several players in contention to replace Ivey, with Georgie Rankin, Madi Maguire, Cassie Blakeway and Nicole Garner all in the mix.
In better news for Geelong, Dani Higgins is expected to be right despite suffering a shoulder knock against the Tigers.
However, young defender Denby Taylor is still at least a fortnight away from returning from an ankle injury suffered in the Round 2 loss to Brisbane.
Twitter: @tom_king79
