A LOPSIDED inside-50 count eventually caught up with Geelong as it started its second AFLW campaign with a 16-point loss to Fremantle at Fremantle Oval.
The Cats allowed the Dockers inside 50 on 48 occasions, while at the other end only breached the arc on 13 occasions.
“In the end, inside-50s wore us down and told the story in the end,” coach Paul Hood said.
“We were right in the game at three-quarter time; it’s a pity we couldn’t get a few more attacking opportunities.
“We need a lot more than 13 entries to trouble our opposition regularly.”
Hood was pleased with Geelong’s ability to convert when it did get the ball forward, kicking 4.4 – a score it only bettered twice in eight games in 2o19.
“I was happy with the quality and composure in the way we attacked,” he said.
“We had the ball more than Freo did, and I was pleased with our ability to fight back from getting a goal down a couple of times to level the score.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t sustain it for the entire four quarters.”
Midfield trio Olivia Purcell (27 disposals), Julie Crockett-Grills (22) and VFLW best-and-fairest Becky Webster (21) all impressed, as did Maddy Keryk in a defensive role that saw her tally 20 possessions and take four marks.
In her return from a knee injury, Nina Morrison had nine possessions and kicked a goal in the third quarter that saw her mobbed by her teammates after giving the Cats a six-point lead midway through the term.
Rocky Cranston put in her nomination for Goal of the Year with a stunning effort in the second quarter where she used a handball to herself to create separation between the chasing Evie Gooch before finishing truly from 30m out
Geelong’s medical staff will monitor a shoulder injury suffered by Jordy Ivey ahead of next Sunday’s clash with the Brisbane Lions at GMHBA Stadium.
Twitter: @tom_king79
