GEELONG will be boosted by the inclusion of AFLW listed duo Rocky Cranston and Julia Crockett-Grills for Saturday’s VFL Women’s clash with Richmond at Punt Road Oval.
It will be the first VFLW appearance for both since last year’s grand final, with Crockett-Grills part of the Hawthorn team that proved too strong for the Cats in the decider.
“Jules and Rocky bring a lot of experience, and they bring that combination of both being able to go through the midfield but also go forward,” coach Natalie Wood.
“With our ball movement last week, we were really happy with the way we were able to move the ball across most of the ground.
“But having a little bit more firepower in the front half of the ground gives us, hopefully, a bit more capacity to score.
“Both Rocky and Jules will bring that for us.”
VFL MEN: HEALTHY CATS KEEN FOR TIGER CHALLENGE
The Cats will also debut three more Geelong Falcons graduates, with captain Lucy McEvoy, Elise Vella and Abbey Chapman all getting a chance at VFLW level ahead of their under-18 National Championships with Vic Country.
They’ll replace fellow former Falcons Daisy Smith, Mia Skinner and Luka Lesosky-Hay.
“The three last week came in and played their role, and we hope these three do as well,” Wood said.
“It’s good for our team, but it’s also great for their preparation for the Nationals.”
Geelong faces a massive task against the Tigers, who sit third with three wins from three starts to start the season.
Much of Richmond’s early success has been on the back of star recruits Katie Brennan and Monique Conti.
“Both Katie and Monique have been Richmond’s major ball-winners across the middle of the ground,” Wood said.
“But they’ve got some strong marking power in the front half off the ground as well, which is going to be a fantastic challenge for our defence.
“And they’re quite lively across the ground; they’ve got a fair bit of speed in their back and front half.”
© AAP 2019
Twitter: @tom_king79
VFL WOMEN’S ROUND 5
RICHMOND (3rd) vs. GEELONG (10th)
Swinburne Centre – Punt Road Oval
Saturday, June 8, 2:30pm
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