Latest News

Catch up on all the action from Geelong’s clash with Carlton at GMHBA Stadium

Geelong has fallen short in a thrilling clash with Carlton on Sunday afternoon, going down by 18 points at GMHBA Stadium. 

In what loomed as a crucial match in the context of their season, the Cats were competitive right throughout the afternoon but were unable to impact the scoreboard when it mattered, Carlton kicking the final two goals of the game to seal the result. 

Amy McDonald was amongst the best players on the ground with a stellar outing, finishing with 25 disposals and six clearances, while also registering five score involvements and five intercept possessions. 

Aishling Moloney (18 disposals, two goals) showcased her Irish flair inside forward 50 throughout the afternoon, Mikayla Bowen (18 disposals, eight tackles) worked hard all game, while Emma Kilpatrick (11 disposals) had a number of brilliant moments with the game on the line. 

Geelong was under immense pressure early as Carlton dominated most facets of the game, a lone goal in transition proved to be the Cats’ only score in the opening quarter as they found themselves trailing by 12 points at the first break. 

The scoreboard flattered the Cats as the Blues squandered a number of chances. Carlton led the inside 50 count 18-4 at quarter-time but managed only two goals, keeping Geelong within striking distance. 

The Cats produced one of their best plays of the season late in the second term. Becky Webster won a crucial one-on-one contest across half-back, Jackie Parry pulled down a brilliant mark and it set up an Aishling Moloney goal, pulling Geelong back within 11 points at the main break.

Remaining within two goals was an impressive feat considering the Cats trailed the inside 50 count (-21), the clearance battle (-4) and the contested possessions (-10), but they lifted their pressure around the ground and started to get some play on their terms. 

Amy McDonald collected a team-high 13 disposals in the first half, Moloney amassed 12 possessions and six score involvements to go with her goal, while Georgie Prespakis worked hard defensively to pick off five intercept possessions.  

A similar trend continued after half-time with Geelong refusing to lie down, starting to control large portions of the game inside their attacking half and eventually it paid dividends. 

Moloney created something out of nothing to kick her second goal of the afternoon, before Mikayla Bowen hit the scoreboard late in the third term to drag the Cats back within four points at the final break. 

The prime mover for Geelong was Amy McDonald through the midfield, who collected seven disposals and two clearances in the third quarter while operating at 100% disposal efficiency, helping to set up a grandstand finish at GMHBA Stadium.

With the stakes high for both teams, the intensity went to a new level in the final term and Geelong found opportunities, but it was Carlton that landed a telling blow with the first goal of the quarter to extend their lead. 

The Blues then put the final nail in the coffin in the dying moments of the game, Geelong slumping to their fifth loss of the season and now facing an uphill battle to secure a place in the AFLW Finals. 

2025 AFLW Season – Round 8

GEELONG     1.0    3.3     5.6     5.7    (37)
CARLTON    2.6    4.8    5.10    7.13    (55)    
GOALS
Geelong: Moloney 2, Parry, Kearns, Bowen 1
Carlton: Fitzpatrick 2, Hill, Harrington, Bohanna, Vescio, Keck 1

BEST
Geelong: McDonald, Moloney, Bowen, Prespakis, Kearns
Carlton: McKay, Fitzpatrick, Hill, Velardo, Vescio

INJURIES
Geelong: McDonald (TBC)
Carlton: Nil

Crowd: 2,907 at GMHBA Stadium