Analysis

Breaking down all the main features of GWS’ game ahead of Saturday’s clash at GMHBA Stadium

There is no room for error in the final month of the home and away season for Geelong, as they head into another important clash against the GWS Giants on Saturday. 

After slipping to their fifth loss of the season last week, the Cats will be looking to bounce back and will likely need to win all of their remaining four matches to keep their Finals hopes alive.

While GWS sit in 15th spot on the ladder with two wins for the season, they are also a team that Geelong has never previously beaten in the AFLW, a trend the Cats will be looking to buck this weekend. 

Check out the top things to watch on Saturday afternoon, proudly presented by Deakin University. 

Ladder 

Geelong Cats: 10th (3-5)

GWS Giants: 15th (2-6)

Points For 

Geelong Cats: 327

GWS Giants: 257

Points Against 

Geelong Cats: 359

GWS Giants: 400

Recent History – Geelong v GWS 

The two teams have met three times across the history of the AFLW, with GWS coming out on top in all three contests. 

The most recent match came in 2022 which was an entertaining clash at GMHBA Stadium, the Cats sticking with GWS through the first three quarters before the Giants kicked away late. 

There has been plenty of turnover since then, with only 10 players from Geelong’s team that day still on the current list in 2025. 

Game
Home
Away
Stadium

2022 – Round 10
Geelong 5.5 (35)
GWS 8.5 (53)
GMHBA Stadium

2021 – Round 8
Geelong 1.3 (9)
GWS 2.4 (16)
GMHBA Stadium

2019 – Round 7
GWS 6.5 (41)
Geelong 1.4 (10)
Manuka Oval

Deakin Performance Stat of the Week – Shutting Down GWS’ Uncontested Game

While GWS do not rank highly in contested numbers, they are one of the best teams in the competition at accumulating uncontested possessions and moving the ball into space on transition. 

The Giants average 146.6 uncontested possessions per game this year, the third most of any team in the AFLW. They also have a contested possession rate of 42.3% which is the second lowest of any team in the competition, showing that they prefer to move the ball to the outside and attack in space. 

Geelong conceded 44 more uncontested possessions to Carlton in last week’s loss, something they will need to drastically improve on heading into Saturday’s clash. 

Giants Player to Watch – Zarlie Goldsworthy

GWS are heavily reliant on the output of their superstar, Zarlie Goldsworthy who is building another strong campaign in 2025. 

Goldsworthy ranks first at the Giants for a number of different key statistics, showing that she can have an impact anywhere across the ground as her team requires. 

Her impact has been particularly noticeable in GWS’ two wins this year, collecting 23 disposals and five score involvements in Round 5, along with 31 disposals and a goal in the Round 6 victory over Sydney. 

Statistic
2025 Total
Rank at GWS

Disposals
181
1st

Clearances
29
1st

Inside 50s
24
1st

Tackles
57
1st

Contested Possessions
95
1st

Score Involvements
27
3rd

Where Geelong Can Improve – Clearances

The Cats have been okay around stoppages this year but if they want to mount a challenge for Finals, they will need to go to another level in the final month of the home and away season. 

From their eight games so far, Geelong rank 11th in the AFLW for clearances per game with an average of 22.9 per game, ranking 14th in the league for stoppage clearances. 

The battle this weekend will be particularly important against a GWS side that struggles around stoppages, ranked 18th (last) in the AFLW for clearances with an average of 19.1 per game.Â