Geelong with 58-point win over Gold Coast in AFLW pre-season hit-out

The Cats dictated the 10.7 (67) to 1.3 (9) game against the Suns in cold conditions at Peoples First Stadium, that victory – alongside another pre-season win over St Kilda – offering positive signs heading into a tough round 1 clash against reigning premier North Melbourne.

Prespakis had her hands on everything in the opening half to provide drive out of the midfield, while her two goals to close the first half showed serious X-factor.

The 22-year-old stepped straight through two Suns defenders into an open goal to snap her first, while a booming snap from 5o metres was arguably the midfielder looking to get the ball deep before it miraculously bounced through an open goal square.

Hampered at times last year with a quad injury, Prespakis still managed to string together enough consistent games to finish third in the Cats’ best and fairest.

But teammate Mikayla Bowen said a fully fit Prespakis’ mix of talent and continued hard work would make her a big threat for opposition – and a crucial weapon for the Cats – this year.

“I personally feel it’s never-ending for her and she’s just going to continue to keep showing the competition who she is and making a mark on the competition,” Bowen said.

“Last season, obviously slight injuries but it didn’t hold her back too much but I just think about what she could achieve without that – super exciting to see that on display (against Gold Coast).

“And I think Pres is someone who can bring so many people into the game so that’s something we love from her, she plays so well but the more she can bring people into the game the better we play.”

The Cats capitalised on the scoreboard through various channels – eight Cats kicking goals in a well-balanced attacking performance.

Prespakis and Aishling Moloney led the scoring with two each, while the likes of Bowen and fellow small forward Kate Surman got crafty and midfielders Amy McDonald and Bella Smith, alongside wingers Kate Kenny and Bryde O’Rourke, all came forward for goals.

“I’ve played that position on the wing and it’s awesome to get on the end of them sometimes,” Bowen said.

“Doesn’t matter who kicks them, it just matters that we do.

“It just means we’re playing team footy at the moment.”

Positive signs in engine room

Alongside Prespakis, McDonald impressed in the midfield with her contested acts.

After missing last week’s pre-season hit out against St Kilda, as well as several games late last season, McDonald was a like a bull in the middle with her ability to win – or win back – the ball.

While stating the obvious here, having all three of Prespakis, McDonald and Nina Morrison on field together in 2025 will be central to the Cats’ success, with McDonald a leader when it comes to the Cats’ ability to play a more contested game this season.

Meanwhile, draftee Piper Dunlop showed she can be a reliable option in ruck for the Cats.

Competing strongly with her tap work, Dunlop was equally impressive in her ability to get around the ground and take several strong marks.

A smack to the face late in the game saw Dunlop taken from the ground with reported neck stiffness, as Kate Darby took over rucking duties to close the match.

However, Dunlop’s injury concern won’t appear to impact a possible AFLW debut in round 1, the Cats confirming the 21-year-old remains available for selection for the season opener.

Cats move magnets

After a promising debut season in the forward line, Irish talent Kate Kenny appears primed for a move higher up the ground.

Starting the game on the left wing, Kenny would later push forward in the third quarter to snap a goal off her right boot.

Playing alongside Kenny in the forward line last season before the 23-year-old’s season ended prematurely with injury, Bowen backed Kenny’s athleticism to impact wherever the coaches utilised her this year.

“Her growth is extremely rapid … she’s one of our most coachable players, she always wants to be better,” Bowen said.

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“It’s really exciting to see her running around on the wing – she’s got an awesome tank on her as well, regardless where we have her she’s a massive threat for us.”

Meanwhile, the Cats took the opportunity to throw another of their Irish talents – last year’s league leading goalkicker Aishling Moloney – down back in the closing minutes of the second quarter.

Armed with a big tank herself, Moloney is often seen getting up and down the ground with ease with leading marks or defensive efforts, but was swung into the Cats’ defensive 50 where she crashed a pack and provided defensive support for fellow talls Meghan McDonald and Lexi Gregor.

Originally published as Geelong with 58-point win over Gold Coast in AFLW pre-season hit-out