Kuwarna capped off its home-and-away AFLW season with a thrilling four-point comeback win over Geelong, securing a 4.8 (32) to 4.4 (28) victory at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.
This hard-fought result locked in Kuwarna’s place in the top four, while ending Geelong’s finals hopes. The game was a tale of two halves, with Geelong commanding the first but Kuwarna surging in the second in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 2,233 fans.
In a must-win scenario for Geelong, the home side came out with energy and intensity, quickly taking control in the first half. They dominated possession, with midfielders Zali Friswell and Becky Webster leading the
charge, frequently pushing the ball through the center with speed and precision. Webster’s impact was notable as she collected 23 disposals and accumulated 556 meters gained, while Friswell added 17 disposals, setting up
the team’s attacking play. The Cats capitalized on their forward movement, with Georgie Prespakis opening the scoring in classic style, slotting a signature right-foot banana kick
from close range. Soon after, Shelley Scott and Kate Surman added majors, putting the Cats in a solid position.
Kuwarna’s accuracy issues carried over from the previous week, as they missed several opportunities and recorded four behinds in the first quarter. Despite a promising presence in the forward line, the visitors struggled to convert under pressure.
However, Caitlin Gould finally broke through for Kuwarna in the second quarter, converting from a set shot and giving her team a much-needed boost. The Cats quickly reasserted themselves, with Nina Morrison’s playmaking
in her 50th game setting up Jackie Parry’s goal. By halftime, Geelong held a comfortable 14-point lead, with Kuwarna facing an uphill battle to regain control.
After the break, Kuwarna returned with renewed vigor and defensive pressure that began to unsettle Geelong’s pacey midfield. Their focus on physicality around the ball created opportunities, and their determination
paid off as Gould added a second goal, sparking momentum for Kuwarna. Anne Hatchard, another key performer with 22 disposals, also found the scoreboard, lifting her team to a one-point lead by the end of the third term.
Entering the final quarter with a narrow lead, Kuwarna sustained their pressure, determined to close out the game. Gould delivered a critical third goal early in the term, extending Kuwarna’s lead and signaling a potential victory.
Despite the Cats’ efforts to rally, fueled by a vocal home crowd, they struggled to convert under pressure and couldn’t add another major as the game slipped from their grasp.
Kuwarna’s narrow victory was dampened by an unfortunate injury to standout Danielle Ponter, who was helped from the field with an ankle issue late in the game.
Ponter, instrumental throughout the season, appeared to twist her ankle in a contested play, raising concerns for her availability as Kuwarna prepares for finals.
Nonetheless, the win demonstrated Kuwarna’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure, rounding out their regular season on a high note and positioning them strongly heading into the playoffs.