NEW CHAPTER by Meggs

Posted September 30, 20231 yr

There was no setting sun to ruin the spectacle this week, just the rising moon over the brand-new empty GMHBA Stadium in Moorabool Street. It was a perfect evening for footy on a pristine surface with an enthusiastic crowd building.

Children dressed in Demon colours formed a Guard of Honour as the reigning premiers ran through the raised Demon banner declaring: MELBOURNE & GEELONG, A NEW CHAPTER IN THE OLDEST RIVALRY.

The strong travelling group of Demons fans who gathered en masse behind the #DeeArmy had plenty to cheer about as the Dees proved once again, they are the team to beat in Season Eight.

At the ground you could see and hear the intensity from both teams.

Geelong did their best to challenge with high class mids Nina Morrison (who had a game-high 30 possessions and kicked an excellent goal), Amy McDonald, and Georgie Prespakis strong all night.

Irish recruit, Aishling Moloney was a Cats standout, taking four contested marks and kicking three goals, in only her fifth game of AFLW.

Kate Hore led her team with 20 disposals, five tackles and four goals making it 14 goals for the year to be leading goalkicker.

There is a wonderful support cast at the Dees. Liv Purcell was her usual ferocious self, contesting strongly and Tyla Hanks, Lily Mithen, Paxy, and Westy helped maintained that pressure for four full quarters.

Our defence must be doing something right. Melbourne has not conceded a Q4 goal for 14 games. In the last quarters of this season’s matches we have scored 20.14 (134) to 0.4 (4).

Incredible!

Our players commented how they felt the match was much closer and were surprised by the 49-point margin. No injuries were reported but there would be a few bruises for sure.

In terms of the game:

Q1 We heard that Geelong were fast starters and yet to concede a first quarter goal this season.

Well, that record was never going to last long against the Dees. With 4:20 left on the clock Paxy wins a free kick in front of goal and duly converts.

From the next centre clearance Liv Purcell kicks long to Loz Pearce who marks and hands off to Kate Hore for her first goal.

The Cats’ first goal comes from an Aishling Moloney mark inside 50.

¼ time: Cats 1.0.6 Dees 2.1.13

Q2 Kate gets her second goal following a trademark run and carry from the wing. This team is so great to watch.

Geelong’s Meg McDonald kicks across half back allowing Alyssa Bannan the opportunity to beat two Geelong defenders, whipping up some magic and kicking to the goal square for Zanker to run onto. Edo has her first.

An inspiring solo goal from Nina Morrison for the Cats before Aimee Mackin impresses the Dees fans with a little cameo run directly in front of us.

Wow.

Kate Hore marks inside 50 and kicks her third goal.

½ time: Cats 2.0.12 Dees 5.4.34

Q3 Another tight contested quarter where the teams score two goals each.

Melbourne fails to clear the ball and Moloney marks and kicks her second goal. Morrison gets caught holding the ball in front of goal and Hanksy converts straight over the umpire’s head.

Big Max pops up on the screen. Lots of cheers. One club!

Moloney, making our defenders nervous, marks and goals again for a 16-point game.

Demons seem to be getting on top with a few Cat fumbles creeping in now. Paxy’s long bomb deep inside 50 is converted by Edo for her second goal.

¾ time: Dees Cats 4.1.25 Dees 7.5.47

Q4 The banner celebrated Maddi Gay’s 50th game but it was also her birthday. So, Kate Hore honoured Maddi’s lead so she could mark and kick a goal to celebrate.

The genesis of the next goal was by Casey Sherriff who intercepted a handball basketball style and commenced a chain of passes which ended up being Kate Hore’s fourth goal.

Exquisite footy. This team is a joy to watch. Demons are well on top now.

The big screen spots Daisy in the crowd. The commentator asks which team is she supporting?

Paxy marks and kicks a great goal from difficult angle and Lily Mithen kicks the final goal following a 50-metre penalty.

The Cats have been ill-disciplined at times, they’re probably not enjoying the footy lesson.

The siren sounds and Melbourne breaks the record for the highest score by any team against Geelong.

Cats 4.1.25 Dees 11.8.74.

Coaches and next week

Melbourne Coach Mick Stinear commented that the Cats have really strong mids and it was an even battle, but our midfield depth helped us. He highlighted Eden Zanker’s performance in the absence of Tayla Harris.

Cats coach Dan Lowther was a little disappointed that they were not able to put on scoreboard pressure after winning the clearances. He felt the second half effort was an improvement on the Kangaroos game.

Next week is a top-of-the-table clash against the Adelaide at Casey Fields on Saturday October 7 at 3:05pm. What a massive clash to look forward to!!!!

MELBOURNE 2.1.13 5.4.34 7.5.47 11.8.74

GEELONG 1.0.6 2.0.12 4.1.25 4.1.25

GOALS

MELBOURNE Hore 4 Paxman Zanker 2 Gay Hanks Mithen

GEELONG Moloney 3 Morrison

BEST

MELBOURNE Hore Purcell Paxman West Gillard Hanks

GEELONG Morrison A Moloney Amy McDonaldPrespakis Webster

INJURIES

MELBOURNE Nil

GEELONG Nil

REPORTS