Geelong battled hard in their clash against Hawthorn but were ultimately outplayed, suffering a 12.7 (79) to 9.7 (61) defeat. The Cats were hindered by injuries to key players, with midfielder Amy McDonald sidelined by a hamstring injury and small forward Kate Surman ruled out with a concussion following a heavy hit from Hawk Tamara Smith.
In McDonald’s absence, Hawthorn’s midfield capitalized, led by captain Emily Bates, who had 28 disposals and three clearances, and Eliza West, who added 24 disposals and seven clearances. Their efforts helped the Hawks gain control, particularly in the second half.
Despite the challenges, Geelong forward Aishling Moloney shone with an outstanding performance, kicking three goals, including a potential NAB Goal of the Year contender in the final term. Moloney also contributed eight score involvements and five marks, keeping the Cats in the game.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams looking to impose their styles. Hawthorn opted for a more controlled, possession-based approach, while Geelong looked to move the ball quickly and directly towards goal. Georgie Prespakis, returning from injury, had an immediate impact, setting up the Cats’ first goal, but Hawthorn responded swiftly with goals from Kaitlyn Ashmore and Aine McDonagh.
Nina Morrison and Julia Crockett-Grills helped Geelong regain the lead at quarter-time, but by halftime, Hawthorn had reduced the margin to two points.
With the Cats two players down in the second half, Hawthorn surged ahead, kicking three goals in the third quarter through Aileen Gilroy, McDonagh, and youngster Laura Stone. Although Moloney responded for Geelong just before the three-quarter time siren, the Hawks continued their dominance in the final term with goals from Mackenzie Eardly, Stone, and Jasmine Fleming, sealing the victory despite late goals from Prespakis and Moloney.
Geelong’s valiant effort, particularly from players like Moloney and Prespakis, wasn’t enough to overcome a resilient Hawthorn side.
The hero
Though Cats fans will be disappointed with their side’s loss, they will have thoroughly enjoyed the performance of key forward Aishling Moloney. Moloney makes the impossible possible, as seen on Thursday night when she snapped a goal over her shoulder from the boundary line, 40m out. Moloney is hitting her straps with seven goals in the last two games. It’s no wonder she’s a crowd favourite.
Young Hawks announce themselves
A lot has been spoken about Hawthorn forwards Aine McDonagh and Greta Bodey, but the Hawks showed tonight that they are not their only avenues to goal. The Hawks had eight individual goal kickers and three players who kicked their first goals. Laura Stone kicked an equal game-high three goals and Mackenzie Eardly two, while Jasmine Fleming finally kicked her first goal in her 24th game in the brown and gold. This trio certainly are young stars of the future.
Cats lick wounds
Geelong is heading into a challenging stretch of their fixture, with three games over the next 11 days, and the timing couldn’t be worse with the loss of two key players. Midfielder Amy McDonald, a three-time club champion and crucial ball-winner for the Cats, is out with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, forward Kate Surman will be sidelined due to concussion protocols after a heavy hit from Hawthorn’s Tamara Smith, likely ruling her out of the next two matches.
This creates a significant hurdle for Geelong as they navigate this compressed period, especially given McDonald’s ability to control the midfield and Surman’s impact up forward. The Cats will need to dig deep and rely on their depth as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming fixtures.
Up next
Mid-week footy awaits both teams in week six. Geelong returns to GMHBA Stadium next Tuesday night to take on Fremantle, while Hawthorn plays Gold Coast on Wednesday evening at Kinetic Stadium for its first home game since week one.
GEELONG 3.2 4.6 4.6 9.7 (61)
HAWTHORN 2.2 4.4 8.6 12.7 (79)
GOALS
Geelong: Moloney 3, Scott 2, Parry, Crockett-Grills, Morrison, Prespakis
Hawthorn: Stone 3, McDonagh 2, Eardly 2, Ashmore, Stephenson, Fellows, Gilroy, Fleming
BEST
Geelong: A. Moloney, Morrison, Prespakis, Scott, D. Moloney
Hawthorn: Bates, West, Lucas-Rodd, Stone, McDonagh, Fleming
INJURIES
Geelong: Surman (concussion), A. McDonald (hamstring)
Hawthorn: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 2,771 at GMHBA Stadium
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