IN GEELONG’s first double-header at GMHBA Stadium the Cats put on an absolute show in front of their home fans, defeating a powerless St Kilda by 85 points on Saturday evening.

Spearhead forward Jackie Parry had a night out, kicking four goals in the first half alone before finishing the night with a career-best six goals and helping set up the 16.4 (94) to 2.3 (15) victory.

Parry was one of ten Cats to hit the scoreboard with Chloe Scheer the only other multiple kicker with two, her first goals since 2023 after missing the past two seasons with a foot injury.

But the win came at a cost, Geelong losing three-time club best and fairest Amy McDonald in the second quarter with a hamstring injury.

McDonald had an exceptional start, back to her tackle-evading best, but the speedy mid fell awkwardly after being tackled, leaving the ground immediately following the incident and taking no further part in the game.

Georgie Prespakis (34 disposals, five clearances) and Nina Morrison (27 disposals and five tackles) covered for McDonald’s loss, continuing to drive the Cats forward from the middle.

It was highlights galore with some huge marks taken by exciting young Cats. Bryde O’Rourke took a strong contested mark under pressure before second-gamer Evie Cowcher came from three-deep to take an impressive overhead mark on the wing.

New co-skipper Becky Webster (30 disposals, 502 metres gained) provided plenty of run off half-back, driving the ball inside 50 in her milestone 75th game in the hoops.

For St Kilda, it marks a second consecutive loss to start the season. Midfielder Georgia Patrikios (30 disposals) got her hands on the ball from the middle, but the lack of the Saints’ depth in comparison to the Cats’ was evident.

To make matters worse, St Kilda small forward Amber Clarke injured her foot in a marking contest, leaving the ground in the third quarter and taking no further part in the game.

Saints star Tyanna Smith also suffered an injury to her hand, requiring stitches on her finger, but returned to play out the game.

Up next

Both Geelong and St Kilda head north for their round three matches. The Cats face Gold Coast next Sunday afternoon at People First Stadium, whilst the Saints play Sydney on Saturday evening in Coffs Harbour as they search for their first win of the year. 

GEELONG      4.1   9.2   12.3   16.4  (100)

ST KILDA      1.1   2.2   2.2   2.3  (15)

GOALS

Geelong: Parry 6, Scheer 2, Mason, Bowen, Moloney, McDonald, Morrison, Crockett-Grills, Kearns, Dunlop

St Kilda: Tawhiao-Wardlaw, Butterworth

BEST

Geelong: Parry, Prespakis, Morrison, McDonald, Webster

St Kilda: Patrikios, Smith, Priest, Gee, Lambert

INJURIES

Geelong: Amy McDonald (hamstring)

St Kilda: Amber Clarke (foot)

Reports: Nil