NET ball movement in difficult conditions has helped Geelong win a convincing AFLW practice match over Gold Coast.
The Cats ran out 36-point winners over the Suns, 8.4 (52) to 2.4 (16), as persistent rain fell outside Metricon Stadium.
“A lot of our focus over the last two or three months, and even towards the end of last season, around our ball movement to make sure we’re a little bit cleaner and more efficient, those signs were really evident today, which is really promising,” coach Dan Lowther told the Geelong Broadcasters
“In difficult conditions, they moved the ball quite well at times.
“And our new players that we’ve brought into the team over the last 12-18 months added a bit of class around the ball and (on) the outside.
“Our efficiency moving the ball from one end of the floor to the other allowed for cleaner play, even though the conditions would normally have shown otherwise.”
Several players shooting a Geelong jumper for the first time stood out for Lowther, who has a relatively injury-free list to choose from.
“Shelley Scott got us down and was a really solid contributor,” he said.
“His experience and intelligence down there really leveled the ship for us at times, which is nice.
“Jackie Parry, forward, has been trying really hard.
“His composure on the ball was very important at times.
“Mikayla Bowen on the wing did a really good job in the first half.”
Geelong came through the game injury-free, although Geelong fans watching live may have been concerned when captain Meg McDonald was forced off the floor in the final quarter.
“It was a really good upper thigh ramp,” he said. “It looked like he was down for the count.
“He had some issues with cramps early on.
“We had 20-minute quarterbacks today, so fewer turnovers meant he played longer minutes.
“She’ll be fine.”
Geelong kicks off AFLW Season 7 against Richmond at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 28 August.
Image: Geelong AFLW recruit Mikayla Bowen in action during the Cats’ practice match win over Gold Coast. (Geelong Cats image/David McPherson)