Balanced ball-winning the secret key to Cats success
GEELONG notched up its fourth win of the AFL Women’s season on the weekend when it downed Walyalup in Round 7, but what the Cats were able to get back to was a balanced inside-outside dominance.
The Cats had lost three of their past four games to fall into a bit of a slump after a strong start to the season, but got back to their winning ways thanks to a 6.11 (47) to 3.5 (23) victory over the Dockers. Geelong kicked the only two goals of the first term, and then ground out a slightly inaccurate, but effective win, getting back to some of the basics that make the Cats a premiership contender.
Incredibly, in the four wins the Cats have had this season, they have won both the uncontested and contested possession counts, while in the losses, Geelong has lost both statistical areas. It is a stark contrast but a clear causal factor.
GEELONG’S STARK BALL-WINNING WAYS
| Geelong | Contested Possessions | Uncontested Possessions | Disposal Efficiency |
| Wins | +36 (+9) | +206 (+51.5) | 69.5% |
| Losses | -38 (-12.7) | -42 (-14) | 63.7% |
As is evidenced from above, when the Cats are on, they are really on, winning the contested and uncontested possessions counts convincingly. Geelong has always been a strong clearance side and contested ball-winning team, but when the Cats get their outside game going, they are hard to stop.
That is evidence in their 4-0 record when winning both statistical areas, and 0-3 record when losing them. It might be as simple as saying more time in possession results in greater chance to score, but Geelong’s success has been dictated by this fact this season.
Furthermore, in the Cats’ four wins, twice they have recorded over 70 per cent disposal efficiency, including in the win over Walyalup (71 per cent). Allowing Geelong access to spread and win that easier ball will see the Cats cut the opposition to shreds. The lowest disposal efficiency in a win is 65 per cent, with the highest in a loss being that same number.
GEELONG’S RUN HOME
Round 8 – vs. Collingwood @ Victoria Park
Round 9 – vs. Richmond @ Ikon Park
Round 10 – vs. Hawthorn @ GMHBA Stadium
Geelong has three winnable games in the run home, and it would certainly not be a surprise to go 3-0 and finish the season on 7-3. If that happens, there is every chance the Cats can still squeeze into the top four, especially with those teams currently occupying the top four playing each other. The big threat will be Essendon who plays West Coast, Carlton and Gold Coast. At worst, Geelong should host an elimination final, but the Cats’ best is good enough to go deep.
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