TONIGHT’s action in the AFL Women’s pits two sides who are both coming off confidence boosting wins, but before that had been on two very different journeys to start season 2024.

7:15pm
GMHBA Stadium

Recent form

Geelong has had a bit of an up and down start to 2024, but finally got its first win on the board on the weekend with a convincing win over Gold Coast.

Hawthorn meanwhile had a hiccup two matches ago against Adelaide, but apart from that is undefeated to start the year, and comes into this match off the back off a massive win over St Kilda.

Last time they met

There is not too much history between these two sides, with them only meeting for the first time in the final round of last season.

That particular evening, Geelong came away with a 40 point win after both sides had a slow start, but they then restricted Hawthorn’s scoring in particularly the second and third terms to come away with the big win.

Key stat areas

One thing that Geelong really needs to watch tonight is its inside 50 efficiency. Not only is it poor, but it is significantly poorer than Hawthorn’s.

Interestingly, despite the large disparity in the number of disposals the two sides have recorded so far this season, their disposal efficiencies are almost identical.

Hawthorn has been doing vastly better in the hit outs than Geelong has so far this season, but when it comes to clearances Geelong has been doing better than Hawthorn.

Key match up/s

Among Hawthorn’s big names, one that sometimes does not get the recognition she perhaps deserves is Greta Bodey, and she proved last week how dangerous she can be.

It will be imperative that Geelong get that match up right, and Rachel Kearns with her speed and tackle pressure may just be the one to get the job on the Hawks’ goal sneak.